"If you had told me in the mid-1990's that we could put the words 'clean' and 'diesel' together, I would say you were completely out of your mind. "Yet here we are today to celebrate 10 years of clean diesel effort."

- Margo Oge, Director, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As we celebrate Earth Day this Friday, Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement regarding the historic environmental advances that have helped create the new clean diesel technology that has dramatically reduced emissions while also expanded diesel's efficiency and productivity in powering the world's global trade:

Clean Diesel Is a Landmark Environmental Accomplishment

"This Earth Day, the American public once again commemorates its increased commitment to protect and enhance our environment, conserve our resources, use less energy, and improve our quality of life.  There is no better example of innovation and accomplishment than the new generation of clean diesel technology that delivers on all these important goals today, and one that will deliver more benefits tomorrow.  

"The new clean diesel technology in our cars, trucks, and heavy machinery and the significant decrease in emissions is a prime example of the major environmental accomplishments our nation has achieved since the very first Earth Day was celebrated back in 1970.  The tremendous investments and breakthrough innovations that have made clean diesel the technology it is today span an entire industry from fuel refiners to engine and vehicle and equipment manufacturers to key suppliers and emissions control technology companies.

Clean Diesel's Increased Efficiency & Productivity Powers 94% of Global Trade

"Diesel powers 94 percent of all global trade when measured in tons per kilometer.  It's a tremendous accomplishment that industry has worked cooperatively with the environmental community and government to dramatically reduce emissions while also increasing clean diesel's efficiency and productivity.

"Some of the more significant accomplishments include:

• 98% Reduction in Emissions From New Commercial Trucks:  Emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter have been reduced by 98 percent in commercial diesel trucks over the past five years.  At the same time, the new clean diesel technology has made these new engines five to 10 percent more fuel efficient. 
• 90% Reduction in Emissions From New Farm and Construction Equipment:  Farm tractors, harvesters, construction machines and industrial equipment are on their way to fully implementing the new "Tier 4" clean diesel technology, which will cut emissions of particulate matter by 90 percent and half of all nitrogen oxide emissions compared to 2009 models.
• 97% Reduction in Sulfur Emissions in New Diesel Fuel:  The new ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) for automobiles has reduced sulfur emissions by 97 percent since 2006.  The transition to the ULSD diesel fuel was completed on December 1, 2010.

Clean Diesel Will Continue To Get Better . . .

Improving The Productivity And Efficiency Of Farm And Construction Equipment

"Despite these important gains, we aren't finished yet. Beginning this year, the new generation of clean diesel technology for off-road engines and equipment known as "Tier 4" is making its way into our farm fields and construction and industrial sites. These new clean diesel technologies will revolutionize construction and agricultural productivity and efficiency.  Tier 4 regulations require that manufacturers reduce the level of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen to a level that is 50 to 96 percent lower than the existing generation of diesel engines.

State-of-the-Art Clean Diesel Truck Technology Have Near Zero Emissions

"Over 95 percent of all commercial trucks are diesel powered.  While continuously making commercial trucks more fuel efficient, diesel engine and truck manufacturers have also been making them dramatically cleaner.  Over the last 10 years, emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses have been reduced by 99 percent for nitrogen oxides – an ozone precursor - and 98 percent for particulate emissions.  Today's new 2010 heavy-duty diesel truck deploys the most state-of-the-art engine and emissions control systems and has near zero emissions; a considerable accomplishment considering that increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions are near opposite and competing forces in diesel engine design.

Modernizing & Cleaning Up Older Diesel Engines: "The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act"

"Environmental and clean air progress is not limited just to new technology. This year we are continuing our bipartisan effort with our coalition of more than 400 environmental, health, industry and labor organizations to continue federal funding for the DERA program.  Last week an important first step was made through Congress approving $50 million in funding for the modernizing and upgrading of existing diesel engines.  The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) has delivered $13 in benefits for every $1 invested in reducing emissions from some of America's 11 million older diesel engines.

"DERA has played an important role in reducing diesel emissions and this new funding will be beneficial in our clean air efforts.  Congress should be commended for its positive action.  DERA serves as an example of the positive benefits that result when the environmental community, industry leaders, health agencies and government work cooperatively together.

Clean Diesel Auto Sales Are Increasing In U.S. – And Projected To Grow Significantly

"One of the most exciting aspects of clean diesel technology is the potential for substantial market growth in the passenger car and light truck segments.  While diesel cars account for about 50 percent of all new sales in Europe, the number is a more modest 3.3 percent in the U.S.  But domestic sales have increased in 2010 and the first quarter of this year and J.D. Power projects that diesel cars will increase to 10 percent of the U.S. auto market by 2015.

"The high fuel prices have also attracted new interest in diesel automobiles.  New clean diesel cars are 20 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than their gasoline counterparts and they reduce the CO2 footprint.  In addition, standard diesel cars can use renewable diesel fuels like biodiesel which reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 60 percent and also reduce petroleum consumption.

Clean Diesel's Earth Day Contributions Is a Cooperative Partnership Among EPA, Environmental Organizations & Industry

"On this Earth Day, it's once again a celebration of 10+ years of working as partners with the U.S. EPA, environmental and health advocates, and industry leaders in transforming diesel into a technology for the future."

Diesel Technology Forum Members

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems.  For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Allen Schaeffer
http://www.profnetconnect.com/allen.schaeffer

Contact:
Steve Hansen
shansen@dieselforum.org
301-668-7230 (o)
202-355-3664 (c)

SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum