How Are America's Farmers and Agricultural Industry Being Affected by New EPA Clean Air Regulations?

Media Availability – June 8th & 9th

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year, America's farmers are joining the effort to help clean up America's air.  And in doing so, the farmers will become more productive and efficient.

America's farmers have historically been in the forefront of conservation issues like sustainable land use management, wildlife habitat conservation, water quality protection, and land stewardship.

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, in addition to construction and industrial sites. These new clean diesel technologies will revolutionize agricultural and construction productivity and efficiency.  (See links to Tier 4 FAQ and briefing papers below).

However, many in the agricultural community have a number of questions about the new Tier 4 technology and how EPA's new regulations will affect them and the agricultural industry.

Media Availability on June 8th & 9th

Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, will be available on Wednesday, June 8th, and Thursday, June 9th, to discuss the new federal regulations and requirements for farm engines and equipment and how these will affect and benefit America's farming industry.

Schaeffer is an often quoted expert on all aspects of diesel engines, fuels and technology, health effects, energy, climate and transportation policy. The Diesel Technology Forum is a not-for-profit educational organization representing the nation's leaders in clean diesel technology - engine and equipment manufacturers, fuel refiners and emissions control technology manufacturers.

To Schedule An Interview

If you are interested in scheduling an interview on this new issue, contact Steve Hansen, Director of Media Relations for the Diesel Technology Forum, at (301) 668-7230 or [email protected].

Tier 4 and Agriculture

Tier 4 is the new generation of federal air emissions standards for off-road engines established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Essentially, it requires 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.

The new clean diesel engines have near zero emissions and are the cleanest diesel engines ever produced for the farming and agricultural industry.  Meeting these standards is made possible by the clean diesel system which combines:

• Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel
• Advanced clean burning diesel engines
• And emissions control and exhaust after treatment systems as an integrated system   

Possible Issues of Discussion

• What is Tier 4 and why are these equipment changes being made?
• How are the Tier 4 engines different from previous engines?
• How much more do these new engines cost?
• Do the new Tier 4 engines require different fuel?
• How will Tier 4 engines affect the value of trade-ins?
• Will there be a phase-out for older farm equipment or will engines be grandfathered for at least a while?
• Is this the last step in reducing emissions for farm equipment or will farmers face more state, local and federal requirements?
• Will these new engines be as durable as current engines?  Will they have the same power and performance characteristics of the older engines?
• Can biodiesel be used in Tier 4 engines?

Background Information

To learn more about the Tier 4 equipment see the Diesel Technology Forum briefing papers:

• Clean Diesel Technology for Off-Road Engines and Equipment:  Tier 4 and More
• New 2011 Clean Diesel Technology for Farm and Construction Equipment: Tier 4 is Here

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

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=100525

SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum