Media Advisory: Press Conference to Outline Major Clean Air Innovations In New Clean Diesel Technology at CAL-EPA Building in Sacramento

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 – 11:30 a.m.

Participants Include: Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, James Goldstene, Executive Officer of the Air Resources Board, And Diesel Industry Officials

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The air in neighborhoods throughout California has become significantly cleaner thanks to major advances in clean diesel technology and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/MM46474LOGO )

On Tuesday, February 28th, officials from the California Air Resources Board (ARB), leading diesel equipment manufacturers and Diesel Technology Forum will explain how the cooperative effort between state officials and industry has led the transition to "clean diesel" - in large part due to the landmark regulations advanced by California and the ARB.

The newest and most modern 2012 clean diesel automobiles, trucks, tractors and engines will also be featured during a special day-long exhibition outside the CAL-EPA building in downtown Sacramento (See list of exhibits below).

            Time:               11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2012

            Location:        Outside CAL-EPA Building on 11th Street between H and I Streets
                                   (11th Street between H and I will closed throughout the day
                                   for the "New Technology Diesel – Clean Air for California" Showcase.)

Participants:  

• Mary Nichols, Board Chairman, California Air Resources Board (video presentation)
• Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director, Diesel Technology Forum
• Jed Mandel, President, Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association
• Tana Utley, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Product Development and Global Technology, Caterpillar Inc.
• Dr. John C. Wall, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Cummins, Inc.
• James Goldstene, Executive Officer, California Air Resources Board

Clean Diesel Part of the Solution for California's Economic and Environmental Growth
The State of California and its Air Resources Board have helped establish the most stringent emissions standards and regulations in the world.  ARB and federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policies have led to a new era in vehicles of all sizes, spurring the creation of numerous new technologies that are playing a major role in reducing criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions throughout California and the United States.

Because of this revolution in new clean diesel engines and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, the new, clean diesel technologies are no longer part of the environmental problem, but are part of the solution for economic and environmental improvement.  Current studies at the Ports of Oakland and Los Angeles/Long Beach have shown dramatic improvement in air quality as newer diesel engines and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel are introduced. 

California Is No. 1 In Number of Clean Diesel Cars And No. 2 In Pickup Trucks In U.S.
January's vote by ARB to reduce greenhouse gas and criteria emissions from light-duty cars and trucks in California is expected to further clean diesel's popularity in the state. (California is the No. 1 market for clean diesel cars in the U.S. and No. 2 in pickup trucks.)

A number of new diesel vehicles will be entering the U.S. market soon from several automakers – Chevrolet, Porsche, Audi, Mazda, Chrysler and Volkswagen – with new technology that will help California achieve its new emissions goals, and help meet the EPA's new fuel efficiency standards of 54.5 mpg by 2025.

Other activities scheduled for February 28th
ARB Research Seminar:  New Technology Diesel Engines: Exhaust Emission Control and Animal Toxicology Study Animal Toxicology Study.   On the morning of the press conference, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the California Air Resources Board is hosting an "ARB Research Seminar" on diesel emissions research. The seminar is scheduled to take place inside the ARB in the Sierra Hearing Room, Second Floor.

Speakers:

• Jacob D. McDonald, PhD, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute
• Dr. John C. Wall, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Cummins Inc.

The "New Technology Diesel – Clean Air for California" Showcase
In addition to the press conference, the latest in New Technology Diesel Engines will be on display at a special outdoor technology showcase event from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The showcase will include technology demonstrations of clean diesel emissions performance and new emissions control technology, including:

• Heavy-duty truck and engine technology from Cummins Inc., Detroit™, MACK® Trucks, and Volvo Penta
• Light-duty pickup trucks from GM and a RAM with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel
• The most advanced emissions control technology from Cummins Inc., Donaldson, MTU, and Volvo Penta
• And the newest generation of agriculture and construction equipment from Caterpillar, John Deere and AGCO.

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: For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link.
Allen Shaeffer - http://www.profnetconnect.com/allen.schaeffer

Contacts:
-Steve Hansen (Diesel Technology Forum) (202) 355-3664 (c) [email protected]
-Tom Fulks (Mighty.Comm – Sacramento, CA) (916) 503-1417 [email protected]
-Michael Coates (Mighty.Comm – Los Gatos, CA) (408) 399-9081 [email protected]

SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum