WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hoping to create a comprehensive national program to reduce emissions from non-road diesel engines. If enacted, the comprehensive national program would apply rigid controls to nonroad engines and significantly reduce sulfur in diesel fuel, resulting in major improvements in air quality throughout the country.
"This action represents a strong commitment from the Bush Administration to take the next step to achieve cleaner air and protect the health of all Americans, especially the health of children and elderly who are more susceptible to diesel pollution," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman.
The proposed emission standards would apply to diesel engines used in most kinds of construction, agricultural and industrial equipment.
The EPA estimates that affected nonroad diesel engines currently account for about 44 percent of total diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions and about 12 percent of total nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from mobile sources nationwide. These proportions are even higher in some urban areas. The proposed diesel emission standards will reduce emissions by more than 90 percent, and are similar to the requirements for engines being implemented for on-road highway trucks and buses.
These reductions in NOx and PM emissions from nonroad diesel engines will provide enormous public health benefits. The EPA estimates that by 2030, controlling these emissions would annually prevent 9,600 premature deaths, more than 8,300 hospitalizations and almost a million workdays lost.
The EPA is accepting public comments regarding the proposal until Aug. 20, with public hearings in New York on June 10, Chicago on June 12 and Los Angeles on June 17. Feedback can be submitted electronically, by mail, by facsimile, by voicemail or through hand delivery/courier. Check online for details.