In a June
"Highway Diesel Progress Review," the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) reports there's progress being made by
diesel engine manufacturers, emission control makers, and the
petroleum refining industry toward meeting tough regulations of
the 2007 Highway Diesel program.
The EPA regulations
call for a reduction in particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen
that are 90 percent and 95 percent below current standards. The
standards are based on use of high-efficiency catalytic exhaust
emission control and other devices. In addition, refiners are
developing technologies to reduce the sulfur level of diesel fuel.
As part of
the review, EPA met with engineers from more than 20 companies
affected by the 2007 regulations. "Every major engine manufacturer
that we visited told us that they expect to have emission-compliant
products in 2007," the review noted. "Moreover, some
refining companies are ahead of schedule and will be capable of
producing significant volumes of 15 ppm sulfur diesel fuel as
early as next year."
EPA said
International Truck and Engine Company has already certified an
engine with a catalyzed diesel particulate filter that meets the
2001 standards for use in fleets where 15 ppm diesel fuel is already
available.
