Washington, D.C., June 20, 2008 ─ The Diesel Technology Forum applauds Congress for passing legislation to help communities retrofit heavy-duty diesel trucks and construction equipment with new technologies that significantly reduce air pollution.

The legislation specifies the availability and access to supplemental environmental project funds, or SEPs.

“This legislation will provide the Environmental Protection Agency with the clarity it needs to boost funding for clean diesel retrofits nationwide through the SEP process,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “Having this additional source of funding will allow for a greater penetration of today's clean diesel technology, which can reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent.”

“We recognize and congratulate Senate and House leaders for their successful efforts to move this legislation forward. DTF now urges President Bush to enact S.2146 to provide access to this important funding stream that will help improve air quality.”

SEPs can be included in enforcement settlements with the EPA and Department of Justice in lieu of civil monetary penalties. They must further EPA’s goal of protecting public health and the environment. SEP funds may not be used to meet a violator’s responsibilities under law or regulation.

SEP funds have been an important source of funds for diesel retrofit projects. In 2004, Toyota agreed to spend $20 million on school-bus retrofits as part of a SEP. In 2006, DaimlerChrysler entered into a settlement which included a $3 million SEP for diesel retrofits. As late as last year, settlements with Bunge North America and Equistar Chemicals resulted in more than $1.5 million worth of diesel retrofits.

Clean diesel retrofits have been identified as one of the most cost-effective investments in air quality that a community can make. Modernizing and upgrading diesel engines with new emissions-control technologies can deliver immediate air-quality benefits to local communities.