From an economic stimulus package to a new green technology economy, a range of near-, mid- and long-term policy options is being considered. Meeting the mutual goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reliance on imported oil and increasing the use of renewable fuels has been identified as a top priority. New policy options will identify which industries and technologies likely to play a leading role. Clean diesel technology is uniquely poised to play a leading role in addressing each of these current national challenges.  

Why clean diesel?   

Diesel has long been the power behind our economy in moving goods and people and providing unique and vital infrastructure and other services.  Now, with Its transformation to cleaner fuels and low-emissions technology, it is positioned to be a major near-term, solution to meeting these unprecedented national challenges; an energy-efficient economical technology that is that is now low-emissions, low-CO₂, and renewable fuel ready, and can deliver savings and results today.

Conserving energy through the use of more fuel efficient technologies cannot wait decades until the nation upgrades its electrical grid and has wide-scale production of plug-in hybrid electric technology.  An expanded use of clean diesel cars, light trucks is available now and can begin saving energy now.  Further, though a petroleum based-fuel, all diesel engines can easily use renewable fuels like biodiesel.  Efforts are underway to modernize and upgrade existing diesel engines through the retrofitting of new emissions control technology. 

Rebuilding the Nation’s Infrastructure:   An economic stimulus package that focuses on repairing and upgrading the nation’s infrastructure of roads and bridges will demand an expanded investment in new clean diesel technology.  Diesel engines power two-thirds of all construction equipment.  Road graders, trenchers, excavators, and other earth-moving equipment used in infrastructure building are powered exclusively by diesel engines.   

Energy Independence/ Reducing Reliance on Imported Oil:   Diesel engines are the most energy efficient internal combustion engine.  Diesel fuel has 10-12 percent more energy per gallon and converts more to useful energy gaining a 20-40 percent fuel economy advantage over comparable gasoline engines.   Thanks to a new generation of cleaner diesel fuel and emissions controls, new clean diesel cars are increasing in availability and deliver gasoline-equivalent emissions levels and 20-40 percent more miles per gallon.  Federal tax incentives are in place through 2010 to encourage consumer choices for clean diesel.

Lowering emissions of CO₂/Climate Change:  When consumers choose a diesel car over a comparable gasoline car, they will use less oil and have fewer CO₂ emissions.   New clean diesel cars have 10-20 percent fewer emissions of CO₂ than comparable gasoline models.   

Expanding Use of Renewable Fuels:   Without any modifications, all diesel engines in use today can typically use some blends of soybean-based biodiesel, and the second-generation renewable diesel fuel made from a variety of feedstocks.   Recently adopted national quality standards will help facilitate a higher quality biodiesel fuel supply and expanded acceptance and use of biodiesel.

Green Technology Economy:    Modernizing and upgrading the nation’s existing diesel truck and off-road equipment by applying new-technology emissions controls is a green technology growth industry.  The manufacture, installation and servicing of new emissions controls supports job growth.   EPA approved devices and technologies are available, with limited federal funding provided through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).