Letter To The Editor: Breathing Easier
Editor - The March 20 story, "Emissions raise risk of cancer," was chock full of big numbers but ignored the question of what's being done to reduce emissions in the region and when will it happen.
No agency has recognized the importance of clean diesel engines to California's economy and future clean air compliance more than the California Air Resources Board. That effort is bearing significant fruit today on multiple fronts.
New 2008 diesel big-rig trucks using new ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel have 1/60th the level of emissions of 1987 models. All new diesel truck engines are outfitted with advanced particulate filters that cut emissions by over 95 percent; another emissions reduction comes in 2010. Similar rules are phasing in for off-road construction and farm equipment.
For Oakland residents, the question is: Will new clean diesel technology work and clean the air? According to the March 19 CARB report, "even with growth, emissions are forecasted to decline due to the regulations that have been adopted or are planned to be adopted in 2008. Overall, the combined emissions are expected to decrease by 50 percent in 2010 and 70 percent in 2020 relative to levels in 2005."
ALLEN SCHAEFFER
Executive Director
Diesel Technology Forum
Frederick, MD
Read the full story here.
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