January 26, 2006
Letter to the Editor: Calif. Worst in Soot Pollution
While environmental groups release studies designed to pressure the federal government into further tightening regulatory standards (Report: Calif. worst in soot pollution, January 20, 2006), Congress has the unusual opportunity to ignore the bureaucratic posturing and take immediate action to protect the environment.
Diesel retrofit technologies have reduced particulate, or soot, emissions from older diesel engines by up to 90%. Today's diesel trucks and buses produce one-eighth the emissions of those manufactured just 15 years ago. By 2007, it will take 60 new trucks to equal the particulate emissions of just one 1988 truck. Because of these technological innovations and industry commitment, diesel is responsible for less than 5% of all PM 2.5 emissions in the U.S. according to the most recent EPA data.
The recently passed federal energy bill creates a national diesel retrofit program and calls for investing $200 million annually in this proven, cost-effective strategy. Clean diesel will be part of the solution for helping cities like San Jose reduce soot emissions, and Congress should appropriate full funding for this vital clean air program.
Allen Schaeffer
Executive Director, Diesel Technology Forum
Frederick, MD
Print This
