Policy

Powering the U.S. Economy

With its unmatched combination of energy density, fuel efficiency, power and performance, diesel engines are the primary technology driving 15 key sectors of the U.S. economy.

Diesel’s Role in U.S. Transportation & Economic Growth

As the U.S. economy grows, so does the need for diesel fuel. The U.S. is self-sufficient in refining its fuel and even exports diesel fuel to other countries. Newfound petroleum reserves across the country have resulted in America’s energy abundance. Because of these oil and gas reserves, the U.S. Energy Information Agency states that as of 2011 the U.S. is a net exporter of petroleum products and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) is the number one petroleum export.

Diesel Moves 90 Percent of All Freight

Diesel-powered trucks, trains, ships and intermodal systems moved approximately 90 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage. Diesel technology moves more than 80 percent of all cargo in the U.S. and more than 90 percent throughout the world. As such, diesel is the prime mover of the global economy whether by truck, train, boat or barge.

Diesel Is Dominant in Agriculture, Mining & Construction Industries

Diesel power provides two-thirds of the energy for machinery on America's farms. Diesel also powers most of the heavy equipment used in construction. The nation gets 93 percent of its energy from mined sources, such as petroleum, natural gas, coal and uranium.

Construction Relies on Diesel

Diesel is the dominant fuel source, powering 60 percent of construction equipment and using 98 percent of all energy.

Clean Diesel Auto Sales Projected To Increase Significantly

While diesel passenger vehicles currently make up a modest 2.88 percent of the entire U.S. vehicle market, the Diesel Technology Forum has collected consensus forecasts from auto and market analysts who predict that diesel cars, pickups and SUVs will comprise about seven percent of the market by 2020 or just over one million diesel-powered cars and trucks on the road.

Powering the U.S. and Beyond

Diesel power is the lifeblood of the global economy, and it so happens that the U.S. is a leader in the manufacturing of the new generation of clean diesel technology. America’s clean diesel technology is the very kind of reliable, durable, energy efficient, and low-emissions products that are highly-valued exports increasingly in demand around the world. From diesel-powered generators that provide critical electrical power, to farm tractors and equipment that enable greater food production and productivity with less fuel, to construction machines and equipment that build and maintain the critical transportation and utilities infrastructure, diesel technology is at work, making progress possible around the globe.

Diesel is one our nation’s greatest environmental and economic success stories. By using the world’s cleanest diesel fuel, making engines that have near zero emissions and increased fuel efficiency, and renewable fuel capability, diesel engines and equipment are now well positioned as a technology of the future and will continue to play a vital role not only in growing our core domestic economy in the U.S., but enabling progress and improving the quality of life in developing countries around the globe.

Report Details Diesel’s Economic and Employment Value Throughout U.S. Economy

The Diesel Technology Forum released an economic report, "Diesel Powers the U.S. Economy: Providing High-Paying Jobs, Exports and Long-Term Productivity Gains in the Nation's Fundamental Sectors", authored by Aspen Environmental Group and M.Cubed, which quantifies the diesel industry's current contribution to the economy and its evolution as a sustainable, green, high value added industry.

Download Diesel Powers the U.S. Economy: Providing High-Paying Jobs, Exports and Long-Term Productivity Gains in the Nation's Fundamental Sectors.

Download the full report with appendices.

The report includes detailed information on diesel’s economic value and employment impact on the U.S. economy including the following sectors: