Engines, Fuels

New On-Road Diesel Engine Emission Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for regulating emissions from new on-road diesel engines. More stringent on-road diesel engine emission standards will take effect in 2004 and again in 2007. In addition, the sulfur content of the diesel fuel used in on-road engines will be reduced in 2007.

Emission Standards Reference Guide (PDF)

This document provides a detailed listing of current and proposed Federal and California heavy-duty and non-road emissions standards for model years 1990 and later.

Non-Conformance Penalties For 2004 Diesel Engines

The Environmental Protection Agency published a non-conformance penalty rule available to manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines used in large trucks and buses if the manufacturer is unable to meet the 2004 model year hydrocarbon plus nitrogen oxides emission standard.

In-Use Emissions

Reducing Idling Emissions

Anyone who has driven on interstate highways knows big rigs idle overnight while their drivers sleep. The trucks are kept running to heat and cool the cab and sleeper, mask noises, keep the fuel warm in winter and avoid cold starting, as well as for personal safety. Instead of letting their engines idle, operators may want to consider using separate devices for cab heating and cooling and engine block warming.

On-Road Diesel Smoke Testing

In order to promote consistency among state-operated in-use smoke testing programs, the EPA has recommended the use of the SAE J1667 test procedure for highway heavy-duty diesel vehicles. EPA has also recommended the specific opacity cutpoints of 40 percent for vehicles 1991 and newer and 55 percent for vehicles 1990 and older be used with the SAE J1667 test.

Retrofit Program: A Resource For Reducing Emissions

The EPA's Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program provides a variety of information to assist with the deployment of low-emission diesel technologies.

Alternative Fuels

Act Requires Purchase Of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

The Energy Policy Act was passed in 1992 to accelerate the use of alternative fuels in the transportation sector. The U.S. Department of Energy's primary goals are to decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil and increase energy security through the use of domestically produced alternative fuels.

CFFP Requires Purchase of Low Emission Vehicles

The Clean Fuel Fleet Program was initiated by Congress as part of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The CFFP requires fleets in certain cities with poor air quality to purchase vehicles that will meet low emissions standards.

Air Quality Standards

EPA To Enforce New Ozone Standards

EPA has initiated a process to obtain stakeholder feedback on options the agency is developing for implementation of the eight-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The EPA plans to issue a final rule on the implementation strategy prior to designating areas for the eight-hour ozone NAAQS.

EPA Air Rule Identifies Hazardous Compounds

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a final rule identifying 21 compounds emitted by motor vehicles and fuels as hazardous air pollutants.

The Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from area, stationary and mobile sources. This law authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards to protect public health and the environment.

Climate Change

Global Warming, Greenhouse Gases

According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two decades. There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities.

Partnership Aims To Reduce Pollution, Greenhouse Gases

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport is a voluntary partnership with leading members of America's truck and rail transport sector which aims to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ground freight carriers such as trucks and locomotives.

LINKS & CONTACTS

EPA: Smartway Transport Web site Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program Diesel Programs, Regulations Web site DOE: Reducing Heavy Vehicle Idling Web site Alternative Fuels Data Center

Truck Idling Regulations

To help truck drivers reduce idling and comply with local regulations, a summary of essential information about idling rules throughout the United States is available.

Diesel Engine Settlement Information

The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement Oct. 22, 1998 with seven major manufacturers of diesel engines to resolve claims they installed illegal computer software on heavy duty diesel engines that turned off the engine emission control system during highway driving.

DOE Looks At Future Diesel Engines, Fuels

The U.S. Department of Energy has initiated five test projects at laboratories across the country to determine the best combinations of low-sulfur diesel fuels, lubricants, diesel engines and emission control systems to meet projected emission standards for the 2002 to 2010 time period.

EPA Outlines Protocol For Verifying Diesel Emission Cuts

The Environmental Protection Agency, through the Office of Research and Development, has instituted the Environmental Technology Verification Program to verify the performance of innovative and improved technologies that address emission reductions.

Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning

Scientists worldwide have concluded CFC-12 (also known by the trade name Freon) and other chlorofluorocarbons deplete the ozone layer. In the United States, production of CFC-12 for air conditioning and refrigeration uses ended Dec. 31, 1995.

EPA Conducts Study On Biodiesel Emissions

Using existing data, EPA's "Biodiesel Emissions Analysis Program" seeks to quantify the air pollution emission effects of biodiesel for diesel engines that have not been specifically modified to operate on biodiesel.

Information On Alternative Fuels, Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center is a one-stop shop for alternative fuel and vehicle information. DOE's Clean Cities Program supports public-private partnerships that deploy alternative fuel vehicles and build supporting alternative fuel infrastructure.