California’s Clean Diesel Program Seeks to Lower Emissions from Older Diesel Engines

Two highly successful air quality programs designed to lower emissions from older diesel engines were included in a major legislative package signed into law by Californian Governor Jerry Brown on September 28, 2013.

“The $2 billion ten-year package included continued funding for two major California clean diesel programs – the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program and AB 923 which supports local air district program to reduce diesel emissions,” said Ezra Finkin, Policy Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

“Californians can rightly boast about being the nation’s leader on many fronts, but the fight against air pollution, and putting financial muscle behind the rhetoric, is among the most impressive,” Finkin said. “We congratulate Governor Brown and the bill’s sponsors Assemblymember Henry T. Perea, Assemblymember Nancy Skinner and Senator Fran Pavley.”

The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program was first implemented in 1998 and has replaced or upgraded 48,000 diesel engines resulting in a reduction of 146,000 tons of ozone forming compounds and 6,000 tons of particulate matter or soot.  AB 8, signed by Governor Brown, extends funding for the program through 2023.

Moyer Program Unites Government, Business and the Environmental Community

“The Moyer program was uniquely built on bringing together former adversaries to better achieve the common objective of clean air,” Finkin said. “Today, the program’s virtues still unite us as a coalition of government, truck and engine manufacturers, drivers, fleet owners, shippers, environmental leaders and public health organizations in support of this cause.

“Californians breathe cleaner air thanks to efforts that have brought the cleanest diesel and alternative fuel technologies in the world from laboratories to highways and jobsites. Emissions from new heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses have been reduced by 99 percent for nitrogen oxides – a smog precursor – and 98 percent for particulate emissions.  It would take 60 diesel 2010 trucks to equal particulate matter emissions from one pre-1988 truck.  Similar changes are now taking place for new equipment used in farming and construction operations as well.”

Finkin said it was important to note the cooperation for the California business community in achieving the clean air improvements under the Carl Moyer Program.

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit Diesel Technology Forum.

Category: Fuel & Oil, General Update, Green