IWHAT IS GOVERNMENT DOING? Diesel engines are a durable and economical source of power. EPA and states are taking important steps to advance cleaner diesel engines. EPA is requiring reductions of diesel pollution from new heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses. In 2006, diesel fuel will contain 97 percent less sulfur. This ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in combination with advanced pollution control technology will mean that in 2007, new trucks and buses rolling off the production lines will be up to 95 percent cleaner than today's models. EPA has issued emission standards for new, non-road diesel engines, such as construction and farm equipment, and is working io strengthen these standards in the future. Engines within the existing fleet will not be subject to the new regulations, yet may remain in operation for another 25-30 years. Therefore, EPAandstates.areworkingto: f& Retrofit existfhgdiesel vehicles with pollution controls. © Implement emission testingprogfams for diesel vehicles. © Create and jmplement anti-idling programs'. • O Promote cleanerfuels like ultra-low sulfur diesel and compressed natural gas. EPA Standards for New Trucks and Buses Nitrogen Oxides Particulate Matter emissions* 1984 1991 1994 1998 2004 2007 2004 future 2007 standards '. EPA's emission standards for tr.ucks and buses are based on the amount of pollution •: emitted per unit of energy (expressed in grams per brake horsepower hour). EPA420-F-02-048 September 2002 I printed on. 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post consumer waste, using vegetable based inks ------- icaa:-?:'-::" ael/iees anekdae? cay; i ilabfe; fe^IESEL EXHAUST & YOUR HEALTH Diesel exhaust contains tiny particles known as fine particu late matter. These tiny or "fine" particles are so small that several thousand of them could fit in the period at the end of this sentence. Diesel engines are one of the largest sources of fine partieuiate matter. • Fine;jjarticles in the air are a series public health problem. Theipose a significant health risk beoiiiselhey can pass through e: anjd throat and become 'in the lungs. Finepar- -ticlfecan cause lung damage and prerjfa'ture death. They can alsp'iajgravate respiratory con- ditidhasuch as asthma and bron- chitis. Diesel exhaust is likely to cause cancer in humans. « Nationwide, partieuiate matter, and especially the fine particles such as those in diesel exhaust • cause 15,000 premature deaths every year. WHO IS MDST AT RISK? • People with existing heart or lung disease, asthma or other respi- ratory problems are most sensi- tive to the health effects of fine particles, as are children and the elderly. • In general, children are more sensitive to air pollution because they breathe 50 percent more air per pound of body weightthan adults do. OTHER HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS • Fine particles from diesel engines contribute to haze which restricts visibility. • Diesel exhaust also contributes to ozone formation (a com- ponent of smog), acid rain, and global climate change. iaEDUClNG EMISSIONS IDLING • Turn the engine off if you will be idling more than a few minutes. A typical heavy-duty truck or bus can burn ap- proximately one gallon of diesel fuel for each hour it. idles, generating significant amounts of pollution, wasting .fuel, and causing excessive engine wear. • Vehicle owners can buy small generators or auxiliary power units that provide heat, air conditioning, and/ or power while a vehicle is parked. These devices substantially reduce fuel consumption and emissions generatedduring long-duration idling. •. Owners of older vehicles can buy electric starting aids such as block heaters which help warm the engine to avoid starting difficulties and reduce idlingtime during engine warm- up. Newer vehicles are designed to start easily at all temperatures without idling. •' RETROFITS AND CLEANER FUELS • Use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in combination with pollution control equipment such as partieuiate matter filters. Although ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is not required until 2006, it is currently available in parts of the United States. • In some cases, this approach can reduce partieuiate matter emissions by more than 90 percent. NEW VEHICLE PURCHASES - WHAT TO CONSIDER , • Vehicles equipped with the most advanced emission control systems available. Vehicles equipped with devices that minimize idling and warm-up time automatically. Vehicles that run on cleaner fuels I ike compressed natural gas. ------- |