United States Air and Radiation EPA420-F-99-048
Environmental Protection December 1999
Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
vvEPA Technical
Highlights
Blue Sky Series Engines
At the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we have finalized
emission standards for nonroad and marine diesel engines. Each
program has voluntary emission standards for certifying engines—
which we call Blue Sky Series engines—that operate much cleaner
than the regulations require.
What are Blue Sky Series engines?
They're engines having lower emission levels than our mandatory stan-
dards—usually at least 40 percent cleaner. Meeting this voluntary stan-
dard earns manufacturers a Blue Sky Series designation for these en-
gines. Manufacturers who choose to get this certification agree to keep
these engines at Blue Sky levels throughout their useful life.
Why is EPA setting up this voluntary program?
We want to encourage manufacturers to introduce innovative technolo-
gies that can reduce emissions below the mandatory levels. Current
programs have a single qualifying threshold and don't try to differentiate
engines that operate cleaner to meet voluntary standards. In many cases,
technologies are promising, but companies haven't developed them
enough so we can require a higher degree of control for all engines.
Creating a program of voluntary standards for low-emitting engines,
including provisions to make sure emissions remain low in the field, will
strongly advance the next generation of emission-control technologies. At
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the same time, our certification will protect the public against false
claims of environmentally beneficial products.
Sky
The most likely technologies include adding various devices that treat
exhaust gases or converting the engine to operate on an alternative fuel,
such as natural gas. Engines with these technologies have been operating
in pilot programs and other limited applications for several years.
for
Not yet. Although some manufacturers are close to being able to produce
them, as of this printing none has certified one. Mostly, that's because
isolated requests for especially clean-burning engines don't justify the
expense of developing them. As an operator, manufacturer, or govern-
ment representative, you can advance this program by cooperating as
much as possible to identify common needs and interests. Collectively
identifying product needs across the country may at some point help a
manufacturer to justify offering the low-emission engines (and associ-
ated vehicles, equipment, or vessels).
the for the
marketplace?
Once engines become available, states and potential buyers can judge the
costs and benefits of buying low-emission engines. State and local
governments are developing ways to add incentives for producing and
buying these engines. For example, State governments have started to
specify that companies should use equipment with Blue Sky Series
engines to gain an advantage in bidding on construction contracts . State
and local governments have also started asking companies that need
permits and environmental impact statements for new construction to use
Blue Sky Series engines, if possible.
The emission standards for marine diesel engines don't start for a few-
years, so manufacturers may take longer to make these engines available.
Once they do, port authorities may create incentives or requirements for
operators to buy them. For example, a port authority could require a
company wanting more presence in a port to use vessels with low-
emitting engines.
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The Blue Sky Series programs are still very new. Several industry and
government representatives are exploring ideas to increase the effective-
ness of the voluntary emission standards. To find out more about what is
happening and who is active in this field, see "Where can I get more
information" below.
How will
marketable?
We're eager to offer information and help people in industry and govern-
ment communicate so Blue Sky Series engines can reach the market-
place. Of course, we're limited in our ability or authority to add require-
ments or incentives that will encourage companies to buy and sell them.
can I get
You can get electronic documents on nonroad and marine diesel engines
from the Office of Transportation and Air Quality's web site at:
www. epa.gov/otaq/
For other information, please contact Alan Stout at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734)214-4805
e-mail: stout.alan@epa.gov
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