Engine Manufacturers Support Ultra-Low Sulfur Fuel in Local EPA Hearings.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 22, 2000

The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) today participated in public hearings in Atlanta regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed emissions standard for the model year 2007 and beyond. The association called for a nationwide ultra-low sulfur fuel standard to help in meeting upcoming stringent federal emission limits.

"The engine makers applaud the EPA for recognizing the critical role of fuel sulfur and support the fact that the key to achieving these future stringent emissions reductions is to remove the sulfur content from diesel fuel," said EMA Executive Director Glenn Keller. "Without removing essentially all the sulfur from diesel fuel, advanced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions control devices will not be feasible; advanced particulate matter (PM) filters will be poisoned; and engines will be exposed to excessive wear, increased maintenance costs and impaired durability."

EMA, however, is urging even lower sulfur levels than those proposed by EPA. "In our view, EPA's proposed 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur limit does not go far enough," said Keller. "In addition, diesel fuel improvements should not be limited to trucks and buses. Non-road fuels also must be similarly improved."

"The diesel-fueled engine is the backbone of our nation's transportation system, and it can be as clean, if not cleaner, than any other power source," said Keller. "Emissions from today's engines have already been reduced by over 90 percent, and we realize that even more progress can and should be achieved. We are poised to meet that challenge if near zero sulfur fuel is available to enable the successful application of these emissions control devices."

Included in the proposed EPA regulations are requirements for refiners to cut the amount of sulfur in diesel fuel by 97 percent over the next seven years, and for this cleaner fuel to contain no more than 15 ppm of sulfur. In addition, EPA is calling for engine manufacturers to achieve a 95 percent reduction in NOx emissions phased in over a three-year period from 2007-2010, and also a 90 percent reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions.

EMA concluded its statement by reemphasizing its commitment to working with EPA in crafting a final rule that will provide a cleaner environment for our nation. "We are enthusiastic and hopeful about the bright future for diesel engines and our industry's ability to produce reliable, durable, fuel efficient, high performing diesel engines that are as clean or cleaner than any other power source," stated Keller.

EMA is a trade association representing worldwide manufacturers of internal combustion engines for all applications except passenger cars and aircraft. EMA continues to work with government and industry stakeholders to help the nation achieve its goals of cleaner fuels, more efficient engines and cleaner air. For more information, contact Anne Rukavina at [phone] x3393 or visit our Web site at www.engine-manufacturers.org