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EPA Holds Hearing on Proposal to Dramatically Cut Diesel Pollution

Release Date: 06/16/2000
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(#00121) New York, New York -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing on proposed standards that would reduce the sulfur content in diesel fuel by 97 percent and produce the cleanest-running heavy-duty trucks and buses in history. If adopted, the standards would reduce smog-causing pollutants from diesels by 95% and soot by 90%. EPA plans to finalize this proposal by the end of the year. The standards would take effect in 2006 - 2007. The hearing will be held on June 19 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, 1650 Broadway (at 50th St.), New York City, starting at 10:00AM. EPA’s proposed standards will have a significant positive impact on air quality in the New York metropolitan region and New Jersey. In this densely polluted area, there is heavy interstate and local truck and bus traffic, which contributes to smog and soot pollution. Last summer, air pollution reached unhealthy levels on 46 days in New Jersey and 35 in New York. Fine particles are also a concern, with levels expected to exceed EPA’s new standard for very fine particles in many urban areas in the region. EPA worked closely with the engine manufacturing and fuels industries, public health experts, environmental groups and states in the development of this proposal. Representatives from each of these groups are expected to offer testimony at the public hearing. All parties interested in testifying should contact Margaret Borushko at (734) 214-4334, or by e-mail at borushko.margaret@epa.gov. Further information and a draft agenda is available at the EPA Web site: https://www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel.htm.   Written comments may be sent to: Margaret Borushko U.S. EPA, National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory 2000 Traverwood Ann Arbor, MI 48105 fax: (734) 214-4816 e-mail: diesel@epa.gov