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EPA Administrator Tours Idleaire Facility in Knoxville

Release Date: 05/12/2004
Contact Information: Carl Terry, (404) 562-8327, terry.carl@epa.gov

Highlights new idle control technology and new Clean Diesel Rule; major step in decade-long effort to make diesel engines and fuels cleaner EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt, during a tour of the IdleAire facility in Knoxville, TN, recognized IdleAire, Technologies, Inc. and Petro Stopping Centers for their leadership in helping to meet the nation's freight transportation needs while remaining good stewards of the environment. The IdleAire technology allows drivers to save 100% of the diesel fuel previously consumed by extended engine idling at rest or wait periods, and will reduce up to 90% of all pollutants emitted while idling. Administrator Leavitt also highlighted the Agency's Clean Air Nonroad Diesel rule. The rule will cut emission levels from construction, agricultural and industrial diesel-powered equipment by more than 90 % while idling. The new rule also will remove 99% of the sulfur in diesel fuel by 2010, resulting in dramatic reductions in soot from all diesel engines. "We are gong to make that burst of black smoke that erupts from diesels a thing of the past," Administrator Leavitt said. "We're able to accomplish this in large part because of a masterful collaboration with engine and equipment manufacturers, the oil industry, state officials, and the public health and environmental communities." The Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule is the latest round in EPA's decade-long effort to make diesel engines and fuels cleaner. This new rule complements the Clean Diesel Truck and Bus Rule (announced December 21, 2000), which will put the cleanest running heavy-duty trucks and buses in history on America's roads, building a fleet that will be 95% cleaner than today's trucks and buses. On-highway compliance requirements take effect with the 2007 model year. The Agency's Clean Diesel Program accentuates the benefit of this rulemaking through a suite of voluntary programs that focuses on vehicles and equipment in use today. These include the Clean School Bus USA Program, the Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program and SmartWay Transport Partnership. The Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule will result in the widespread introduction of emission control systems, a move comparable to the advent of catalytic converters for cars in the 1970s. The new standards, to be phased in over the next several years, will result in reductions of pollution equivalent to having some two million fewer trucks on the road. Standards for new engines will be phased in starting with the smallest engines in 2008 until all but the very largest diesel engines meet both NOx and PM standards in 2014. Some of the largest engines, 750+ horsepower, will have one additional year to meet the emissions standards. Diesel fuel currently contains about 3,000 parts per million (ppm) sulfur. The new rule will cut that to 500 ppm in 2007 and 15 ppm by 2010. These clean diesel programs are part of the suite of clean air actions that will dramatically improve air quality. The Clean Air Rules of 2004 provide national tolls to achieve significant improvement in air quality and the associated benefits of improved health, longevity and quality of life for all Americans. More information on EPA's clean diesel programs, including the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule, is available at: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel. Information about the Clean Air Rules of 2004 is available at: https://www.epa.gov/cleanair2004/