A t the end of the last decade, the nation witnessed what can happen to an industry that remains largely unresponsive, or not properly proactive to public health risks to which it is contributing. The tobacco industry took a big hit in the pocketbook and the public eye after it repeatedly dodged evidence showing that its products posed serious and even deadly health hazards. The resulting lawsuits promise to continue in the courts for many years to come and cost tobacco billions of dollars. This decade, one big public health issue is likely to be diesel engine emissions.
Diesel engines generate power and torque found in no other power system.
Many equipment makers, engine manufacturers and contractors acknowledge the health risks and appear eager to remedy them. Federal, state and local initiatives that either encourage or mandate the retrofitting or replacement of diesel engines are making contractors aware that they are a part of the pollution inventory. Nowhere is this more evident than in smoggy Houston where a state plan awaiting EPA approval would actually restrict use of construction equipment for six daylight hours during a six-month period unless the machine can meet certain emission standards. Other municipalities are requiring contractors to meet emissions standards prior to bidding on contracts. Groups tied to the industry are understandably concerned that new regulations will hamper, suspend and cripple their ability to build the nation's roads, bridges and buildings.