Under the EPA proposal, changes would be phased in from 2006 until 2010 that would reduce particulates and smog-producing nitrogen oxide emissions of new trucks by 10 times or more. Praising the proposal, the president of the American Lung Association pointed out that the emissions are major causes of respiratory illnesses. Soot would be cut from 0.1 grams per unit of engine energy to 0.01 grams. Nitrogen oxide emissions would be reduced from 2.5 grams to 0.2 grams per unit of engine energy. Engine and pollution control manufacturers find those targets reasonable if the sulfur content of fuel can be chopped from 500 parts per million to only 15.
Refiners call that unrealistic and raise the specter of commerce-crippling fuel shortages.
In addition to the EPA's push, other agencies perhaps Energy and Transportation ought to explore helping pull research and development in fuel sulfur reduction toward achieving the goal. Albuquerque, sitting astride a major artery of freight fueled by diesel , would benefit greatly from EPA's proposal for cleaner trucks. We'll breathe easier thanks to EPA chief Pundits and historians will debate the good and bad of Bill Clinton's legacy for a long time, but when it comes to his administration's efforts to ensure cleaner air, there should be no argument. Much of the credit goes to Carol Browner, who has led the Environmental Protection Agency throughout the Clinton years. Now, in the waning days of Clinton's tenure, Browner is taking a critical, long overdue step by establishing dramatically cleaner standards for the diesel engines that power trucks, buses and some cars.