EPA Issues Rule Cutting Locomotive, Marine Diesel Emissions
EPA proposed a new rule last Friday meant to cut emissions from locomotive and marine diesel engines by requiring use of advanced technology. "By tackling the greatest remaining source of diesel emissions, we're keeping our nation's clean air progress moving full steam ahead," EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said. "Over the last century, diesels have been America's economic workhorse, and through this rule, an economic workhorse is also becoming an environmental workhorse."
Upon full implementation, the rule would cut particulate matter emissions by 90 percent and nitrogen oxides emissions by 80 percent. EPA estimates this would result in annual health benefits of $12 billion in 2030 and reduce premature deaths, hospitalizations, and respiratory illnesses nationwide.
The proposal dramatically cuts emissions from all types of diesel locomotives, Standards for new locomotive and marine diesel engines would phase in starting in 2009. Long-term standards would phase in beginning in 2014 for marine diesel engines and 2015 for locomotives.