Diesels last for decades, so EPA is addressing the existing fleet.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a just released report to the Congress claims its Diesel Emission Reduction Program, funded at $50 million by taxpayers last year, allowed EPA to purchase or retrofit 14,000 diesel-powered vehicles and pieces of equipment, preventing respiratory illnesses and saving money in communities nationwide.
EPA said the program eliminated 46,000 tons of nitrogen oxide, a prime contributor to elevated smog levels, and 2,200 tons of particulate matter when computed over the lifetime of the diesel vehicles
EPA also estimate that it is conserving 3.2.million gallons of fuel annually under the “SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program,” which saves operators $8 million annually
All told, the agency charged with cleaning the air we breathe and water we use claims it is generating public health benefits between $500 million to $1.4 billion.
EPA is now implementing “stringent” regulatory standards for new diesel engines, after years of what critics say was neglect and political interference under the Bush Administration. The regulations are likely to increase the cost of diesel engines by thousands of dollars, on top of the 20% or more price premium they already have when compared with gasoline engines.
Of special concern is particulate matter. These are particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid drops. Particles remain in the air for long periods. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke, as in diesel truck exhaust. Others are so small that they can only be detected with an electron microscope.
Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) pose a health issue because they are inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) are “fine” particles, and are believed to pose the greatest health risks. Because of their small size (approximately 1/30th the average width of a human hair), fine particles can lodge deeply in your lungs.
EPA estimates that about one out of every three people in the United States is at a higher risk of experiencing PM2.5 related health problems. One group of concern is active children because they often spend a lot of time playing outdoors and their bodies are still developing. In addition, our aging population is at risk. People of all ages who are active outdoors are also at increased risk because, during physical activity, PM2.5 penetrates deeper into the parts of the lungs that are more vulnerable to injury.
A good way to learn about unhealthy exposures is to check daily Air Quality Index forecasts. Visit www.airnow.gov to find the forecast for your area.
Because diesel engines remain in use for decades, EPA is trying to address the existing fleet. Under the diesel emissions reduction program, which has both national grant competitions and direct state allocations, EPA provides support for retrofits, repairs, replacements, idle reduction, cleaner fuels, and financing for cleaner technologies.
Although Congress funded diesel emission reduction for existing fleets for the first time in fiscal year 2008, EPA had previously awarded smaller, “clean diesel” grants for the past several years.
Beyond the FY2008 funding, competitions for FY2009 clean diesel funding grants totaling more than $60 million are now in progress. Click here for more information.
In addition to its budget funding, EPA recently awarded $300 million in clean diesel awards through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.