Crunch Time for Diesel

SAN DIEGO — American Trucking Associations is stepping up its campaign to inform members about emissions standards that are growing tougher for diesel engines and an expected rule that would slash the sulfur content of fuel by 2006.

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ATA also is joining other industry groups in a quest for a single, national fuel standard to make sure the requirements are uniform for everyone. But there is not yet agreement on what that standard should entail.

Robert J. Crites of Condor Freight Lines in Los Angeles and chairman of ATA’s Environmental Committee said the next few months will be a telling time for the future of diesel engines and their fuel.

Engine makers are gearing up to meet stricter emissions standards that were moved forward two years from the original 2004 deadline as the result of a consent decree enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency because of allegations of certification cheating. One industry source said even if the engine suppliers have their equipment ready in 2002, it will be tough for truck makers to actually get those engines in trucks in time.

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