Officials Testify in Favor Of Engine Retrofit Program

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panel of industry executives and state and local government officials told a Senate subcommittee they supported a plan to offer loans and grants to trucking fleets to retrofit existing diesel engines, but cautioned the full benefits of cleaner diesel technology could not be realized without the timely use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel.

In a July 12 hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s subcommittee on clean air, climate change and nuclear safety, most witnesses backed a proposal to provide $1 billion over five years to states and local government agencies for diesel engine retrofits or replacements.

The bill, introduced last month by Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio), chairman of the clean air subcommittee, has has garnered support on both sides of the aisle.

For the full story, see the July 18 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.