Understanding Airport EPA Standards

Proven Technology
On-highway engines from most manufacturers use a combination of cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and a particulate filter. ULSD fuel has been widely available since October 2006 for on-highway vehicles, and operators have experienced no significant problems to date.

Clearly Better
According to the Diesel Technology Forum Web site, “Last year’s trucks and buses produced one-eighth the amount of the tailpipe exhaust as they did in 1990. It would take 60 trucks built in 2007 to equal the soot emissions of one truck sold in 1988. The EPA predicts that these new clean diesel trucks—once they fully replace the existing fleet—will reduce emissions of smog-forming gases by 2.6 million tons each year and cut soot emissions by 110,000 tons annually.” Add the reduced emissions from off-road diesels, and the numbers become even more impressive. The switch to low-sulfur fuels should also reduce the amount of sulfur in the atmosphere and reduce the potential for acid rain.

While there may be some confusion about which fuel or oil to use, it’s clear that today’s clean diesels provide superior fuel economy, reliability and durability with dramatically reduced emissions. That’s good news for all ground vehicle operators, airport personnel and the communities we serve.