EPA mandated "clean diesel" coming

[damus]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0605/p02s01-sten.html

In a move that may presage diesel's Cinderella-like transformation, the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday required US refineries to begin making ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), a fuel with 97 percent less sulfur than ordinary diesel that, as a result, slashes soot emissions.

The rule, which mandates that 80 percent of the diesel produced for highway use be ULSD-compliant, was just the first step. By Oct. 15, all filling stations now selling diesel will be required to sell ULSD instead of or in addition to diesel.

All who drive diesel vehicles - which account for only about 3 percent of sales of light-duty vehicles - will immediately emit about 10 percent less pollution upon shifting to ULSD. But the biggest pollution abatement - as much as 90 percent cleaner - will come with the EPA-mandated debut of "clean diesel" engines, probably late next year or early in 2008.

http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/autonews/inde...es/2006_06.html

DaimlerChrysler AG says it will stop offering diesel engines in the Jeep Liberty because of stringent new pollution regulations that take effect next year. However, the automaker also has announced that it will offer a diesel that does meet the new federal standards in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Volkswagen also is temporarily halting sales of some diesel models while it converts to engines that can meet the new standards.

I'd buy a "clean diesel" car even if it cost more and did not save any money on fuel if it meant significantly less pollutants being released to the air...

[monsoon]

About 50% of the vehicles sold in Europe these days are diesels. They are very fuel efficient and are a better investment than a hybrid. They are able to do this because the diesel fuel sold in Europe is much cleaner than the dirty fuel sold here in the USA. It's a shame because widespread use of diesels would mean a big drop in oil consumption here. And of course more availability of using biodiesel.

[runawayjim]

About 50% of the vehicles sold in Europe these days are diesels. They are very fuel efficient and are a better investment than a hybrid. They are able to do this because the diesel fuel sold in Europe is much cleaner than the dirty fuel sold here in the USA. It's a shame because widespread use of diesels would mean a big drop in oil consumption here. And of course more availability of using biodiesel.

i wish our country would get off the hybrid bandwagon. they don't save the consumer any money. they only reduce the need for gas. most diesel engines can run on biodiesel with no modification and average 50 mpg when the hybrids only get really good mileage on the highway.