Bill Provides Federal Funds for Diesel Retrofit Programs

WHAT: Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), his colleagues in Congress,
and a unique coalition of organizations representing the
diesel industry and the environmental community, will join
together in a press conference to introduce the Diesel
Emissions Reduction Act of 2005. This landmark legislation
will establish a national grant and loan program that will
distribute $200 million annually to states and other
organizations for programs aimed at improving air quality and
public health by reducing emissions from diesel engines.
Public, public-private and private fleets will be eligible
for funds under this proposed legislation.

WHY: Diesel engines are well known for their superior durability,
often lasting 10 to 30 years, depending on the type of engine
and equipment. This long life represents a unique
opportunity to address emissions from the nation's fleet of
existing diesel equipment. There are a number of options
available for modernizing and upgrading existing diesel
engines and equipment -- including retrofitting, repowering,
repairing and replacing engines -- that can reduce key
emissions by 25 to 85%, resulting in significant air quality
and performance benefits.

SUPPORTERS: Members of Congress -- Senator George Voinovich (R-OH),
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Senator Tom Carper (D-DE)

Private Sector -- Associated General Contractors of America,
Caterpillar, Clean Air Task Force, Corning, Cummins, Diesel
Technology Forum, Environmental Defense, Johnson Matthey,
Ohio Environmental Council, Union of Concerned Scientists

WHERE: New Senate Swamp, Russell Park, Capitol Hill
Corner of Delaware Avenue and Constitution Avenue, across
from the Southwest corner of the Russell Senate Office
Building

WHEN: Thursday, June 16, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.

ABOUT: The Diesel Technology Forum represents manufacturers of
engines, fuel and emissions control systems. It brings
together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user
community, civic and public interest leaders, government
regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry and
public health researchers to encourage the exchange of
information, ideas, scientific findings and points-of-view to
current and future uses of diesel technology. For more
information about the Forum, visit our web site at
http://www.dieselforum.org/.