Tech Briefs
Diesel technology forum

Leading companies in diesel technology, engine and vehicle manufacturing, and petroleum refining have created a forum to forge solutions to the problems surrounding the use of diesel power. The Diesel Technology Forum will address a full range of issues—environmental, health, technological, economic, and regulatory—and will seek to include all responsible points of view.

The Forum will champion environmental stewardship, participate in scientific research, and help promote worldwide economic growth by demonstrating advanced diesel technology. Finding ways to lower emissions on existing equipment is an important objective of the Forum.

"In the current public debate about the future of diesel technology and applications, and in response to questions raised about the appropriate regulatory environment for diesel power, industry's voice and the user community's voices have not always been heard," said Glen Barton, Chairman of Caterpillar Inc. "The issues are too broad for any single company to address, and that is in part why the Forum was created."

The Diesel Technology Forum will provide a focal point for the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum-refining industry, and public-health researchers. The Forum will encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings, and points-of-view related to current and future use of diesel power technology.

"Diesel power makes significant contributions to the nation's economy," said Tim Solso, Chairman and CEO of Cummins Engine Co., Inc. "Through advancements in technology, diesel power can continue to make these contributions while further reducing emissions. This will benefit us all."

Diesels have long been the choice of power in a variety of applications, including trucking, railroads, marine shipping, public safety, public transportation, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. In recent years the diesel industry has introduced a wide range of technologies that have reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by as much as 70% and particulate matter by as much as 90%. The Forum will seek ways to build on these achievements while addressing environmental and health concerns. Also, the Forum announced in March that it would cooperate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on ways to reduce emissions from several thousand current diesel engines.

"While the EPA's retrofit initiative is aimed at heavy-duty diesel engines, the Forum will also focus on light-duty diesel engines," said Dennis R. Minano, General Motors Vice President and Chief Environmental Officer. "Advanced light-duty diesels equipped with new aftertreatment technologies in combination with cleaner fuels offer significant advantages in terms of lower emissions, greater fuel economy, and reduced carbon dioxide. Looking ahead, this represents exciting potential."

Among the companies participating in the Diesel Technology Forum are Caterpillar, Cummins, Delco Remy, Detroit Diesel, Donaldson, Eaton, ExxonMobil, General Motors, Honeywell Intl., JCB, Komatsu, and Wabash Technologies. The organization is actively recruiting additional participants to reflect all responsible voices in the public debate.

Jean L. Broge