Clean Diesel Technology's Role In U.S. Economic Growth & Environmental Gains Outlined For Congressional Committee

U.S. House Committee Examines America's Energy Outlook 40 Years After Creation of Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975

Washington, DC /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - Diesel power's role as "the lifeblood of the global economy" and the development of the new generation of ultra-low sulfur clean diesel fuel and clean diesel engines and equipment are two major factors to consider when reviewing the status of the U.S. energy situation since the creation of a national energy policy 40 years ago, according to the Diesel Technology Forum.

The growth of diesel power's role since the passage of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) was outlined in a statement from Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), that was submitted to the U.S. Subcommittee on Energy and Power hearing today entitled "The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975: Are We Positioning America for Success in an Era of Energy Abundance?"

Newfound petroleum reserves across the country have resulted in America's energy abundance.  Because of these oil and gas reserves, the U.S. Energy Information Agency states that as of 2011 the U.S. is a net exporter of petroleum products and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) is the number one petroleum export.  While the U.S. is a net exporter of ULSD, recent studies including the Fuels Institute recent analysis has determined that there's more than ample supply to meet domestic demand.

"Diesel Power Is the Lifeblood of the Global Economy"
"Diesel power is the lifeblood of the global economy," Schaeffer said in his statement.  "With its unmatched combination of energy density, fuel efficiency, power and performance, diesel engines are the primary technology driving 15 key sectors of the U.S. economy, from agriculture and construction to goods movement and warehousing.

"The new generation of ultra-low sulfur clean diesel fuel and clean diesel engines and equipment are two of America's greatest success stories; ones that are not only delivering real-world benefits here at home today, but are leading export technologies helping to advance environmental improvements and energy efficiency gains in developing countries around the world.

"While there is considerable attention being placed on the possibilities for export of domestically produced natural gas from the U.S., ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is today America's number one petroleum export earning significant export revenues.  Advanced clean diesel engines represented 4.4 percent of U.S. exports in 2010, with an export-to-value ratio five times higher than the national average.

Clean Diesel Is Helping U.S. Achieve Clean Air & Climate Goals
"Clean diesel fuel is vital to help the U.S. achieve current and future clean air and climate goals," Schaeffer said.  "Demand for clean diesel fuel will only increase around the world as other countries' economies grow, driving demand for powerful modern diesel engines that will also improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions."

Diesel Projected To Overtake Gasoline As #1 Global Transportation Fuel
Schaeffer said the new cleaner diesel technology and fuel will play an increasing role in U.S. and international efforts to improve air quality standards.

"International experts predict that diesel is on course to remain the number one global transportation fuel," Schaeffer added. "The International Energy Agency recently stated that diesel is expected to overtake gasoline as the top transportation fuel used in passenger vehicles and in the freight transportation sector.  One of the largest global oil producers, ExxonMobil, recently confirmed diesel's expected dominance while also stating the much of the anticipated growth in diesel will come from emerging economies."

New Diesel Technology Is Being Applied In All Industry Sectors
According to the EPA, a diesel powered passenger vehicle delivers a 20 to 40 percent improvement in fuel economy along with a 10 to 20 percent reduction in emissions compared to a comparable gasoline powered vehicle, he said. Schaeffer also outlined how the new cleaner diesel technology was being used in all major sectors of the industry.

"Similar standards, the "Tier 4" rules, were established for new off-road engines, such as those found in construction and agricultural equipment, beginning in 2014 and for high horsepower applications such as large marine, mining and stationary industrial engines beginning shortly in 2015," he said.

"Significant resources were invested by engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers to develop technologies to deliver these near-zero emissions benefits.  These technologies reduce emissions of particulate matter, or soot, and oxides of nitrogen, a smog forming compound, over 90 percent.  It takes 60 heavy duty trucks manufactured in 1988 to generate the same emissions as one clean diesel truck today.  The clean diesel system of modern engine designs and advanced emissions controls, including filters and catalysts, may only operate properly when fueled with ULSD with a sulfur content of 15 ppm or less." 

Newer Diesel Technology Increasing Among America's Truck & Bus Fleets
According to state vehicle registration data for 2013, almost 3 million of the roughly 8.8 million Class 3-8 heavy- duty vehicles on the road across the country are deployed with an engine that meets the first 2007 clean diesel standard, Schaeffer said. Of these, 1.2 million vehicles are deployed with an engine that meets the stricter 2010 standard.  These vehicles range from Class 3 vocational pickups, to school and transit buses, delivery trucks, first responder vehicles, up to large Class 8 over-the-road tractors. By way of reference, there are only about 150,000 registered Class 3-8 natural gas powered vehicles on the road.

Heavy duty clean diesel vehicles are delivering more than their required clean air benefits, according to Schaeffer.  The Advanced Combustion Engine Study (ACES): Phase 2 research conducted by the Southwest Research Institute and the Coordinating Research Council found that heavy-duty clean diesel engines result in real world emissions below the regulated threshold. This study analyzed the emissions from three heavy duty vehicle engines manufactured in 2010 and found that emissions of PM were more than 80 percent below the 2010 requirement and emissions of NOx 60 percent below the standard.

"Clean diesel fuel is also playing an important role in improving emissions from older diesel engines still in use by allowing owners to install retrofit devices that provide significant air quality benefits," Schaeffer said.

Emerging Economies to Benefit From Newer Diesel Fuels & Technology
"Growing U.S. clean diesel fuel exports, particularly to Latin America, will enable emerging economies adopt the clean diesel system that includes modern engine standards and programs to improve emissions from older engines.

"One of the important benefits from the continued global adoption of the clean diesel system will be significant reduction in black carbon emissions.  One leading climate researcher estimates that reducing one ton of black carbon emissions is equivalent to removing 1,000 to 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide.  Thanks to the clean diesel system, black carbon emission reductions are achievable."

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

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