Wendy Angel

Washington – The Washington-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has created a new diesel truck emissions program that is designed to ensure emissions standards are met under real-world driving conditions. The program, developed in conjunction with the California Air Resource Board and diesel engine manufacturers, uses portable measuring devices that attach to truck engines to assess emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

A pilot will begin this month with manufacturers recruiting volunteer test vehicles from their clients, and the program will expand nationwide starting with 2007 model year diesel trucks. Prior to this program, diesel engine emissions testing required the engine’s removal for testing to be conducted in laboratories.