
				Pat Quinn, Governor

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Environmental Progress - Summer 2003

IEPA Voices Support for Off-Road Diesel Limits

Support expressed during US EPA hearing

Illinois EPA officials recently expressed strong support for a proposed federal rule that would limit emissions from diesel-powered non-road vehicles such as construction, farming and industrial equipment.

At a June hearing hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano commended the U.S. EPA for their work with manufacturers and industry to develop suitable off-road engines.

If approved, the rule will not only benefit Illinois' efforts to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, but will increase protection of public health.

The proposal is expected to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, a precursor to ground-level ozone, by 90 percent and particulate matter emissions by as much as 95 percent for each engine. Off-road equipment represents one-sixth of the nitrogen oxide emissions in the state and nearly 50 percent of the particulate matter emissions nationwide.