Illinois EPA Testifies for Non-Road Diesel Emissions Proposal
For Immediate Release
June 12, 2003 |
Contact: Kim Kuntzman
217-785-8911
TDD: 217-782-9143 |
Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency expressed
strong support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal
to reduce non-road diesel emissions at a public hearing hosted by the U.S.
EPA today in Chicago.
U.S. EPA has proposed a rule to control emissions from
diesel-powered non-road vehicles including construction, farming and industrial
equipment. 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.
“The Agency’s testimony at today’s hearing reflects our strong
support of U.S. EPA’s proposed rule,” said Director Cipriano. “Off-road
equipment represents one-sixth of the nitrogen oxide emissions in the state and
nearly 50 percent of the particulate emissions nationwide.”
Illinois EPA concurs with written comments filed by the State and Territorial
Air Pollution Program Administrators and Association of Local Air Pollution
Control Officials (STAPPA/ALAPCO) supporting the proposal.
“Implementation of these standards, will not only benefit the State’s
efforts to reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions, but will allow us to
further protect the public health,” added Director Cipriano. “I commend
U.S. EPA on their work with manufacturers and industry to develop off-road engine
and fuel standards.”
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