Air Quality  > Diesel Exhaust/Fuel Information

Diesel Exhaust/Fuel Information

Although air quality in Washington has significantly improved during the last decade, toxic air emissions from diesel engines are creating unacceptable health risks in Washington. Locally and nationally, efforts are underway to reduce diesel emissions by using cleaner fuels, retrofitting existing equipment with newer emission control technologies, and reducing motor vehicle idling.

This page contains links to information about diesel emissions, including existing and potential plans for reducing diesel emissions in Washington State.

• Washington State Clean Diesel Grant Program
• Information About Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Fuel
• Ecology's Strategy for Reducing Diesel Emissions in Washington State
• Reducing Diesel Exhaust (Ecology Focus Sheet)
• Reducing Locomotive Idling at Switchyards Ecology Focus Sheet)
• Report on Potential Strategies to Reduce Emissions from Diesel Engines
• West Coast Collaborative-Public-Private Partnership to Reduce Diesel Emissions
• Washington State Clean School Bus Program 2005 Report to the Legislature
• Washington State Clean School Bus Program

Construction equipment creates about one fourth of Washington's diesel emissions. In November 2004, the Department of Ecology’s Air Quality Program hosted a workshop for the construction industry to explore strategies for reducing diesel emissions. The following links provide information and materials from the workshop, and information about diesel emissions in general.

• Reducing Engine Idling at Truck Stops - Ecology Focus Sheet
• Department of Revenue - Truck Stops and Diesel Truck Drivers - Tax Incentives
• Sources of Diesel Soot in Washington State
• Washington Cancer Risk from Various Air Toxics
• Frequent Questions about the Health Effects of Diesel Exhaust
• Summary of Cost and Emission Benefits for Selected Strategies
• List of Current Projects in Washington that Reduce Diesel Particles
• Non-Road Diesel Emission Reduction Study

What are other states doing to reduce diesel exhaust emissions?  Here are some examples from programs across the country:

• Connecticut Interstate 95 Highway Project Specifications
• New York City Ordinance
• Oregon Pollution Control Tax Credits
• Port of Seattle Third Runway Contract Specifications
• Sacramento Construction Project Requirements
• Texas Emission Reduction Plan
• USEPA Clean Air Act Nonroad Diesel Rule Summary
• USEPA Clean Diesel Program
• Cascade Sierra Solutions - A non-profit organization dedicated to saving fuel and reducing emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines.

---

Diesel Fuel Information

Starting June 1, 2006, most diesel fuel in the U.S. will be “ultra-low sulfur diesel.” The diesel fuel we use now is low sulfur diesel. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has less sulfur than low sulfur diesel, which makes it a cleaner burning fuel. Combined with cleaner burning diesel engines and motor vehicles, ULSD will help improve air quality.  You can find more information on diesel fuel at Ecology's Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Fuel Site.

 

Other Diesel Information

• SmartWay Transport Partnership
• Clean Cities Coalitions
• Argonne National Laboratory Transportation Technology R&D Center
• California Air Resource Board Diesel Programs
• The Climate Trust
• Clean Air Task Force - Diesel Projects
• Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association
• National Association of Truck Stop Owners
• Washington Trucking Associations
• American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association
• Port of Seattle - Seaport Air Quality Programs

---

Related Links

• Areas Requiring An Emission Test
• Automotive Industry Publications
• Clean Car Standards - Focus Sheet
• Clean Car Information
• Diesel Exhaust Information
• Diesel Fuel Information
• Gas Cap Check Information
• Governor's Office of Regulatory Assistance - Biodiesel
• Emission Check Test Tips
• Emission Test Contractor FAQs/General information
• EPA's FAQs About Mobile Sources
• Fleet Emission Check
• Information About On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
• Motor Vehicle Emission Inspection Rule
• Out-of-Area Form -- Download and print this PDF form to use
• What vehicle model years are tested in 2008
• Protect Your Car and the Environment
• EPA Clean Diesel Program Information
• EPA Proposes Strategy to Reduce Foreign Oil Dependency
• Who can Repair my Vehicle if I need repair waiver
• I Still Have Questions Who Can I Contact

PDF forms and other type documents may require one of these free readers.