Connecticut proposes diesel emission reduction initiative

26 January 2006

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has developed a diesel emission reduction plan targeting emissions from in-use urban and school buses and construction equipment. The “Clean Diesel Plan”—developed in response to Special Act 05-7 adopted in June 2005 by the Connecticut General Assembly—was presented this week to the state legislature’s Environment Committee.

The emission reductions suggested in the 2005 legislation would be achieved by retrofitting engines with particulate filters or other emission controls or by replacing transit buses, school buses and construction equipment with newer, cleaner models. The estimated cost of the program is $20 million. The program targets are:

• Transit buses: 85% reduction of PM emissions by 31 December 2010;
• School buses: Maximize PM emissions reduction and prevent diesel emissions from entering the passenger cabin of the buses by 31 December 2010;
• Construction equipment: Maximize PM emissions reduction from construction equipment used in state construction projects valued at more than $5 million by 1 July 2006.

The DEP report also suggests steps to reduce diesel emissions in areas beyond the mobile sources specified in the Special Act of 2005. These include: (1) the use of low sulfur and biodiesel blended home heating oil, (2) control of emissions from wood burning, (3) developing a more comprehensive anti-idling strategy, and (4) encouraging fleet turnover.

Source: Connecticut DEP (press release | diesel plan)