Resources

The Resources section lists sites that may be of use to the MDC stakeholders. The external links that are provided include information that may be useful or interesting and is being provided consistent with the intent of the MDC site. However, MDC cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by this link or any other linked site. Providing links to a non-MDC site does not constitute an endorsement by EPA or any of its employees of the sponsors of the site or the information or products presented on the site.

Regional Collaboratives

Along with the Mid-Atlantic Diesel Collaborative, these regional collaboratives link states, nonprofit organizatons, private industry, and local governments to reduce emissions across the country.

  • Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC)combines the expertise of public and private partners in a coordinated regional initiative to significantly reduce diesel emissions and improve public health in the eight northeastern states.
  • West Coast Collaborative is an ambitious partnership between leaders from federal, state, and local government, the private sector, and environmental groups committed to reducing diesel emissions along the West Coast.
  • Rocky Mountain Clean Diesel Collaborative (RMCDC) is a partnership between EPA Region 8, Denver Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC), Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE), and Denver Department of Environmental Health.
  • Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC) is a partnership involving leaders from federal, state and local government, the private sector and other stakeholders in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The goal of this partnership is to improve air quality and public health by encouraging the use of clean, renewable energy and technology and by reducing diesel emissions from existing engines and equipment from the agriculture, heavy construction and on-road sectors.
  • Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative (MCDI) is a voluntary program to reduce diesel emissions and diesel fuel usage in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin).  Federal, state and local governments, private companies, and non-profit organizations collaborate to create and support clean diesel coalitions who carry out actions in each state.

Federal Agencies

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • National Clean Diesel Campaign Building on the successes of EPA’s regulatory and voluntary efforts to reduce emissions from diesel engines, EPA created the National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) to work aggressively to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the country through the implementation of varied control strategies and the aggressive involvement of national, state, and local partners.
  • EPA Sector Programs EPA currently has programs focusing on Clean School Bus, Ports & Marine, Clean Construction, SmartWay Transport, and Clean Agriculture.
  • Smartway Transport . A voluntary program between EPA and the freight industry that will increase the energy efficiency while significantly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases.
  • Truck and Bus Engine Emissions Standards Guidance, regulations, and general information on emission standards for heavy-duty highway diesel engines and vehicles.
  • Nonroad Engine Emission Standards General information, reports, and proposals for nonroad engine emission standards (e.g., marine diesel engines).

US Department of Energy (DOE) – Clean Cities

US Department of Transportation (DOT)

Health Effects

Reducing diesel emissions has significant public health benefits. Emissions from diesel engines contribute to unhealthy levels of fine particles and ozone (or “smog”) and air toxics. Fine particles have been associated with an increased risk of premature death, hospital admissions for heart and lung disease, increased adverse respiratory symptoms such as asthma, and other adverse health effects. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust may pose a lung cancer hazard to humans.

There are a number of federal programs designed to limit emissions from future new diesel engines through the application of advanced emission control technologies and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. But even with these significant programs, it is imperative to address emissions from the fleet that is on the ground today as diesel engines often operate for 20-30 years. The good news is that cost-effective technologies and other strategies exist now to enable reductions from the in-use fleet (e.g., retrofits, cleaner fuels, and idle reduction technologies) and the Collaborative seeks to implement those solutions as soon as possible.

Other

Construction Equipment Retrofit Resources

Web-based Tool to assist with Retrofit Technology Selection

The Clean Diesel ClearingHouse (CDCH?*) is a trusted, web-based tool that enables users to determine the best available emission reduction technology (BAT), including verified products (and other product options allowed by specific program requirements) for retrofitting diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. The CDCH can be used to support retrofit products, clean fuel options and clean fuel vehicle selections that satisfy BAT regulations, as well as voluntary emission reduction program requirements.

*Clean Diesel ClearingHouse and CDCH are Service Marks of Emissions Advantage, Inc.  Please review Privacy & Conditions of Use on the website.

Information from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America:

For links to useful information related to retrofitting construction equipment, please check out the AGC website.