WASHINGTON — In a recent report presented to the U.S. Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency highlighted the benefits of its Diesel Emission Reduction Program, including reducing nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions and cutting fuel consumption by 3.2 million gallons.

The program, which was funded at $50 million last year, allowed EPA to fund the purchase or retrofitting of 14,000 diesel-powered vehicles and pieces of equipment.

The report found that the program reduces emissions of NOx by 46,000 tons and particulate matter by 2,200 tons over the lifetime of diesel vehicles.

In addition, under the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program, the EPA program saves 3.2 million gallons of fuel a year, saving operators $8 million annually. The EPA report also says the program results in public health benefits between $500 million and $1.4 billion.

In a statement, the Diesel Technology Forum applauded the EPA’s efforts and agreed with the study’s results. Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the non-profit group, believes there would be even more benefits if the program had more funding.

— via from Truckinginfo.com