Diesel engines clean up their act

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Some good news for a change.

A new study shows that 2007 diesel engines are belching out 90% less pollution than 2004 models when it comes to many toxic emissions.

The report by the Coordinating Research Council, a nonprofit research group, found that emissions of fine particulate matter, a dangerous pollutant that can get into people’s lungs, has decreased by 99%. That’s 89% lower than 2007 EPA standards.

Smog-producing hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions also passed EPA standards with flying colors, dropping more than 90%, according to the study. Nitrogen oxides, another culprit in smog production, went down 70%, or 10% below required levels.

The improvements will save lives.

EPA’s standards apply only to new diesel engines. California remains the only state to force truckers to clean up existing diesel engines, through controversial rules adopted in December 2008.

-- Amy Littlefield