Critics Say EPA May Weaken Diesel Engine Rule

(Michael James - Transport Topics) Cutting emissions for off-road diesels such as these could offset truck standards, critics say.

WASHINGTON — Democrats in Congress and environmental groups charged that a Bush administration plan to cut off-road diesel emissions could weaken existing standards for heavy-duty trucks through a complicated government-approved system for trading credits companies earn by reducing pollution.

They aimed their charges at the administration’s June 7 announcement that it would use an “innovative regulatory analysis” to develop an off-road diesel emissions standard by next year.

“Credit trading is one of a wide range of options” the government is considering for its off-road diesel rule, John Graham, administrator for regulatory affairs at the Office of Management and Budget, said June 10.

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