Hill Group Meets With EPA

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency indicated it might soften its position on diesel engine emissions penalties, according to the organizer of a congressional delegation that met with EPA officials last week.

Although EPA would not agree to seek delaying the Oct. 1 deadline for selling engines with reduced emissions, it may agree to lower or offset penalties for engines that don’t meet the new standard, said Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), after meeting with EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman July 11.

LaHood and several other lawmakers asked Whitman to delay the deadline or reduce fines for engines that exceed federal standards for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. They said EPA’s rule could lead to economic disruption, as truck buyers avoid new engines they feel may have performance and reliability problems.

For the full story, see the July 15 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

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