AP: GAO Report Suggests Financial Incentives for Cleaner Engines

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draft of a General Accounting Office study obtained by the Associated Press late Thursday said the Environmental Protection Agency should consider creating an independent panel to assess possible "financial incentives" for the trucking industry.

GAO is Congress’ investigative arm. AP said the report's title page states: "EPA Could Maximize the Benefits from the 2007 Diesel Emissions Standards by Better Addressing Industry Concerns."

The EPA is requiring reductions in diesel emissions starting in 2007 through the use of cleaner-burning engines. (Click here for related coverage.)

Because the new truck engines will cost more, "we are recommending that EPA consider what additional opportunities it has to address the uncertainties and concerns" of the trucking industry, the draft study said.

The final version of the report is expected to be released shortly before the March 16 Diesel Engine Emissions Summit II meeting of trucking officials in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., co-sponsored by Transport Topics and the Technology & Maintenance Council. (Click here for more information on this event.)

GAO and EPA will be represented at the conference, as will Rep. Mac Collins (R-Ga.), who requested the study.

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