Journal Says EPA to Relax Diesel Car Emission Rules

Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

he Environmental Protection Agency is easing emissions rules for diesel cars in order to increase their use on American highways, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

Over time, the EPA said the new standards will be better for the environment because manufacturers will opt to build more diesels, which are engineered to run cleaner, longer, the Journal said.

However, environmental groups told the paper the change will allow diesel cars to emit more nitrous oxide at least initially. Diesel cars are seen by U.S. policy makers as a solution to oil dependence issues because they get better mileage than gasoline powered vehicles.

The rule change, the Journal said, makes it easier for diesel cars to pass emissions tests in the 2007, 2008 and 2009 model years.