Truckers Test 'Cleaner' Diesel

October 20, 1999 9:35 AM, EDT

Researchers and transportation companies began a full-scale test of a new diesel fuel that Atlantic Richfield Co. claims can reduce pollution by up to 15%.

Arco, a Los Angeles-based oil company, said in April that initial testing showed EC Diesel reduced emissions of particulate matter 15% and nitrogen oxide emissions 5% beyond the already cleaner-burning California diesel (4-5, p. 46).

To test the new fuel further, the company launched a study involving more than 160 vehicles and six fleets in Southern California on Oct. 7.

Los Angeles City refuse and street maintenance trucks, Santa Monica City buses, Ralphs Grocery tractor-trailers, Hertz pickups, San Diego school buses and Arco gasoline tankers will use the fuel and test new exhaust treatment devices.

For the full story, see the Oct. 18 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.