NEWS RELEASE
Committee on Energy and Commerce Democrats
Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member

Dingell Unveils Clean Diesel Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, yesterday afternoon introduced the Clean Diesel Act of 2003, which is designed to advance diesel fuel standards, encourage the use of clean diesel motor vehicles and improve the nation’s fuel economy.

"Clean diesel technology will help our fuel economy and lower our dependence on foreign oil," said Dingell. "Consumers will be able to go farther on a gallon of fuel without sacrificing the size or performance of their vehicles."

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer much promise in the long-term, while hybrid gas-electric engines will improve near-term fuel economy in small vehicles. But this legislation will have a greater impact on fuel economy overall because clean diesel engines are well suited for all vehicles, including SUV’s, mini-vans and pickup trucks, which typically use more fuel. This new generation of diesel vehicles will meet, and in many instances exceed, EPA’s stringent clean air standards.

"The widespread introduction of clean burning diesel engines with extremely high fuel economy, enhanced durability, and a unique set of performance characteristics will greatly increase consumer options for safe, reliable and efficient family transportation," Dingell said.

The Clean Diesel Act of 2003 will:

• Establish motor vehicle diesel fuel standards for sulfur, cetane, aromatics, and lubricity for fuel produced or imported by any refiner or importer.
• Provide consumer incentives such as the Clean Diesel Motor Vehicle Credit and the Lifetime Fuel Savings Credit to encourage clean diesel motor vehicles.
• Provide grants to states and cities to increase production of clean diesel motor vehicles.
• Provide refiner credits to offset the costs of complying with the new requirements and as an incentive for the early production of clean fuel.

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