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Costa's Clean Diesel Bill Passes First Hurdle

February 15, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality passed H.R. 3754, legislation to allow the retrofitting of diesel engines with new, lower emissions technology. HR 3754 is authored by Congressman Jim Costa and co-sponsored by fellow California colleagues: Dennis Cardoza, Jerry McNerney, Doris Matsui and Devin Nunes. Costa introduced this legislation in partnership with Senator Tom Carper, who introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate. Carper's bill was recently approved by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

"Today's approval of HR 3754 is the first step to restoring this important clean diesel program," said Costa. "Areas across the nation who suffer from poor air quality, such as the San Joaquin Valley, can benefit from these types of retrofits to older diesel engines. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to see that this bill is passed by the full committee, and moved to the House Floor for a vote."

For many years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded diesel retrofit projects through their supplemental environmental settlements with corporations. Costa's bill allows the EPA to continue this practice, and will help maintain a separate source of funding through supplemental environmental projects.

Costa told the committee today that retrofitting clean diesel technologies for diesel vehicles and equipment is one of the most cost-effective strategies for achieving tangible and immediate air quality benefits.

"With a cleaner burning diesel, lower-emitting diesel engines, and new emissions control technology, diesel can be an energy source for America as alternative energy sources continue to be improved and developed," Costa said.