The Environmental Protection Agency promises to significantly reduce particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen emissions from diesel-powered off-high-way vehicles. The rules, due to be phased in from 2008 to 2014, would affect some 1 million vehicles used for construction, farming and industrial applications.

The Engine Manufacturers Association calls the proposed rule "very challenging"; but promises to work with the EPA to meet the goal. Unlike diesel powerplants used for passenger vehicles, the trade group points out, non road systems have more challenging duty cycles, operate under harsher conditions, require a broader horsepower range, and are used in a wider variety of applications.

The Association also notes that future U. S. regulations should be harmonized with international standards ,as they are now, because these types of engines typically are used in multiple regions.

According to automakers, near-zero sulfur fuels are needed to enable the introduction of even cleaner, more fuel-efficient technology. "Getting the sulfur out of diesel fuel will dramatically improve air quality, and it will enable us to develop a new generation of clean, light-duty diesel vehicles that are more fuel-efficient. These clean diesel vehicles are coming soon, and we need clean diesel fuel to run them," said Josephine S. Cooper, President and CEO, Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers.

We also have our truckers and small car owners, looking for "fuel saving devices" that will help them save money any way they can. It's not just the fuel cost, but the additives you have to add to diesel fuel.

Under EPA's proposal, refiners must reduce the sulfur in diesel fuel by 97 percent over the next six years, and this cleaner fuel must contain no more than 15 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur. The EPA's proposal also calls on manufacturers to achieve a 95 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, phased in during 2007-2010, along with a 90 percent reduction in particulate matter.

The EPA also needs to adopt clean diesel fuel to continue fostering the development of and ready access to advanced diesel engine technology and hybrid propulsion systems that could greatly increase fuel efficiency. "Achieving the nation's dual goals of clean and energy-efficient transportation over the next decade will be considerably more difficult and expensive without clean diesel fuel," Cooper said. "Clean diesel technology, in particular, shows great promise as a scientific and engineering breakthrough. With clean diesel, we could greatly improve fuel efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions."

"The technology today is "Hydrogen assist", which adds the hydrogen you need to burn the fuel more efficiently, It gives more horse power, and fuel savings people are looking for." Says: Great Plaines Trucking. They found a Fuel Saving Device that works to dramatically cut fuel costs for their business, as well as give them clean air act tax benefits for reduced emissions.

Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum -- which represents manufacturers of engines, fuel and emissions control systems -- says the rule marks a new era for off-road diesel engines and equipment. "The diesel industry is committed to being part of the clean air solution, and this announcement signals the beginning of yet another chapter in the continuous improvement of these engines," he says. However, Schaeffer says there are some challenges that must be overcome, including the diversity of nonroad engines ranging from 10 to 6,000 horsepower, extreme duty-cycles, a wide range of engine exhaust temperatures, and space restraints of engine compartment size.

"Despite these obstacles, there is no question about the industry's commitment to meet these aggressive standards," he says. "In fact, the work has already started. Engine and equipment manufacturers, fuel refiners and after-treatment technology manufacturers are already collaborating on the development of systems-based reductions strategies to meet these stringent requirements."