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2006 -- In an effort that promises to drastically improve local air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires refiners and fuel importers to cut the sulfur content of highway diesel fuel 97 percent, from 500 parts per million to 15.

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel

At a demonstration held at an area truck stop, the EPA was joined by representatives from California Air Resources Board, Western States Petroleum Association and International Truck and Engine Corporation to announce the new fuel.

"By drastically cutting the emissions that cause soot and smog, EPA is delivering the American people cleaner engines, cleaner air and cleaner lungs, without affecting our productivity and economic might,” said Wayne Nastri, Regional Administrator, EPA, Region 9, Pacific and Southwest.

Ultra low sulfur diesel fuel enables advanced pollution control technology for trucks and buses. Consumers will be able to purchase ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and vehicles with clean diesel technology later this year, which will produce the clean air equivalent of eliminating air pollution from 90 percent -- or about 13 million -- of today's trucks and buses.

Roll Out of Ultra Low Diesel Fuel

More information on EPA's clean diesel initiatives is at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/highway-diesel/index.htm

In keeping with its efforts to ensure smooth implementation, the EPA is a member of the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance, a stakeholder group dedicated to providing the public ULSD-related information. More information is at: www.clean-diesel.org

How important is diesel pollution to our health?

Diesel exhaust from idling school buses can accumulate on and around the bus and pose a health risk, particularly to children. When buses idle in the school yard, the exhaust also can pollute the air inside the school building and pose a health risk to children throughout the day. Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung damage and respiratory problems. Diesel exhaust also exacerbates asthma and existing allergies, and long-term exposure is thought to increase the risk of lung cancer. However, there are some simple steps that schools can take to reduce idling time and air pollution.