The US diesel industry has welcomed news of the planned widespread availability of ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD).

Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), welcomed the announcement, earlier this month, from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of regulations to ensure nationwide availability of ULSD from October 2006.

Mr Schaeffer believes that a combination of ULSD and new, stricter emissions standards that come into place from 2007 will result in "remarkably cleaner diesel engines nationwide" and hopes these changes will help "cities meet new air quality goals."

It is expected the new regulations will see a reduction in particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions of more than 90 per cent.

The DTF has sent a letter to leaders in Washington announcing the changes, in an attempt to heighten awareness of the recent improvements.


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