The diesel industry has given a positive response to new US legislation that aims to improve the quality of air.

The Diesel Technology Forum, which represents manufacturers of engines, fuel and emissions control systems, has issued a statement that fully supports the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005.

The bill, introduced in the United States Senate by Senator George Voinovich of Ohio and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, will provide up to $200 million per year to state and local governments and non-profit organisations across the country to reduce emissions from older diesel trucks, buses, and off-road equipment currently in use.

Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, commented: "This legislation will play an important role in helping deploy more of these clean diesel retrofit technologies to thousands of small businesses and equipment owners who might otherwise not be able to afford to upgrade their equipment."

It is hoped that the action will achieve reductions in diesel emissions and additional progress in achieving national ambient air quality standards.