Rhode Island is taking a stand on the environment in a bid to improve air quality by adding diesel vehicles with diesel oxidation catalysts.

The catalysts can reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent and cost about $2,000 per vehicle.

Providence's Environmental Sustainability Task Force will submit a report within the next 90 days to detail the number of heavy-duty diesel vehicles being used or owned by the city before seeking to reduce the emissions from its fleet.

"With Providence endorsing this resolution, the campaign for a statewide diesel bill has gained significant momentum," Annie Costner, a campaign organiser for Clean Water Action, told projo.com

Rhode Island Councillor Seth Yurdin said the Government "should set an example" and hoped that reducing emissions from Government vehicles would do this.

The news follows a similar scheme launched in London this week that could fine lorries which enter the capital without diesel particulate filters that bring them up to emission standards.

Sources:

City ready to take stand on diesel emissions, 08/02/07
http://www.projo.com/news/environment/MC_COUNCIL_02-08-08_T38UHSD_v9.38d2260.html

LEZ hits back at lorries without diesel particulate filters, 04/02/08
http://www.platinum.matthey.com/media_room/1202126421.html

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