According to the EPA, full implementation of the program should result in the reduction of 2.6 million tons of NO_X emissions per year, while soot or particulate matter (PM) will be reduced by 110,000 tons a year. An estimated 8,300 premature deaths - 5,500 cases of chronic bronchitis and 17,600 cases of acute bronchitis in children - will also be prevented annually.

The EPA met with about 30 companies over the last year and a half to compile its extensive review of the industry's progress in developing clean diesel technologies in time for 2007. The report also documented work from a number of public and private sources.

The EPA's review of industry progress showed that engine manufacturers are on target to introduce new engines in 2007, at which point diesel particulate filters that reduce harmful PM emissions by more than 90 percent will be mandatory. Manufacturers are planning to conduct early prototype testing with trucking customers in 2005.

In October 2003, the EPA reported similar good news on the status of the oil industry to put in place the 15 ppm sulfur diesel fuel needed to enable production of these clean diesel engines. To view the Highway Diesel Progress Review, Report 2 see www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel.htm.