The reauthorisation of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) by US president Barack Obama has been welcomed by the Diesel Technology Forum, which described it as a "significant and important accomplishment".

After passing into law in 2005, DERA was reauthorised and approved by the Senate on December 16th.

It authorises $100 million (£65 million) annually for five years and is designed to combat mounting energy problems by providing tax incentives and loan guarantees for new low-carbon technologies.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, every dollar spent on DERA upgrades has led to $13 (£8.42) worth of environmental and health benefits.

Allen Scaeffer, executive director of the DTF, said the act is among the most important clean air initiatives passed by Congress.

"In addition, DERA is important to our national economic growth because diesel engines power over 95 percent of our commercial trucks and an overwhelming majority of our ships, locomotives and farm and construction equipment," he added.

Source:



President Obama signs Diesel Emissions Reduction Act into law (5/01/11)

© Adfero Ltd