The Governor of New Jersey has pledged to improve air quality in the state by limiting the detrimental effects of diesel emissions through a series of legislative changes.

Gov McGreevey reiterated his determination to follow the current US trend for targeting diesel emissions, and attributed high rates of asthma and some premature deaths to the pollution caused by diesel truck and bus emissions.

In his 'State of the State' address, he highlighted plans to reduce soot and smog air pollution by 20 per cent over the next ten years.

According to the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, plans to retrospectively fit buses, garbage trucks and construction equipment with emission controls would cost between $1,500 and $6,000 per engine.

The New Jersey authorities have also adopted a 'Clean Car Bill', requiring the DEP to implement California LEV II emission standards for light duty vehicles, DieselNet reported.

The US government announced last month that New Jersey will become an ozone non-attainment area.