Contact:	Bob Redding (202) 543-1440
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin 99.85 Oct. 11, 1999

EPA Aims at Cutting Truck, SUV Emissions

Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, 1999 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a two-phase strategy to cut emissions from heavy-duty trucks and large sport utility vehicles.

The first phase would adopt engine standards originally drafted in 1997 for all trucks and SUVs larger than 8,500 pounds. The standards are set to apply to all trucks in 2004, but will apply to larger trucks in 2002. The agency will require a 78 percent cut in emissions from gasoline-powered trucks and a 40 percent reduction for diesel-powered vehicles.

The second phase is expected to take effect in 2007. These standards would cut NOx emissions from both large and small trucks by 75-90 percent beyond the first phase. The second phase will reduce particulate matter emissions an additional 80-90 percent. The EPA is also planning a 90 percent reduction in diesel sulfur content from the current 500 parts per million level.

The EPA is also calling for changes in the definition of light-duty trucks in order to expand the universe of vehicles subject to stricter standards under Tier 2 rules.

The proposed change would create a new category called "heavy light-duty trucks" and would include vehicles weighing 8,500 - 10,000 pounds. The category would include larger sport utility vehicles but exclude vehicles designed for legitimate work purposes, like large pickup trucks, passenger vans and cargo vans. The EPA would hold heavy light-duty trucks to the same standards as light-duty trucks with gross vehicle weight that approaches 8,500 lbs.

The EPA is also planning a fuel-neutral program in which diesel vehicles would have to meet the same standards as those that run on gasoline. The agency expects cleaner diesel fuel will help trucks meet new tailpipe standards.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind, serving more than 13,000 businesses and approximately 70,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. Additional information about ASA, including past news releases, is available on the ASA Web Site on the Internet (http://www.asashop.org).