Cummins Inc. has announced its support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to develop a national low NOx (nitrogen oxides) rule for on-highway heavy-duty engines.
“Cummins has a long history of working with regulators to help develop tough, clear and enforceable standards that lead to a cleaner, healthier and safer environment,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at Cummins Inc. “We can and should do more to reduce NOx. This is an important step forward because a streamlined, national regulatory program brings consistency across the country allowing manufacturers to develop cleaner, more cost-effective solutions for our customers.”
The new Cleaner Trucks Initiative notice of proposed rulemaking is slated to be released in 2020. A number of state and local air agencies have petitioned for a new rulemaking, and the initiative enjoys widespread support from truck and engine makers. These standards were last revised in 2001 with full implementation by 2010.
Industry advocates have hailed the opportunity for regulations that are more effective and efficient and are urging regulations focused on achieving further real-world emission reductions. With appropriate lead time to refine and validate new technologies and ensure adoption, a new rulemaking will allow for significant improvements in NOx emissions.
The global environment and economy depend on diesel technology, which is the primary power source for many commercial vehicle applications. Cummins has an established commitment to continue to innovate diesel technologies. From 1990 to 2010, diesel emissions standards, primarily NOx and particulate matter, were reduced by more than 90 and 98 percent, respectively.
