Diesel debate

Bill would mandate state contractors to retrofit diesel vehicles for pollution reduction

BOSTON. Advocates from around Massachusetts will push legislation today that would mandate the majority of heavy-duty diesel vehicles operated or contracted by the state be retrofitted for diesel pollution reduction by the end of 2010.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jack Hart, D-Boston, and Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, D-Springfield, would also create a new multi-million dollar fund that private construction companies could apply for to retrofit their diesel fuel vehicles. Garbage trucks and recycling collection vehicles would also be targeted for retrofits.

The Joint Committee on the Environment will hear testimony on the bill today.
Sam Krasnow, an attorney and policy advocate for Environment Northeast, said yesterday diesel pollution is a major health risk, especially in urban areas where asthma rates are “off the charts.”

“Diesel pollution is one of the largest health problems in the state,” Krasnow said by phone. Krasnow, who will testify today, added that every year, such pollution accounts for 450 premature deaths, 10,000 asthma cases and 60,000 work days lost in Massachusetts.

In December, the state agreed to spend $22.5 million to retrofit every school bus and regional transit bus with filters to dramatically reduce diesel fuel emissions by Sept. 30, 2010. Under that deal, the state set forth $250,000 for the MBTA to perform the testing and installation of new locomotive diesel oxidation catalysts on T commuter rain trains.

The T has already started using ultra low-sulfer diesel for more than three years, and currently has 360 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and more than 300 Emission-Controlled Diesel (ECD) buses operating throughout the system.

The Boston Public schools have also conducted similar retofits of its bus fleet.
Krasnow said other states have taken the lead in this area, including New York and California, which has a similar fund for private companies.

“The opportunity is now,” he said. “Other states have done a lot already, and doing this would make us a national leader.”