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EPA Officials Available to Highlight Local Impacts of New Clean Air Diesel Rule

Release Date: 5/11/2004
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Donald Welsh and the region=s Air Protection Division Director Judy Katz are available today for interviews to highlight the local impacts of a major rule being signed this morning that will greatly reduce diesel pollution.

At a ceremony in Washington, D.C., EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt today will be joined by key environmental groups and industry representatives as he signs a rule to cut emission levels from construction, agricultural and industrial diesel-powered equipment by more than 90 percent. The new rule will also remove 99 percent of the sulfur in diesel fuel by 2010, resulting in dramatic reductions in soot from all diesel engines. The program is projected to have major health benefits, including the prevention of up to 12,000 premature deaths and hundreds of thousands of incidences of respiratory problems each year.

Mr. Welsh and Ms. Katz can be reached for interviews this morning and this afternoon to discuss the area impacts of the new rule. Please contact Bonnie Smith at 215-814-5543 to arrange individual interviews.