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THE NATIONAL
CLEAN BUS NETWORK
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REGULATION
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In 1970 the US
Government passed the Clean Air Act to force the automotive
industry to develop cleaner automobiles. Born of this regulation
was the catalytic converter, which significantly improved
automobile emissions to make the air cleaner. In 1990 the Congress
passed amendments to the Clean Air Act to grant states flexibility
in meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards. A Plain English
Guide to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments is available here.
National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Since 1970 the
Environmental Protection Agency has set national standards for air
quality. States are responsible for meeting these standards so
that every citizen breathes the same clean air. If states fail to
meet these standards for areas in non-attainment over a given time
period, the state may lose federal transportation funding. The
Clean Air Act allows states the flexibility to create plans,
programs and initiatives to meet the NAAQS.
Engine
Certification and Diesel Fuel Standards
The Environmental
Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act has the authority to
regulate engine manufacturers to produce clean-burning engines. To
meet upcoming MY 2007 standards, diesel-powered vehicles will need
to use a combination of cleaner fuel and after-treatment devices.
Engines powered by inherently cleaner-burning fuels like natural
gas or biodiesel may also require the use of after-treatment
devices. Meeting new standards for nitrogen oxide emissions will
be difficult, but engine manufacturers are optimistic that the
technology will be ready in time for deployment.
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