"More than 50,000 high-polluting diesel engines have been cleaned up or removed from U.S. roads in a federal program designed to reduce smog and greenhouse gases, according to a new Environmental Protection Agency report to Congress. While industry and environmental officials call the program a landmark success, it is now threatened with a 70 percent cut in funding under the Obama Administration’s new budget."

"About 230,000 tons of soot and smog-causing pollutants and more than two million tons of carbon dioxide were eliminated, according to the report. In addition, 205 million gallons of fuel were saved. 'There are not too many government programs investing in energy efficiency and human health that can demonstrate this success,' said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, which represents diesel engine manufacturers. Diane Bailey of the NRDC said the diesel industry "has come a long way. It would be really disappointing to see the program funding slashed when it’s been so successful on all accounts.' "

Brian Bienkowski reports for Environmental Health News May 1, 2013. [2]