PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Providence is doing its part to fight pollution by reducing diesel emissions at construction sites.
The city council on July 16 passed an ordinance that requires contractors at city-funded construction projects that cost $2 million or more to retrofit diesel vehicles with emission control devices that reduce pollution at least by 25 percent.
It also requires the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, and as of Jan. 1, 2014, prohibits the use of diesel vehicles made before 1994.
Failure to comply could lead to penalties of up to $25,000. The ordinance was proposed by Councilman Seth Yurdin.
The trade group Construction Industries of Rhode Island had objected to the new rules.
The rules take effect in January.
