In public testimony June 12, 2003, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it supports the “clean air” goals of proposed EPA “Tier 4” off-road diesel engine emissions regulations, but that EPA needs to more fully address several critical issues, including the technological feasibility and economic impact of the rule as well as adequate timeframes for adoption. AEM made its comments at a June 12 EPA public hearing held in Chicago, IL.

The association also urged EPA to ensure that U.S. diesel engine emission regulations are in alignment with international requirements manufacturers must comply with in markets including the European Union and Japan. This global regulatory approach should also extend to guaranteeing adequate availability of the high quality, low sulfur fuel which the new engines will require.

“Off-road equipment is very different than on-road vehicles, and it’s imperative that the enormous costs and time requirements involved with compliance be taken into account,” stated AEM Chairman Ron DeFeo, Chairman and CEO of Terex Corp. Westport, Connecticut. “In addition to large multinational firms, our industry has a substantial number of small and medium-size companies with more limited resources. And many firms, large and small, operate in the global economy either by exporting or with company assembly operations in other countries.”

AEM represents manufacturers of construction and agriculture-related equipment, products and services. The association notes that nearly 90 percent of such non-road machinery is diesel-powered, and because of this demand, member companies have been leaders in adopting clean diesel technology to promote environmental improvement.