"Today's new clean diesel engines have been smoke-free for many years, but there are some trucks and buses on the road today that are in obvious need of repairs. It's time that government, industry and responsible diesel truck and bus operators work together to get these gross emitters to the repair shop or off the road," said DTF executive director Allen Schaeffer, adding that the elimination of excessive smoke will put more money in the pockets of vehicle operators and cleaner air in our neighborhoods.
The campaign will provide resources and information tools for industry, state governments, and elected officials to learn more about smoke emissions, existing regulations and the proper maintenance of diesel vehicles.
Currently, there are 17 states, and two Canadian provinces with modern, smoke testing inspection programs in place: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, British Columbia and Ontario.
DTF sent smoke-testing letters to state governors, leaders in the state legislature and environmental commissioners in each of the 33 targeted states and the District of Columbia.