Diesel-powered vehicles have long been efficient work horses in America and world wide. They will continue to play an economically critical role of moving people and goods. While new diesel engines are becoming cleaner, older diesels are highly polluting. They contribute significantly to respiratory diseases, cancer, heart disease, nervous system impairment and premature death¹.  According to published studies, people who work in and around diesel vehicles, those living close to diesel “hot spots,” children riding diesel school buses, and the elderlyare at greatest risk².

For these reasons, Ohio Green Fleets focuses particular attention on cleaning up and/or replacing diesel powered vehicles. Any individual cleanup action such as a retrofit device or cleaner fuel will make an impact. However, the greatest and most cost effective approach will be to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy, which we and others³ have called the “Six R’s of Diesel Cleanup.”

Reduce fuel use.

Refuel with cleaner fuels

Retrofit existing vehicles

Rebuild older diesel engines

Repower older diesel engines

Replace older diesels with newer engines