The expansion of new construction programs for U.S. schools, roads, bridges and buildings in the “American Jobs Act” outlined by President Obama will require the efficient power provided by clean diesel engines and equipment, the Diesel Technology Forum said Friday, Sept. 9. Obama said his $447 billion jobs plan would include investments in road and highway construction.
“All of the construction and infrastructure projects outlined by President Obama could begin first thing tomorrow morning thanks to the power, reliability and efficiency of America’s clean diesel engines and equipment,” says Allen Schaeffer, DTF executive director. “After more than a decade of research and development, and billions in investments in cleaner fuels, advanced engines and emissions controls, the new generation of diesel technology is now at the forefront of the cleanest and most energy-efficient technologies available.”
Schaeffer says America’s diesel manufacturers are ready and able to meet the challenge to rebuild the nation. “Diesel engines and equipment have been the technology of choice for building and expanding America’s infrastructure for decades, and we have state-of-the-art equipment available right now to accomplish this ambitious national proposal,” he says. “And these can be green construction projects as well, thanks to the new generation (Tier 4) of clean diesel technology machines and equipment, the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuels and the use of advanced emissions controls. Use of high-quality renewable and biodiesel fuels adds yet another green component.”
Schaeffer says 94 percent of all global trade today is powered by diesel engines. “The entire global trade network relies on diesel trucks, ships, railroads and vehicles to survive and grow,” he says. “In the United States, over 95 percent of commercial trucks are diesel-powered. Virtually everything sold in America gets to market by diesel trucks. From earthmoving to e-commerce, clean diesel power enables the efficient movement of goods and people and the building of our homes, schools and infrastructure. And more than two-thirds of all construction, mining and farm equipment are diesel-powered.”
