"EPA Toxics Report Sparks Fight Over Diesel Emissions"

"A U.S. EPA report suggesting that Americans have significantly higher cancer risks because of toxic emissions from motor vehicles has reopened the debate over dangers posed by outdated diesel engines.

At issue is the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA). Released Friday, the report draws on 2005 data to examine potential health risks from airborne toxics and concludes that vehicle emissions -- including diesel exhaust -- pose significant health risks.

EPA's findings have raised tensions between environmentalists who say cancer risks posed by diesel exhaust is three times greater than risks from other airborne toxics and industry groups that maintain new diesel engines are among the cleanest on the road and diesel emissions are already heavily regulated.

Both sides agree, however, that more needs to be done to address the 11 million or so old diesel engines still in use."

Jeremy P. Jacobs reports for Greenwire March 17, 2011.