TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: Motorists wanting to buy an environmentally friendly car should choose a diesel model and forgo energy-draining luxuries such as air conditioning, according to a UK government campaign that ranks vehicles according to their carbon emissions. The UK Department for Transport is making an unprecedented intervention into the new car market today by telling drivers which are the “greenest” models in each class. Four of the five cars chosen to launch the campaign are diesel-powered. The only petrol car is the Toyota Prius hybrid. The campaign’s underlying message is that a diesel car is the best option to help to save the planet, unless you can afford a hybrid. A diesel car will typically travel at least 20 per cent farther for the same amount of fuel as a similar-sized petrol car. (Source: The Times of London - http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article2169884.ece).

In today’s show, Carolyn and Irv get all the dirt on diesel and it’s a lot cleaner than you think. Their guest, Michael Roach, the founder of CleanAIR Systems, a technology-based corporation that manufactures emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for vehicles such as construction equipment and buses, as well as for industrial generators and power plants.

Resources

CleanAIR Systems (www.cleanairsys.com), a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for vehicles such as construction equipment and buses, as well as for industrial generators and power plants. Videos showing their emissions control products in use, as well as several animations explaining how the technology works:

CleanAir Systems on You Tube
http://youtube.com/CleanAIRSystemsInc

The CleanAIR AirZone Blog
CleanAir System’s onsite blog publishes the latest information on air pollution, clean energy and emissions control technology. Much of the information they publish comes directly from the Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and industry sources. Below are two entries that should be of help in understanding today’s state of emissions control.
http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/index.htm

“What About Diesels?” This blog entry offers an example of how the auto industry in the U.S. has attempted to side track the development of the clean diesel vehicle (and sometimes offer misleading information) even though the American public is asking for this technology. The linked sources at the end of the entry are very helpful for further research. http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2007/07/what-about-diesels.html#links

New Report by EPA Details Cost-Effectiveness of Diesel Retrofits http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2007/07/new-report-by-epa-details-cost.html

Washington State University Extension Energy Program:

Diesel Particulate Matter Emission Reduction Measures

A short paper written in layman’s language offering a synopsis on diesel particulate pollution and measures being used to decrease emissions. http://www.energy.wsu.edu/documents/renewables/DieselPMEmissionReductionMeasures.pdf

Forbes Autos: “Modern diesels are an especially logical choice for a comeback, now that fuel efficiency is on the radars of U.S. consumers.” Fuel-efficient diesels dominate today’s European market, and German automakers are preparing to launch a host of so-called “50-state” diesels sellable in the entire U.S. market, starting next year. http://www.forbesautos.com/news/headlines/2007/july/fdc071307-ten-cars-not-in-us.html

Intro and Outtro Music:
A special thanks to Kevin Hays for his song “What Survives” off the Kevin Hays Trio CD. PLEASE, if like this music, check him out at KevinHays.com