March 17, 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved stricter emission standards for diesel locomotive and marine engines. The new standards aim to cut particulate pollution from diesel engines by 90% and smog-forming oxides of nitrogen by 80%.

EPA cited health concerns as the driving force behind the new regulation. "These engines are a major source of smog-forming pollution and the extensive emission cuts will help communities across the nation achieve the new ozone health standard," the agency said last week. "The health benefits of this rule will outweigh the costs by 15 to 1." 

The rule provides for clean air standards comparable to those that EPA has adopted for large diesel trucks and buses, and for construction, mining, and agricultural equipment.