March 26, 2008 - Supermarket chain Raley's has equipped a portion of its diesel truck fleet with new tailpipe exhaust filters that can significantly reduce smog-forming emissions, the Sacramento Bee reports. The tailpipe exhaust systems, installed five months ago, have cut average emissions of nitrous oxide (NOx) by 84%, according to the company.

The patented technology is currently being verified by the California Air Resources Board. If approved, says Raley's marketing director Marty Lassen, the systems "will literally give a new lease on life to many older trucks that are capable of providing ongoing service" but can't meet the California's new diesel emissions standards, slated to take effect in 2010.