More than 300 manufacturers, researchers, state and federal regulators, environmentalists and health experts are attending the U.S. Department of Energy’s Diesel Engine Emissions-Reduction Workshop Aug. 5-9 in Portsmouth, Va.

The forum is reviewing the status of technologies being developed to make diesel engines as low in emissions as gasoline-powered vehicles. Among this year’s forum highlights are:

• David Garman, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, delivered the keynote address at the opening session Aug. 5.

• An in-depth look at health and environmental issues.

• The international community has been invited to participate in the forum for the first time, with presentations by Volkswagen and Sweden’s Ecotraffic ERD.

• Ride-and-drives of a new Dodge Durango and a new Dodge Ram that DaimlerChrysler has equipped with advanced clean diesel-powered engines from Cummins and Detroit Diesel.

• A modular refueling station developed by Ford to showcase a unique dual-fueling capability to reduce emissions.

• A panel of environmentalists debate the pros and cons of “state of the art” diesel engines.

Topics being covered include diesel engine policy, advances in emissions reductions technologies, diesel fuel and lube oils, health-effects related issues and environmental concerns.
Major workshop presenters include Ford, General Motors, Caterpillar, Cummins, Delphi, John Deere, Mack Trucks, International, Englehard, Honeywell, Exxon, and NoxTech, as well as regulatory agencies from California and New York.