The federal government said last week that it plans to hold engine makers to an October 2002 emissions deadline, even though one engine manufacturer has said it won't have its engines ready by then.

According to published reports, the U.S. Department of Justice reiterated that intent during a public meeting last week. As part of the 1998 consent decree the government and the engine manufacturers signed in order to settle lawsuits - the same agreement that calls for the 2002 deadline - the government must hold at least one meeting a year to inform the public on the progress being made. During that meeting, held July 26, federal officials repeated the message of a letter they and the Environmental Protection Agency sent to engine manufacturers in June.
Tom Carroll, senior DOJ attorney, told reporters that all the engine makers are talking about complying with the deadline, and that he wasn't aware of any who were not trying. None of the engine makers sent representatives to the meeting.
Caterpillar announced in March it would not launch its new engines until the fourth quarter of 2003. Unlike other engine makers, Caterpillar is not using exhaust gas recirculation to meet the new standards, but has developed what it calls Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology, or ACERT.
The government can fine engine makers for each engine produced after the October 2002 deadline that doesn't meet the standards. However, engine companies can minimize those penalties by producing engines that are cleaner-burning than now required by law.