Trucking environmental policy expert Allen Schaeffer has joined the issues management firm of Rowan & Blewitt, where he will work on a campaign to promote the diesel engine as the workhorse of American industry.

Schaeffer moved to the Herndon, VA, firm from American Trucking Associations, where he was vice president of environmental affairs.
His departure from ATA is another in a series of key personnel changes at the trade association in the wake of a decision to restructure. About the same time Schaeffer left, Rob Abbott, assistant director of safety policy, announced that he was resigning. Abbott has joined Transforce, a transportation staffing solutions firm, as director of quality control and training.
At ATA, Schaeffer played a key role in the trucking industry’s effort to reduce diesel engine emissions, modify the Clean Air Act, and overturn onerous clean air standards.
His work on behalf of diesels will continue at Rowan & Blewitt. He said he will work with the newly created Diesel Technology Forum to take the story of diesel power to legislators and policy makers.
The Forum does not intend to duplicate the work of other groups, but Schaeffer said he sees a lot of fragmentation in the debate about diesels right now – especially regarding the health effects of emissions.
“It is an opportunity to make a difference,” he said. “The diesel engine has done a lot for the industrialization of America – it’s future is bright.”
The Forum is sponsored by engine and component manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Delco Remy, Bosch, Donaldson, Eaton, ExxonMobil and General Motors.
At Transforce, Abbott will handle compliance with Department of Transportation safety rules, and develop safety programs and other services to attract trucking companies that want to outsource their compliance programs.
“Rob is a very knowledgeable, energetic and talented individual who will help Transforce remain in full compliance with federal regulations as we continue to experience rapid, dynamic growth,” said David Broome, president and chief executive officer of Transforce, Alexandria, VA.