NSTA was one of four main sponsors last week at the inaugural "Clean Diesel '10" conference hosted by the EPA as attendees learned not just about National Clean Diesel Program benefits over the past decade but also specifically about greener school buses.

NSTA joined Caterpillar, Donaldson and Johnson Matthey as "Clean Air Leaders" during the two-day event on Oct. 19 and 29 in Washington, D.C., for federal, state and local officials as well as environmental, health and industry representatives. NSTA was represented by Donald Fowler, NSTA President; Bob Pudlewski, NSTA’s technology specialist; Rochelle Bast, a member of the NSTA Board of Directors; Gabe Rozsa of Prime Policy Group, NSTA’s Washington representative; and Dale Krapf, chairman of NSTA’s Go Yellow, Go Green Committee.

“The Diesel Emission Reduction Act and other Federal and state clean diesel programs have helped NSTA members across the country clean up their emissions, reduce idling times, and usher in new engine technologies, including with the purchase of 2010 standards school buses," said Fowler. "We look forward to being able to participate even more fully in the future.”

Krapf participated on a panel on policy and communications that looked at future policy initiatives that could make clean diesel programs more successful for the private industry. NSTA reported that he not only emphasized several legislative initiatives in the Diesel Emission Reduction Act reauthorization (increased and steady funding, direct access for the private sector, and streamlining the regulatory process), but also had the opportunity to call for the Investment Tax Credit for new equipment.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for NSTA and the yellow school bus industry to demonstrate our commitment to Clean Diesel efforts," said Krapf. "I was proud to represent NSTA and our leadership in this area.”

Derek Graham represented NASDPTS at the EPA conference, which also included presentations and exhibits by top government, environmental and health officials. Industry groups also reported on the significant progress the United States has made in the past 10 years to improve air quality through new clean diesel technology, including reducing school bus and other diesel emission by 96 percent from levels for buses made in 1994.