The Philadelphia Diesel Difference Conference
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Friday, May 30, 2003

Overview
The recent release of EPA's estimated health risks from toxic emissions through the National Air Toxic Assessment (NATA) has placed the City of Philadelphia as 5th in the nation in health risks associated with air toxics.  Because there is much evidence indicating diesel emissions as a major contributing factor to these risks, on May 30, 2003, the City of Philadelphia, Department of Public Health, Air Management Services (AMS) hosted a full day kick-off conference for promoting voluntary emissions reductions from diesel vehicles.  The conference was attended by area diesel fleet operators, as well as representatives from diesel engine manufacturers, diesel fuel distributors, control technology manufacturers and governmental environmental agencies. Titled the Philadelphia Diesel Difference Conference, it was cosponsored by the Department of Public Health, and the U.S. EPA, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association and the American Lung Association.  Governor Christine Todd Whitman, Administrator for the U.S. EPA addressed the conference as well.

The conference marked the beginning of a regional initiative with the goal of bringing clean diesel technology to the Philadelphia area. As a focal point for advancing this initiative into the future, AMS established the Philadelphia Diesel Difference Working Group.  Organizations participating with AMS in this group include the Philadelphia Managing Director's Office, U.S. EPA, PaDEP, the Philadelphia Clean Air Council, and many others. 

Click here for a link to the Diesel Difference Website run by the Philadelphia Clean Air Council.