Industry gears up for diesel fuel

Scott Reeder

Thursday, March 25, 1999 | 11:17 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Some diesel trucks and construction equipment may have to undergo smog checks, just as gasoline-powered vehicles do now.

Legislation to require this was introduced Wednesday into the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

"We believe that diesel engines pose a significant problem when it comes to pollution in Southern Nevada," said Betsy Fretwell, a lobbyist for the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority.

The authority, which is composed of representatives of local governments, business, labor and other interests, was formed during the last legislative session to advise on how to deal with growth in Southern Nevada. This is one of the legislative proposals developed by the group.

A 1996 Clark County study found that while diesel vehicles only account for 2 percent of the vehicles in Clark County, diesel engines account for 50 percent of the engine-generated particulate matter pollution in the area.

Fretwell said in light of concerns expressed by the construction and trucking industries, there will likely be discussions to modify Senate Bill 432 so that it is more acceptable to all parties involved.

"This bill would put Clark County truckers at a disadvantage," said Peter Krueger, a lobbyist for the Nevada Petroleum Marketers Association. "Trucks in neighboring states and even neighboring counties wouldn't have to undergo these emissions tests. That's who Clark County truckers are competing against."

Krueger said his association is not opposed to the concept of having diesel construction equipment being tested for their emission quality if a fair standard can be established.

"Our problem with that part of the bill is that Clark County would determine what the emission standards will be for off-the-road construction equipment," Krueger said. "The Environmental Protection Agency hasn't even determined a standard for this type of equipment. We doubt very much that Clark County has the professional expertise to develop these standards."