On June 1, 2007, the nation’s refineries began producing low sulfur diesel fuel for use in off-road equipment. The new fuel will then wind its way through the distribution system and by December 1, 2007, farm equipment will switch to diesel containing nearly 85% less sulfur. This new off-road fuel has a sulfur content of 500 parts per million, reduced from approximately 3,000 parts per million in the previous blend.

By 2010, sulfur levels in most non-road diesel fuel will be reduced to 15 parts per million, making it possible for engine manufacturers to use advanced exhaust control systems that significantly reduce emissions.

Farms and ranches use diesel to power two-thirds of all agricultural equipment – almost $19 billion worth of tractors, combines, irrigation pumps and other farm equipment.

"Diesel engines are the workhorse of the American economy, offering an unmatched range of performance and economic advantages over other forms of energy, including more power, greater energy efficiency, increased safety, better durability and suitability for very large applications," says Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "This new off-road fuel, combined with innovative engine technology, will dramatically reduce diesel emissions, with far-reaching clean air benefits. The diesel industry is committed to being a part of the clean air solution without sacrificing the power, reliability, maintenance, and fuel economy of modern diesel equipment."

For more information, visit www.dieselforum.org.

On June 1, 2007, the nation’s refineries began producing low sulfur diesel fuel for use in off-road equipment. The new fuel will then wind its way through the distribution system and by December 1, 2007, farm equipment will switch to diesel containing nearly 85% less sulfur. This new off-road fuel has a sulfur content of 500 parts per million, reduced from approximately 3,000 parts per million in the previous blend.