Particulate Matter Regulation and Implications for the Diesel Engine

Responding to public health concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency has promulgated a standard regarding the quantity of fine particulate matter (PM) in the air. Diesel engines produce much of the mobile-source PM. This paper examines the public policy implications of the particulate matter standard for onroad diesel engines, such as those found in commercial tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles. Diesel engines used in other applications will not be specifically addressed.