EPA Proposes First Onboard Diagnostic Systems for New Large Trucks and Buses

[The Straight Story]

EPA Proposes First Onboard Diagnostic Systems for New Large Trucks and Buses

Release date: 12/13/2006

Contact Information: John Millett, [phone] / [e-mail]

(12/13/06) For the first time, EPA is proposing to require the emissions control systems of large diesel and gasoline highway trucks and buses to be monitored similarly to passenger cars. EPA's proposed regulation for onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems for large trucks and buses would help ensure that emissions control systems work properly for the useful life of heavy-duty on-road vehicles.

Onboard diagnostic systems, used in passenger vehicles since the mid-1990s, monitor emissions control components, detect need for emission-related repairs, and alert the vehicle's operator of these problems. They also help inform service technicians what problem exists so that it can be repaired properly. The OBD systems for highway trucks will work the same way.

The proposed requirements are part of the Clean Diesel Truck and Bus Program, which will result in significant reductions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, non-methane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and air toxics from diesel-powered vehicles. These emission reductions will prevent 8,300 premature deaths, more than 9,500 hospitalizations, and 1.5 million lost work days.

The proposal also makes changes to certain existing OBD requirements for smaller highway diesel trucks.

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/7c02ca8c86062a0f85257018004118a6/f422b2cff46554da85257243006323d4!OpenDocument

[jody]

1. Super idea and add a data link to DOT so it can impose a fine every time

a truck violates pollution limits. Also impose a fine for every minute an on-board truck monitoring system is disabled.

There's no end to how we can use intrusive electronics and communication technology to monitor business and individuals.

We could require a gps system to every car and automatically issue parking tickets if a car violates some parking ordinance or speeding tickets.

If the FBI can monitor cell phones, it should be easy to monitor trucks.