On Thursday, May 13, 2004, at 06:27 US/Pacific, David Brodbeck wrote:

> On Wed, 12 May 2004, Robert Fisher wrote:
>
>> I'm curious about this diesel ban in California I keep reading about
>> on
>> here. I haven't looked _real_ hard yet, but the only thing I seen
>> thus far
>> has to with a air-quality authority in SoCal that tried to force
>> owner of
>> larger fleets (15 or more) to buy alternative fuel vehicles in a
>> regulation
>> that, by its wording, prohibited diesel engines, etc.
>
> My understanding is that it's simply not possible for diesel cars to
> meet
> the current California air quality standards using the high-sulfur fuel
> currently sold in the U.S.  When low-sulfur fuel is available, then
> diesels will be able to meet the regs.

That is what I understood too.  The regs are strict but the VW Tdi
could meet them- until the cat was poisoned by the "low sulpher" fuel
presently produced.

As far as diesels still polluting too much, those EPA and clean cities
studies still have not looked at the best performing modern direct
injection diesels.  European studies show diesel running dual Cats on
ultra low sulphur fuel comparable to gas vehicles in Nox, particulate
filters are also being tried.  There are clear global warming
advantages too.  It's hard to argue with the best performing Hybrid
Gas-Electric cars on the basis of just what comes out the tail pipe,
but taken as a whole, from the well head to the tail pipe in total
"environmental load", modern diesels are very competive given the
inherent economy and long life.  The ability to use renewable  bio
fuels and thus contribute zero to global warming tips the balance.
Biofuels don't have to come from subsidized soybeans.  Waste oils can
provide some- but biomass farms can provide ALL the diesel fuel needs
of the US.  Don't say it can't be done-- it has never been  given a
real trial, and unlikely will under the current administration.

Edward Lowe
Seattle, WA
82 Westy Diesel upgraded to 1.9lt. Turbo
85 Golf Diesel 1.6lt NA
92 Cabrio 1.8lt gas
97 Passat Tdi