Sen. Carper Statement on World Health Organization Designation of Diesel Exhaust as a Carcinogen

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air and co-author of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, reacted to the decision by the World Health Organization to classify diesel engine exhaust as a carcinogen. His full statement follows:

“The World Health Organization’s decision to classify diesel engine exhaust as a carcinogen is yet another reason why we need to clean up our dirty diesel engines. Millions of diesel engines in use today rely on outdated technology that emits deadly exhaust that is harmful to public health and our environment. Unfortunately, these old diesel engines are expected to remain in use for decades to come. Fortunately, we have the technology to reduce these toxic emissions by at least 90%. Retrofitting older diesel engines with American-made technology can dramatically reduce diesel emissions, protecting our health and environment while creating jobs here at home. That is why I have been a long time supporter of diesel engine clean-up programs – such as legislation I co-authored, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, and the Clean Construction provision that I authored that is included in the Senate-passed transportation bill. The World Health Organization’s decision underscores the urgent need to address dirty diesel engines through retrofitting clean-up. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Obama Administration to ensure that common sense programs like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act and Clean Construction are funded now and into the future.”