PEORIA, Ill — Caterpillar has announced it supports legislation in the U.S. Senate that will improve the availability of clean-diesel emissions technology for older vehicles.

In a press release, Caterpillar said the lead sponsor for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005 is Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio). Other sponsors of the bipartisan bill include Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Delaware), Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) and Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia).

The legislation proposes $1 billion in funding over five years in the form of grant and loan programs for states and other organizations looking to take part in retrofit opportunities for diesel-powered machines and engines. In addition to bipartisan support in Congress, the diesel industry is working with environmental groups to build support for the proposal.

“This national retrofit legislation is another important component of the emissions reduction effort that will provide Caterpillar customers a more consistent national approach to retrofitting machines and engines,” said Jim Parker, Caterpillar vice-president of the Power Systems Marketing Division. “As more of our customers bid on projects that include emissions requirements, this bill will help them to remain competitive and grow their businesses.”

“The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005 is a good example of common sense legislation that is winning support from industry and non-governmental organizations that are working together on retrofit activities as a viable solution for reducing emissions in older diesel engines,” said Fred Krupp, president, Environmental Defense.