Take Action Against Dirty Diesel Pollution

Alert: Your voice counts.

You can stop dirty diesel pollution. On Tuesday, January 14, the Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will vote on House Bill 1699, which would require pollution controls for dirty diesel engines that generate power for the electricity grid through demand response programs. HB 1699 would allow diesel units to continue participating in demand response programs — but only if they install commonsense pollution controls. The bill would protect public health from dangerous toxins and create greater opportunities for clean demand response. What's good about this bill: By requiring pollution controls, this bill would protect public health and limit dirty diesel pollution on some of the worst air quality days of the year. This bill will protect opportunities for energy efficiency and energy conservation in the demand response market. Who could be helped by this bill: Clean energy and conservation businesses will benefit by closing this loophole that currently benefits dirty diesel engines. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems will breathe easier with less pollution in the air. What could happen without this bill: Dirty diesel engines will continue to spew toxic air pollution and dominate the demand response generation market, making the air dirtier and reducing opportunities for clean demand response.           Take action! Background: Dirty diesel engines release three times more nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than the average coal plant, in addition to releasing toxic pollution like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and methanol. The number of diesel engines participating in demand response programs is growing, reducing opportunities for clean demand response such as energy conservation and energy efficiency.