Abstract:

Reducing diesel truck emissions, particularly in the most heavily burdened communities, is a pressing policy issue in New York City. Overall NOx and PM2.5 emissions have declined as new trucks are equipped with emission control systems to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. This emissions and health impacts analyses uses real-world data, reflecting the gap between certified and on-road diesel truck emissions. The study finds that older diesel trucks are responsible for a large share of total emissions and resulting premature mortalities. Pre[1]2007 engine model year (MY) trucks make up 6%–10% of the fleet but contribute 64%–83% of diesel truck tailpipe PM2.5 emissions. These results highlight the importance of diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which became near universal starting with 2007 engine MY trucks due to a tightening of federal emission regulations.