No more diesels in California

[Matt Timion]

I just heard on the radio that the California Legislature just banned the sale of newer diesel vehicles. Apparently the last year you can buy a diesel in California is 2005.

Has anyone else heard this?

Thoughts?

[95metro]

Yeah, I had heard something like this. Wasn't this part of the reason why VW is dumping their entire diesel line for 2007 (at least for the USA, I'm not certain if Canada was included in that).

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...605280708/1014

Apparently it is because of the NOx emissions, but I can't imagine that the diesels are so much higher than gas. Of course, they do suck in a lot more air so there would be more nitrogen oxides for the cats to convert.

Has anybody looked up the emissions difference between gas and diesel engines? I'm curious now so I guess I will.

EDIT: Found a good article on the first hit:

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/0...ne-article.htm

As an afterthought - kind of stupid to be killing diesels when SUVs are still being considered as "trucks" and not subjected to strict pollution laws. Diesel cars are being judged, but VW can still sell the Toureg because it's an SUV. It probably pollutes as much as 3 or 4 diesel Jettas combined.

[SVOboy]

i think part of the diesel hate is the worthless sulfur standards on the gas, which bush relaxed during katrina to make diesel easier to produce...

anyway, honda has totally redesigned the diesel engine with clean in mind, and you know they're serious, because the japanese HATE diesel, it's gotten such a bad rap in that country for decades, so for honda to pitch this engine it must be something special.

[GasSavers_nkawtg]

Let's hope California gets a clue and lifts the Diesel ban. Diesels are much cleaner than the past, and getting cleaner every day.

[GasSavers_SD26]

Originally Posted by nkawtg

Let's hope California gets a clue...

[Big Dave]

According to the EPA's emissions bible - Publication AP-42:

Diesels emit more particulate and NOx per HP-hr than gas engines
Gas engines emit more VOC and carbon monoxide than diesels

If carbon dioxide matters to you, gas engines emit more carbon dioxide per HP-hr

Beware of EPA.gov. It is perennially infested with viruses.

[theholycow]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Beware of EPA.gov. It is perennially infested with viruses.

[kamesama980]

yay california. the least thought per vote in the country.

[samasaurus]

I may be wrong but I read or hear that California is going to start selling diesel cars again.

[Big Dave]

CA is 20% of the US car market. If they fail to rescind this nonsense, nobody will import for an 80% market encumbered by Tier II (no better MPG than gas-pigs) and diesel fuel costing 80 cents a gallon more than RUG.

Why bother?