Caterpillar must invest heavily in research and development as emissions limits for existing regulations become more stringent and new regulations are introduced. Green house gas (GHG) legislation and revisions to the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) are examples of Federal actions that may challenge engine manufacturers and owners and operators in the future.
Complicating the regulatory landscape, many States have enacted or proposed to enact new regulations. These regulations not only impact engine manufactures, but also owners and operators of existing engines and equipment. While states are “preempted” by the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) from setting emissions limits for mobile engines, most conventional and unconventional petroleum related activities require local permitting. Through the permitting process, states may limit maximum release of various criteria and HAP pollutants that result from activities such as drilling, well service, and compression sites.
Caterpillar employees work hard to stay abreast of the latest Federal and State regulations to ensure our products are capable of maintaining compliance and meeting customers needs. With that said, early identification of new and emerging regulations help to ensure our development efforts and support services meet the needs of our dealers and end users. In some cases it’s our customers who make us aware of regional regulations as they come to us with questions about a local news story or a local air quality board meeting.
I’d like to encourage our blog readers to stay informed, get involved, and to share your experiences addressing engine exhaust emissions issues. So, are you aware of any state or regional level regulatory activities that impact your business opportunities? Have you had challenges with your local permitting process? Please share your experiences, offer advice, and post questions or offer answers to others questions.
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