Washington, DC - A new economic report predicts that the clean diesel industry will expand in the coming years as more efficient automobiles and trucks are needed to meet the federal government's new fuel efficiency standards.
The report -"Diesel Powers the U.S. Economy: Providing High-Paying Jobs, Exports and Long-Term Productivity Gains in the Nation's Fundamental Sectors" - was researched by Aspen Environmental Group and M.Cubed for the Diesel Technology Forum and was unveiled during a press conference on September 28th at the National Press Club in Washington, DC
The report also found the diesel industry contributes more than $480 billion annually to the U.S. economy, provides more than 1.25 million jobs, and supplies a substantial export-to-value ratio five times higher than the national average. The study evaluated the direct contribution of clean diesel engine and equipment manufacturing and fuel refining to the economy as well as the indirect contributions and influence of diesel technology on 16 diesel-reliant sectors of the economy.
As Policymakers Look To Promote Cleaner, More Fuel Efficient Technologies,
Diesel's Use Will Grow
According to the report: "As policymakers look to promote cleaner, more fuel efficient technologies, its use will grow along with other competitive alternatives. National fuel economy standards for cars and light-duty trucks beginning in 2017 are expected to be met in part by an increasing number of clean diesel passenger vehicle choices.
"Similarly, first-ever fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks and buses beginning in 2014 will drive further innovation and efficiency gains in diesel technology as a key compliance strategy."
"Diesel Industry Is Vital to America's Economic Recovery and Growth"
"Diesel is a major economic factor and job creator in the U.S. economy and is vital to America's economic recovery and growth," said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "Diesel not only provides jobs in the manufacturing and refining industries, it provides equipment and engines to our agricultural, mining and construction industries, and transports virtually every commodity available to American consumers.
"Diesel is a technology and an industry that is largely home grown, highly successful, and provides good paying jobs that exemplifies U.S. innovation and technological advancements. The clean diesel industry also manufacturers and supplies the energy efficient, low-emissions products that are not merely aspirations of the future, but highly valued exports that are sought after today by nations in all regions of the world.
"Diesel is the prime fuel for transporting freight, powering tractors, building roads, and meeting critically important demand for emergency services and national defense. More than 80 percent of products exported from and imported to the U.S. are moved using diesel technology and about 75 percent of the fossil-fueled equipment used in construction, mining and agriculture are diesel-powered."
"Diesel Technology Industries Are an Export Powerhouse"
"Several aspects about diesel are striking," said Dr. Richard McCann of Aspen Environmental Group, who was the report's prime author. "First, the economic value produced per job is twice the national average, and as a result wages are 60 percent higher. The industry is a prime source of good-paying jobs.
"Second, diesel technology is ubiquitous. It probably touches even more transactions and activities than electricity. That technology influence multiplies through the economy-$1 earned on diesel technology enables another $4.50 of added value elsewhere in the economy.
"And third, diesel technology industries are an export powerhouse that generates five times more exports from industry output than the national average. Most diesel technologies require sophisticated processes using a well-trained labor force. Diesel products are often built to customer specs. These jobs cannot be easily ‘off-shored.'"
- Diesel Powers Extractive Industries: Over 60 percent of mining and fuel production equipment is diesel-powered. The nation gets 93 percent of its energy from mined sources, such as petroleum, natural gas, coal and uranium.
- Construction Relies on Diesel: Diesel is the dominant fuel source, powering 60 percent of construction equipment and using 98 percent of all energy.