In an unusual collaboration, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a statement agreeing that curbing pollution from diesel-powered non-road vehicles and equipment should be a top environmental priority. “I am pleased to begin this collaborative effort with the Office of Management and Budget to address one of the important sources of fine particulates and other pollution in most metropolitan areas,” said Jeff Holmstead, Assistant Administrator for the EPA OAR. “Other than the President’s Clear Skies Initiative for power plants, taking action to reduce non-road diesel emissions is probably the most important step we can take to improve air quality throughout the country.” The proposal being developed will evaluate not only new emission control devices that would be required for new engines, but also the reductions in sulfur levels that are likely to be needed to enable the control systems to operate effectively. This comprehensive systems approach is similar to that taken for the heavy-duty diesel highway rule for trucks and buses that takes effect in the 2006-2007 timeframe. EPA plans to publish a formal proposal for public comment early next year.