EU asks member countries to reduce diesel emissions

The European Union has urged its 27 member states to considerably reduce diesel emissions in order to solve the region’s air pollution problem.

Diesel-powered vehicles got the attention of the EU last year when the World Health Organization linked diesel exhaust fumes to cases of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in human beings.

Furthermore, a recent study revealed that most of the EU’s member states do not respect the air pollution norms that were imposed in the late 1990s. This is why the EU will propose several different ways to improve air quality later this year. Although a lot of the proposals will seek to limit tailpipe emissions of new diesel-powered passenger cars, lawmakers also want to instate stricter annual emissions testing for all diesel-powered vehicles, regardless of age and size.

Diesel-powered cars are very common in Europe because goverments have directly and indirectly subsidized them for decades. In France, diesel fuel is taxed significantly less than unleaded gasoline and it can be up to €0.20 cheaper per liter than even low-grade gasoline. Around 80 percent of new cars and light commercial vehicles sold in France are powered by diesel engines.

To solve this pollution problem, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has urged governments to terminate all subsidies for diesel engines.

Via LeftLane News