AIR POLLUTION EVENTS IN HISTORY
2000s

2000: EPA passes new rule for diesel, capping sulfur levels in diesel fuel at 15 parts per million by 2007.

2001: Biodiesel (B100) designated an alternative fuel by DOE, and added to Epact.

2002: DOE announces the Freedom CAR Program—a Federal/private industry project with Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler to fund research into advanced Hydrogen technologies, such as Fuel Cell development.

2003: EPA proposes new non-road diesel emissions reduction plan.

2004: The EPA Tier II new vehicle emission regulations take effect, reducing smog-forming emissions by over 99% compared to pre-control levels.

2004: California Low Emission Vehicle-2 program takes effect.

2004: DOE launches a series of Hydrogen Education Workshops in Lansing, Mi—the first of six. These events are designed to educate State governments on Hydrogen Power—“The Promise, The Challenge”.

2004: DOE releases long-term Hydrogen research plan

2004: California ARB reports that pollution in the Los Angles area (considered by the State to be the most seriously polluted region in the US) has dropped by 25% since 1980, and that exposure to LA smog has decreased by 50%.