EPA certifies Cat engines

PEORIA, Ill. (Sept. 30, 2002) — Caterpillar last week received conditional certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sell on-highway truck engines made to comply with new federal emissions standards that take effect Oct. 1.

However, the engines still will not meet emissions targets and will be subject to fines of $3,647 to $12,210 each. Cat has said it will not pass the fines on to its customers.

The EPA certification allows the sale of Caterpillar engines in 49 states and Canada with no restrictions for customers who purchase the engines. With this EPA action, Caterpillar now expects the state of California to complete the certification of engines by the California Air Resources Board.

Caterpillar engines produced after today will be similar to the company’s current engines, but with some elements of Caterpillar’s Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology, or ACERT. Engines with full ACERT technology will be commercially available starting in January.

Engines with full ACERT technology will be commercially available beginning early next year.