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Home / NEPMs Explained / Diesel NEPMReview of the Diesel NEPMAt its meeting in June 2007, NEPC accepted the Report on the Review of the National Environment Protection (Diesel Vehicle Emissions) Measure (published below) and its recommendations. NEPC has requested that a proposal for the scope, timeline and budget for varying the NEPM be prepared for its meeting in late 2007. If NEPC adopts the proposal, the formal process for varying a NEPM will begin. This process will include seeking public comment on a draft variation.
In June 2006, the NEPC initiated a review of the Diesel NEPM. The attached discussion paper was released by NEPC Committee to seek stakeholder input on the effectiveness of the NEPM, identify issues and where possible make recommendations for NEPC to consider.
Introduction to the Diesel Vehicle Emissions NEPMEnvironmental Impacts of Diesel Vehicle EmissionsEmissions from motor vehicles constitute the most significant source of urban air pollution in Australia. Continued annual growth in vehicle kilometres travelled and fuel consumption by the diesel fleet highlights this as an area of growing concern from the air quality perspective. The emissions of most interest in relation to diesel vehicles are oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and fine particles, (also known as fine particulates). NOx is a precursor to the formation of photochemical smog. There is also evidence that NOx reacts with other pollutants to form particles. Fine particles have been identified as a major health risk. The smaller the particle the greater the risk. Motor vehicles, particularly those with diesel engines, are significantly disproportionate contributors of fine particle pollution and oxides of nitrogen. Since 1996 diesel vehicle emission standards in the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) have placed limits on the emission of particles for new vehicles. Prior to 1996 diesel vehicles sold in Australia were required to meet a smoke opacity standard. Australia is currently developing legislation to amend its Australian Design Rules for diesel vehicle emissions that will bring about the introduction of Euro II, Euro III and Euro IV standards. Analysis of the Australian diesel fleet commissioned as one of the diesel emissions preparatory projects for this NEPM shows that diesel vehicles are increasing as a proportion of the total fleet. In 1995 diesel vehicles comprised 8.3% of the fleet and this will increase to 15% by 2015. Over this time diesel vehicle travel in metropolitan areas is expected to increase by 146%. The age structure of the fleet shows that older vehicles up to 16 years of age continue to significantly contribute to the total distance travelled in metropolitan areas. This implies that vehicles built to older emission standards will continue to play a significant role in fleet emissions. Action by NEPCOn 29 June 2001, National Environment Protection Council (NEPC), made the National Environment Protection (Diesel Vehicle Emissions) Measure. The purpose of this Measure is to provide a framework for the management of emissions from the in-service diesel fleet. It is designed to facilitate compliance with in-service emissions standards developed in conjunction with the National Road Transport Commission. The Measure includes strategies for use by jurisdictions to ensure that in-service diesel vehicles are adequately maintained. The Measure provides guidance for developing:
Click here for a copy of the Diesel Vehicle Emissions NEPM.
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