The Japanese Ministry of the Environment amended permissible limits on exhaust emissions from automobiles according to the Air Pollution Control Law, on December 13, 2007. The amendment aims to beef up regulations over exhaust emissions from automobiles by drastically limiting nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, and adding PM regulations for some types of gasoline-powered vehicles. The ministry expects that the amendment will encourage the Japanese automobile industry to develop world leading technologies.

The new regulations call on newly released diesel-powered vehicles in 2009 to have the same levels of exhaust emissions as gasoline-powered vehicles. For example, heavy duty trucks and buses over 3.5 tons in gross vehicle mass must limit the average PM emissions to 0.01 grams and NOx to 0.7 grams per kilowatt-hour, which represent 63 and 65 percent reductions from the current levels, respectively.

The new PM regulations intend to contribute to a 99 percent reduction from the levels in 1974, when PM was not controlled, aiming for the development of PM-free vehicles. NOx is expected to be reduced by 95 percent compared to levels in 1994, when NOx was not regulated. Diesel and gasoline vehicles must comply with the same regulations for heavy duty trucks over 3.5 tons.
http://www.env.go.jp/en/headline/headline.php?serial=637

Posted: 2008/03/26 08:47:28 PM

TAG Chemicals , Government , System/Law , Transportation