Before the low sulfur diesel fuel that has become common here in the United States, it was impossible for automakers to install filters which would allow diesel engines to meet the requirements which were being imposed upon them. Fortunately, everything is coming together here in the States to allow for new clean diesel technology. Particulate filters, urea based injection systems and other technologies, combined with the low sulfur content in modern diesel fuel available here, have come together all at the same time.

Unfortunately, this article states that these technologies have not been adopted as of yet in Australia as they have been in Europe and in the U.S. The sulfur content in Australian diesel fuel also is of concern. Until the government there mandates changes in the emissions requirements from diesel engines, manufacturers are not as likely to install the expensive after-treatment devices and filters that they already use in Europe and America. As the article states, some manufacturers have stepped up the the plate, so the speak, but not all. Never having been in Australia, I can't really add any personal experience here, maybe a reader can give some insight into what is happening in Australia at the present to change the current state of diesel affairs.

[Source: Drive]

The Morris K. Udall Foundation, established in honor of Morris K. Udall's thirty years of service in the House of Representatives, is organizing a bus tour to spread the joy of giving. Not so much in a Christmas sort of way, but rather in a way to encourage young Americans in public service to find solutions to "pressing environmental and Native American issues."

Thirteen Udall Scholars are packing their bags for the two-month cross-country trip in a bus running on a mix of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent ultra-low sulfur diesel. A neat feature of the bus is its emissions-monitoring sensors that will stream real-time info to their website for all to see. Also, the purchase of carbon offsetting materials will contribute towards making the tour a carbon-neutral endeavor.

The foundation is rightfully tooting their own horn by laying claim to the fact that this "motor coach" (read: tour bus) is the first ever green-certified one of its kind. They also pride themselves on having a whole slew of scholarships, fellowships and placements of "Native American interns in Congressional and Executive Branch offices." Their tour itinerary can be read in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Morris K. Udall Foundation]