A new online resource, Diesel Technology Forum’s searchable, state-by-state breakdowns and statistics shows the broad impact of clean diesel on North Carolina’s economy and transportation systems.  North Carolina ranks first out of the 50 states for the number of clean diesel engines manufactured – nearly 300,000 in 2016. Nearly 8,500 North Carolinians work in diesel-related jobs, according to research sponsored by the Forum.

Clean diesel technology powers 15 of the school buses, 27 percent of the heavy-duty trucks and 31 percent of the transit buses operating on North Carolina’s roads.

“With its unmatched combination of energy density, fuel efficiency, power and performance, the newest generation of clean diesel technology meets the increasing demands of truckers, construction companies and farmers while also delivering lower greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner air for everyone,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Forum.

“Diesel engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers continue their record of innovation by making their products more efficient and sustainable, incorporating hybrid and electric drive components and renewable fuel capabilities, thereby ensuring a role for clean diesel technology in the future.”

Clean diesel refers to those technologies that meet the latest near-zero emission standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, beginning with model year 2011.

Nationwide, clean diesel technology drives 15 key sectors of the U.S. economy, including agriculture, forestry, mining, construction, logistics, warehousing and other goods movement industries supporting retail and the larger manufacturing sector.

  • In 2016, manufacturing facilities across 14 states produced nearly 880,000 heavy-duty diesel engines.
  • The diesel industry is responsible for generating more than 1.25 million American jobs.
  • The production of diesel engines and the vehicles and equipment they power along with affiliated components, emissions control technologies, clean diesel fuel and advanced biofuels generate more than $455 billion in economic wealth, according to research commissioned by the Diesel Technology Forum. $46 billion of this U.S.-made technology reaches overseas markets.

Beyond manufacturing

Beyond manufacturing, each state’s economy benefits from large workforce and training sectors dedicated to servicing and maintaining diesel engines, vehicles, equipment and fueling operations, along with the public and private services they provide that can be found in every community.

  • Diesel powers the movement of 90 percent of the country’s freight tonnage.
  • Ninety-five percent of heavy-duty commercial trucks on U.S. roads are manufactured in the U.S. The newest technology clean diesel trucks power 30 percent of commercial vehicles in the United States – almost 3 million Class 3 through 8 heavy-duty trucks – delivering significant emission reductions and substantial fuel savings.
  • Diesel is the predominant power source for public transit and intercity bus services nationwide.
  • Diesel-powered buses transport approximately 55 percent of America’s elementary and secondary school students to and from school.
  • Diesel is the predominant powertrain used in marine operations including a wide array of work boats and passenger ferries.