SAN JOSE, CA – A partnership between 400 government agencies, environmental organizations, and private business groups has been formed to reduce diesel pollution on the West Coast, announced the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the San Jose Mercury News newspaper. Groups in California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska are involved in the effort to reduce diesel particles in the air by 8,000 tons. The EPA said it hopes the West Coast Diesel Collaborative will receive $100 million a year in federal funding for the next five years. The diesel industry has given its support to the public-private partnership as it works to promote and secure additional funding for voluntary programs that reduce emissions from diesel-powered engines. “America's diesel industry has poured immense investments into technologies and innovations that today deliver diesel-powered trucks and buses that produce eight times lower emissions than those built just 15 years ago,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “By 2007, on-highway diesel engines will produce near-zero emissions thanks to cleaner fuels and advanced engine technologies.” Schaeffer also noted the commitment of the diesel industry to continued emissions reductions. The Diesel Technology Forum has participated in the collaborative and will continue to support its efforts. The partnership will fund the replacement of old diesel engines in school and transit buses as well as ships, tractors, and construction equipment.