Cat mulls appeal of U.S. District Court decision rejecting delay of October 2002 cleaner-diesel deadline. Workshop Highlights

Diesel Fuel News, Sept 16, 2002

While U.S. EPA hailed the decision last week, Cat complains it doesn't address "economic uncertainties currently being experienced by our customers in the trucking industry," which has led to massive "pre-buying" of diesel trucks in advance of October. As a result, Cat and other diesel engine makers are laying off thousands of workers as engine orders disappear.

Cat has invested nearly $500 million in the cleaner "Acert" engine meeting all the EPA emissions limits but it won't be ready until early next year. It's unlikely that Congress would delay deadlines after thumbs-down decisions by EPA, President Bush, and now a U.S. District Court.