FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 4, 2003

Greater Triangle Regional Council hosts workshops on Diesel emissions and air quality

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC - The Greater Triangle Regional Council, in collaboration with Gregory Poole Equipment Company, Raleigh, will hold workshops on diesel engine emission and air quality. Led by Tim Totton, TITLE,
of Caterpillar Equipment Company, these educational workshops are designed to explain what emissions are produced, how they are measured and what can be done to reduce hazardous air pollutants, which adversely affect health. The workshops will also provide information on what emissions reduction technologies will clean the air quickly, effectively and be the most cost efficient.

The workshops, which are open to the public at no charge, are scheduled on:
December 9th: 9-11AM - Morrisville Chamber of Commerce
2:30-4:30PM - RDU Airport Authority Building
December 10th: 9-11 AM and 2:30-4:30PM - Triangle J Council of Governments

GTRC has formed an air quality task force to coordinate regional strategies to improve the quality of the Triangle's air. The Triangle will fall under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) umbrella of "clean air non-attainment" in 2004 and be required to meet EPA quality standards. The task force aims to rally a broad range of local organizations to help the region meet the EPA standards. "The Council recognizes both the complexity of air quality compliance and the need for public education. With useful opportunities to more quickly reach our goals, we can focus on the health and quality of life of sensitive populations and the public-at-large," said Pam Wall, GTRC's executive director.

GTRC will use this information in a "State of the Triangle Region's Air Quality" report, being prepared in cooperation with the North Carolina Division of Air Quality for distribution in early 2004. The Triangle is the only region in the state to issue such a report, which is being used as a model by NCDAQ for the others in North Carolina.

For more information, or to register for a workshop, please contact Pam Wall at 919-840-7372, ext. 16, or email gtrc@researchtriangle.org.