Exempting fire apparatus from EPA requirements

I do not know if anyone has been keeping up with the latest EPA standards due to be implemented in 2010, but Cummins and Detroit are considering pull out of the emergency market. As a firefighter for over 39 years, I feel it is time for the firefighters to let congress know that we want fire and emergency apparatus placed in the same catagory as military vehicles.

Our fire apparatus is the first line of defence in our communities and where they are responding EPA standards are shot to hell due to the many materials burning. Our fire apparatus must perform at its best and all the EPA crap will only cause problems like sudden shut-downs if the computer detects a problem. These new standards will increase the cost of apparatus to where it will get to point the new apparatus will be cost prohibitive.

I am going to write my congressman and ask them to introduce a bill to exempt fire and emergency apparatus built in america to be exempt from EPA standards same as military vehicles.

WE firefighters have the largest voting population in the united states and writing and calling your senators in mass will get results. Please join me in the endevor to get our fire apparatus exempt from EPA regulations and to keep them affordable.

Take care and stay safe,
Bob Franklin