Energy secretary praises clean diesel

WASHINGTON, May 10 (UPI) -- U.S. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman said Tuesday diesel fuel still has a role in the Bush administration's energy policy.

Speaking during a conference on clean vehicles in Washington, Bodman said commerce in the United States has become so heavily dependent on trucks that research into clean-burning diesel technology must continue.

Some critics have accused the administration of favoritism for supporting diesel technology despite diesel's reputation as being dirtier than gasoline. Bodman, however, contends diesel engines could be developed that run nearly as cleanly as do gasoline-powered motors.

The secretary said tax-incentives for electric-hybrid vehicles should be expanded to clean diesel as well, and he has been meeting with members of Congress to urge them to include such provisions in the Energy Bill.