State will adopt tougher diesel standards.(Brief Article)

Massachusetts joins with 13 other states to propose air pollution controls

State environmental officials have announced Massachusetts will join 13 other states to adopt stricter diesel regulations for heavy trucks and buses sold in the state before the timetable required by federal law.

The Bay State will propose to adopt California's plan to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines beginning with model year 2005, before identical federal standards are scheduled to take effect for model year 2007.

The California Air Resources Board was expected to adopt the rules late this week.

The board is the only state …