Cars and airplanes aren't the only modes of transportation undergoing an eco makeover; diesel-powered trains and ships in the U.S. will face new standards issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, forcing a reduction in their polluting emissons. Soot will be reduced by approximately 90 per cent (27,000 tonnes) and nitrogen oxide emissions will go down by 80 per cent (almost 800,000 tonnes).

"As more and more goods flow through our ports and railways, EPA is cutting diesel emissions at their source -- keeping our nation on track toward a clean, healthy, productive tomorrow," EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said.

The EPA estimates this will prevent the number of pollution-related health ailments, including asthma and death, from rising, however the new standards will not be implemented until 2015. Some environmental groups are glad to see tougher standards introduced, however William Becker, the executive director of the National Associated of Clean Air Agencies, says action needs to be taken much sooner.

"We are disappointed, however, that EPA has opted to delay implementation of the standards beyond the date by which some areas of the country are required to meet clean air deadlines," he said.

» Reuters Environment