Nine central states, including Oklahoma, launch EPA emissions-cutting program

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The federal government launches a program to reduce vehicle emissions in Oklahoma, Kansas and eight other central states.<br/><br/>The Environmental Protection Agency announced

Thursday, February 16th 2006, 8:52 pm

By: News On 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The federal government launches a program to reduce vehicle emissions in Oklahoma, Kansas and eight other central states.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the Blue Skyways Collaborative in Kansas City.

The program focuses on cutting pollution along the heavily trafficked Interstate 35 through a variety of initiatives.

Ideas range from retro-fitting truck engines to electrifying truck stops so that vehicles parked overnight need not burn diesel.

There's only about $9.3-million in funding for the projects, but backers say they'll promote methods that could save money in the long run.

Besides Oklahoma and Kansas, states involved in the program are Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska and Texas.