SAN MARCOS, Calif., March 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- At a special meeting on Feb. 19, 2008, the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners voted to approve a plan calling for replacement of at least half of the 16,800 old port drayage diesel trucks with trucks powered by clean alternative fuels -- specifically natural gas or other alternative fuels that perform better than 2007 emission standards. (The full report is available at the Port of Long Beach official website at http://www.polb.com.)
The Commissioners further finalized a $2 billion subsidy program to finance the lease or purchase of clean trucks or engines. Under the plan, only "clean" trucks will be allowed to work at the Port of Long Beach. One of the provisions calls for a one-time grant of up to $20,000 towards the purchase of retrofit equipment for model year 1994 to 2003 trucks in 2008 and 2009.
Reacting to the move, Omnitek Engineering, Corp. (Pink Sheets:OMTK) has initiated the process of certifying one of its engines to the required emissions standard. The engine will be able to operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG), or compressed natural gas (CNG) and can be used to retrofit old diesel trucks.
Werner Funk, CEO of Omnitek, states, "We are not trying to force the truck operators into any one technology, so we will equip our certified engines so they can be operated using LNG or CNG. This puts us in direct competition with engine maker Cummins Westport."
About Omnitek Engineering, Corp. (Pink Sheets:OMTK)
Omnitek Engineering, Corp. develops and sells new natural gas engines and offers technology solutions for converting diesel engines to engines burning alternative fuels such as natural gas (CNG and LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and hydrogen. The Company's advanced engine management system and diesel-to-natural gas conversion technology have established Omnitek as a leader in the industry.
Omnitek offers a total system approach and is dedicated to supplying alternative energy and emissions control solutions that are sustainable, affordable and contribute to combat global warming.
As the price of crude oil continues to increase and the threat of global warming and air pollution remains, the search for an alternative fuel becomes increasingly important. Natural gas has emerged as a perfect solution to these challenges. Readily available in many countries from indigenous sources, natural gas is inexpensive and clean burning.
Diesel engines have been the backbone of the transportation industry. Valued for their power, fuel economy and durability, diesel powered trucks and buses are used worldwide, however, they are heavy polluters and significantly contribute to global warming. Omnitek has developed a system to convert any existing diesel engine to a clean-burning natural gas engine at a fraction of the cost of a new engine.
Omnitek estimates the population of heavy-duty diesel vehicles and stationary engines around the world that can be converted using the Omnitek Diesel-to-Natural Gas Conversion System and offer the best ROI is approaching ten million engines.
Prevailing economic factors, rising oil prices and the real threat of global warming make abundantly available and inexpensive natural gas the fuel for the future.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Some of the statements contained in this news release discuss future expectations, contain projections of results of operations or financial condition or state other "forward-looking" information. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and is derived using numerous assumptions. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ from projections include, among many others, the ability of the Company to raise sufficient capital to meet operating requirements, completion of R&D and successful commercialization of products/services, patent completion, prosecution and defense against well-capitalized competitors. These are serious risks and there is no assurance that our forward-looking statements will occur or prove to be accurate. Unless required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.