A top West Virginia University researcher has been appointed by the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to serve on a pair of key senior level advisory groups that focus on the future of the federal Clean Air Act.
Mridul Gautam, the University’s interim associate vice president for research and economic development, has accepted an appointment to the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee of the EPA’s Clean Air Act Advisory Committee extended by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
He has also been asked to serve on a second group called the EPA SmartWay Legacy Fleet Work Group.
Gautam, who is also a professor in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is one of only three academicians from across the US to serve on the subcommittee.
According to Jackson, the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee “provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of EPA programs related to mobile-source air pollution and motor vehicle engine fuels.”
Gautam will represent emissions researchers, atmospheric science and air quality policy experts on the subcommittee.
Meanwhile, Gautam’s work on the SmartWay Legacy Fleet Work Group will advise EPA on how the SmartWay Transport Partnership can sustain and enhance U.S. industries’ fuel saving efforts, achieve additional emissions reductions and contribute to energy independence.
“WVU is increasing its advisory role activity to important federal policy makers,” Gautam said. “For example, President Jim Clements is participating in a US Department of Commerce advisory group on innovation and more of our researchers are being asked for their input on key scientific issues. Our institution is gathering stature as a source for valued input.”
As a researcher at WVU, Gautam has specialized in the area of heavy-duty mobile source exhaust emissions, combustion generated nanoparticle emissions, and aerosol sampling and characterization. As a co-founder of the National Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions he has been instrumental in the development and operation of the Center.
As the founder of the Center for Mining Engines and Safety he has worked on strategies for reduction of particulate matter in the close confines of coal mines using after treatment devices. His research work laid the foundation for the federal regulations on particle emissions control from diesel engines operating in underground coal mines. Gautam has worked in the areas of on-highway engines (heavy-duty vehicles fueled by conventional and alternative fuels) and off-road engines (construction, stationary, portable, and mining applications).
Gautam was responsible for initiating the heavy-duty engines emissions program at WVU in 1988. He has served as the principal investigator or the co-principal investigator of several research programs with a total funding level in excess of $80 million.
Gautam has led the Mobile Emissions Measurement System project that was funded by Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, International, Mack, and Volvo. The study involved determination of in-use, on-board emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles, and formed the basis of current in-use emissions regulations in the US.
Gautam has authored/co-authored over 250 technical articles.
-WVU-
gg/10/11/11
CONTACT: Gerrill Griffith; WVU Research Corp
3040.293.3743; Gerrill.Griffith@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.