HOUGHTON, Mich. (AP) -- A new $2.8 million research project will look for ways to cut the pollution from diesel exhaust without reducing fuel economy.

Michigan Technological University engineers are leading the three-year study, funded largely by the U.S. Department of Energy.

In-kind and technical help comes from diesel makers Cummins Inc. of Columbus, Ind.; Deere & Co. of Moline, Ill.; and Navistar Inc. of Warrenville, Ill.

Help also comes from sensor maker Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. of St. Louis; and pollution control maker Johnson Matthey PLC of London.

Scientists from Oak Ridge (Tenn.) National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., also are participating.