Engine Technology Forum launches ‘Engines Power America at 250’ initiative

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, the Engine Technology Forum is spotlighting the vital role that engine technology has played in powering American progress throughout the nation’s history and its continued importance in shaping the future.

Through its new “Engines Power America at 250” initiative, ETF is recognizing how advanced internal-combustion engine technologies have enabled mobility, food production, freight movement, infrastructure development, manufacturing, national defense and economic growth across generations.

The initiative also highlights the remarkable evolution of engines over the past century, including dramatic improvements in efficiency, reliability, performance, fuel flexibility and emissions reduction.

“Few technologies have contributed more quietly, yet more profoundly, to America’s development than the internal-combustion engine,” said ETF Executive Director Allen Schaeffer. “For 250 years, America’s story has been one of innovation, productivity and opportunity. Engine technology has helped connect communities, feed a growing nation, build essential infrastructure, strengthen our economy and support national defense. As we celebrate America’s first 250 years, we also recognize that the engine’s story is still being written through continued advances in efficiency, near-zero emissions performance, renewable and low-carbon fuels, and new technology solutions that will help power America’s future.”

ETF’s Engines Power America at 250 content explores:

• The transformative role of gasoline and diesel engines in helping build modern America.

• Advances that have made today’s engines dramatically cleaner, more efficient and more powerful than earlier generations.

• The critical role of fuels—from petroleum to renewable diesel, biodiesel, ethanol and future low-carbon options—in supporting economic growth and energy diversity.

• Emerging engine technologies capable of operating on a growing range of fuels, including renewable fuels, hydrogen, methanol, ammonia and eFuels.

As part of the initiative, ETF is also recognizing member companies and their own America 250-related activities and announcements throughout 2026.

Recent announcements include:

• AGCO unveiled its “Legacies of the Land” campaign honoring farming families for America's 250th. This storytelling initiative invites farming families across the country to share their stories as part of a national tribute to American agriculture.

• Caterpillar Foundation announced a $2.5 million initiative in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

• Chevron is highlighting its contributions through its “USA 250” series, examining the role of energy, technology and people in advancing American progress.

• Cummins Inc. is sponsoring America250, reaffirming the company’s commitment to innovation and its role in helping build the next chapter of American progress.

• John Deere is supporting America250 and Freedom250 initiatives as part of its nearly 200-year legacy of innovation and manufacturing leadership in the U.S.

• Rolls-Royce is celebrating the 250th anniversary and highlighting its role in powering America’s progress.

• Stanadyne is celebrating 150 years of automotive innovation, reflecting its legacy in American manufacturing and fuel-system technology.

• Volvo Trucks North America is supporting  Virginia’s America 250 commemoration efforts, including providing a truck for the Virginia Commission’s Mobile Museum program.

ETF will continue sharing educational resources, historical perspectives and member-company activities throughout the anniversary celebration to help Americans better understand the technologies that have powered the nation’s growth—and the innovations that will help power the next 250 years.

To learn more, click here.