Abstract: An engine system for treating nitrogen oxides present in an exhaust gas generated by the combustion of fuel. The engine system includes one or more long breathing lean nitrogen oxide traps that is/are configured to store at least a portion of the nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas when the lean nitrogen oxide trap operates in an absorption mode. The lean nitrogen oxide trap is also configured for the conversion of the nitrates stored by the lean nitrogen oxide trap during a regeneration event. The engine-out nitrogen oxide levels may be reduced to extend the duration of the absorption process, thereby reducing both the frequency of regeneration events and the associated fuel penalty. The system may include primary and secondary exhaust gas recirculation systems, with exhaust gas from the secondary system being returned to the engine cylinder to reduce the level of nitrogen oxides in that exhaust gas.