A new generation of emission regulations for heavy vehicles is coming soon, the EPA announced Monday. EPA administrator Michael S. Regan announced a new proposed rule March 7 that would set stricter standards for greenhouse gas and nitrogen oxide (or NOx) emissions. In response, several trucking industry groups noted substantial progress already made on reducing emissions from freight vehicles.
The proposed rules would start effecting vehicles in model year 2027, and, according to the EPA, reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 60% by 2045.
In a statement, Regan said the new statements would reduce health-harming pollution near truck freight routes and make progress towards eliminating emissions altogether. “These new standards will drastically cut dangerous pollution by harnessing recent advancements in vehicle technologies from across the trucking industry as it advances toward a zero-emissions transportation future,” he said.
Industry reactions to the new proposal, which is up for public comment, were mixed. While the American Trucking Associations noted it too wants to reduce air pollution, ATA President Chris Spear said the group would “closely review” the proposal to ensure it “sets one, single, national NOx emissions standard and that such standard can be achieved with workable, reliable technology.”
“Anything less than that will be extremely problematic for ATA and our members,” Spear added.
Truck manufacturing groups were less guarded, though they defended their own record of reducing emissions. Jed Mandel, president of the Truck and Engine Manufacturer’s Association, or EMA, noted that his organization’s members have previously benefited from regulations that help drive “necessary fleet turnover.”
Mandel also said that new regulations would help lead truckers to buy newer, more efficient trucks. “Engines made after 2010 emit roughly 30 times less NOx than those made before 2010. Yet only about 50% of the fleet has turned over and realized the benefits of that modern technology. It is imperative the new rule facilitate the transition to newer, cleaner trucks so we can achieve lower NOx emissions as soon as possible,” he said.
