With staunch support from the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association and the American Trucking Associations, the Environmental Protection Agency issued proposed standards for nitrogen oxide emissions on March 7.
The “Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards” proposed rule, seeks to reduce much of the remaining 1-2% of nitrogen oxide emissions starting with new heavy-duty commercial vehicles sold in model year 2027.
The proposed rule complies with President Biden’s executive order, “Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks.” When finalized, the proposed rule envisions a mandate that creates a bridge to zero-emission heavy-duty commercial motor vehicles.
“We continue to evaluate the 1,374-page proposed rule,” said UMA President and CEO Scott Michael. “While nearly everyone supports clean air, a balance must be struck between affordability and dependability. Otherwise, the industry will not rush to adopt the new efficiencies.”
EPA says the benefits of the proposed rule would exceed its costs by billions of dollars.
Bus and motorcoach industry
Of particular interest to the bus and motorcoach industry is the EPA’s proposal to liberalize inducement requirements and the pace of degraded speed intended to be associated with exhausting or inferior diesel exhaust fluid supply. Most inducements occur because of false codes. The agency said one study in the proposed rule revealed that among trucking fleets operating more than 10,000 trucks, 80% of de-rates in 2019 were attributed to other causes such as sensor failures, electrical defects and SCR component issues.
EPA also acknowledged a letter it received from charter bus companies detailing difficulties experienced with existing inducements, including an inadequate timeframe to resolve problems, safety risk to passengers, disproportionate cost of towing a motorcoach, and other costs including reimbursement for tickets to missed shows or flights and harm to reputation.
“A special shoutout to Phil Strief of Vandalia Coach in Caseyville, Illinois, for engaging EPA and bringing the operator’s perspective to the equation,” said Ken Presley, Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO. “Phil has worked tirelessly on behalf of the industry, and we appreciate his leadership.”
EPA seeks public comment
EPA is encouraging public input into the rulemaking and has said it will hold a virtual public hearing in the next two weeks. The Agency intends to finalize the rule before the end of 2022 and currently is seeking public comment. For more information on the rule and the public comment process, visit EPA.
Related:
