The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new federal vehicle emissions standards intended to reduce pollution by accelerating the transition to cleaner vehicles.
In addition, the EPA proposes a separate set of carbon dioxide (CO2) standards for heavy-duty vehicles that would begin to apply in model year 2028, with more stringent standards each model year through 2032.
Standards for heavy-duty vehicles – including bus and motorcoaches – for model year 2027 and beyond were finalized this past December.
According to the EPA, the Phase 3 greenhouse gas standards for heavy duty vehicles reflect the diverse nature of the industry, providing a separate inducement schedule for motorcoaches. The proposal for heavy-duty vehicles uses performance-based standards that enable manufacturers to achieve compliance efficiently based on the composition of their fleets.
The federal agency claims the proposals would avoid nearly 10 billion tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to more than twice the total U.S. CO2 emissions in 2022, while saving thousands of dollars over the lives of the vehicles meeting these new standards and reducing America’s reliance on 20 billion barrels of oil imports.
“By proposing the most ambitious pollution standards ever for cars and trucks, we are delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s promise to protect people and the planet, securing critical reductions in dangerous air and climate pollution and ensuring significant economic benefits like lower fuel and maintenance costs for families,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in announcing the proposed changes.
“These ambitious standards are readily achievable thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which is already driving historic progress to build more American-made electric cars and secure America’s global competitiveness,” Regan said.
EPA plans to hold a virtual public hearing for this proposed rule, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles-Phase 3, on May 2-3.
Learn more here:
Proposed Rule: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3
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