The USEPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration jointly issued a final rule with new fuel economy standards for heavy to medium trucks which had kept its fuel economy standards virtually unchanged for many years. While the USEPA had made more rigorous fuel economy standards for passenger cars (Corporate Average Fuel Economy or CAFÉ) and light-duty trucks, medium- and heavy-duty trucks have escaped such tightening of standards for a few decades. Phase 1 standards were issued beginning with model year 2014 heavy-duty trucks. The new Phase 2 standards (https://www3.epa.gov/otaq/climate/documents/2016-08-ghg-hd-final-rule-phase2-preamble.pdf) will be phased in through 2027. The final rule’s impact is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from such trucks by about 10% or about 1 billion tons over the lives of the regulated vehicles, as well as save about 75 billion gallons of (mainly) diesel oil and 25% more fuel efficient.

The new rule covers vehicles, such as big rigs, passenger vans, truck trailers, school and passenger buses, and dump trucks. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles currently account for approximately 25% of GHG emissions in the US transportation sector.

Phase 2 will provide significant GHG emission reductions and save fuel by:

• Accounting for ongoing technological advancements. Truck owners will be required to procure trucks containing certain fuel and emission reduction technology. While more expensive, the payback is estimated at about 2 years for tractors and trailers and about 3 years for heavy-duty pickups and vans.

• Containing first-time standards for trailers. Phase 2 standards include fuel efficiency and GHG emission standards for trailers used in combination with tractors. Although standards will not be finalized for all trailer types, the majority will be covered.

• Encouraging innovation while providing flexibility for manufacturers. For each category of trucks, performance targets will be set that allow manufacturers to achieve reductions through a mix of different technologies (such as any combination of advanced aerodynamics, engine improvements, waste heat recovery, etc.). Manufacturers will be free to choose any means of compliance.

CCES has the air quality experts to help your firm understand and provide the technical expertise to comply with a variety of air regulations. We can perform a complete emissions inventory of your facility and technical evaluation of compliance with federal and state air rules. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@ccesworld.com.