The Environmental Protection Agency made good on its promise to issue a final rule on heavy-duty truck tailpipe emissions by the end of the year, but the first take on the rule from engine manufacturers and trucking organizations is that compliance will be difficult.
The agency earlier this year proposed two options for drastically reducing nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions: a two-step process with standards getting progressively tighter in model years (MY) 2027 and 2031, or a one-step standard in 2027 that would be less aggressive in cutting emissions.
EPA chose a one-step emission standard change in 2027, but one that is “largely consistent” with the original and more strict two-step option, according to the agency.
“The final new numeric NOx standards will result in the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable for a national program starting in MY 2027 through the application of technology that the [EPA] Administrator has determined will be available starting in MY 2027, after giving appropriate consideration to cost, energy, and safety factors associated with the application of such technology,” EPA stated.
The new standards — the first revision for NOx pollution in 20 years — will be more than 80% stronger, increase the useful life of governed vehicles by 1.5 to 2.5 times, and yield emissions warranties that are 2.8 to 4.5 times longer than current standards, according to EPA. The rule also includes provisions for longer engine useful life and warranty periods.
“The rule also requires manufacturers to better ensure that vehicle engines and emission control systems work properly on the road,” the agency noted. “For example, manufacturers must demonstrate that engines are designed to prevent vehicle drivers from tampering with emission controls by limiting tamper-prone access to electronic pollution controls.”
The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), which had preferred EPA’s proposed one-step 2027 standard option, contended that the final rule “is very stringent and will be challenging to implement,” stated EMA President Jed Mandel.
However, “our members are fully committed to working with the EPA and other stakeholders for its successful implementation,” Mandel said. “Ultimately, the success or failure of this rule hinges on the willingness and ability of trucking fleets to invest in purchasing the new technology to replace their older, higher-emitting vehicles.”
Chris Spear, American Trucking Associations president and CEO, is assessing the effect the rule will have on its members and agreed that EPA’s success in eliminating pollution through the rule hinges on the purchasing decisions made by the trucking industry.
“ATA remains extremely concerned over the potential growth of state patchworks of NOx emission standards that will create havoc for an industry that operates across local, state and international boundaries,” Spear added. “We hope EPA and the California Air Resources Board [CARB] will ultimately agree to a uniform, single standard that best achieves our nation’s environmental goals.”
CARB’s NOx rule, which became effective in December 2021, requires more stringent emission standards for heavy-duty engines beginning with 2024 model year engines, becoming more stringent with 2027 and subsequent model year engines.
Todd Spencer, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association president and CEO, had argued that both options as initially proposed by EPA were unworkable and ultimately unaffordable for drivers. Spencer said the final rule does not change that outlook for his members.
“If small business truckers can’t afford the new, compliant trucks, they’re going to stay with older, less efficient trucks or leave the industry entirely,” he said. “Once again, EPA has largely ignored the warnings and concerns raised by truckers in this latest rule.”
The rule goes into effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
David A bell
I’m done. Planning my exit.
Salvador c d
Lo que se mira es que están súper dispuestos a acabar con los minoritarios que transportamos pocas cargas, eso se asoma como a volver a esclavizar a las minorías por medio de la ayuda del gobierno y sus nuevas leyes, aún cuando no tienen con que suministrar carga eléctrica a todos los camiones, ni siquiera el gas compromiso es suficiente y además esos camiones ni pueden siquiera levantar lo que levantan los camiones de diésel, yo creo que es pura corrupción otra vez, y los ganadores como siempre son los de arriba pero ahora sí se están descarando totalmente
Oleg Vishnevskiy
I was born in Ukraine in 1967, but the Ukraine was occupied by Soviet Union. I had refugee to USA at age of 30. So I had enough experience to understand who are Communists.
The Communist influence on the United States. This is another goal of the Communists of Social Democrats to destroy the USA without nuclear weapons. This goal is to stop the Trucking Industry in the USA, and this will have the most terrible consequences. You will see this in the future, but I am not afraid to open your eyes to the truth.
Roy Lambert
I am an owner operator, the cost of purchasing my 2020 Volvo was already quite expensive. The costs that is forced onto us at the pumps amongst other industry costs have destroyed any chance of making a profit or even a living. The industry pay rates are not keeping up with the costs, and they’re already talking about lowering the rates, all the while the costs keep increasing. The additional costs of the new emissions standards and redesign of the semi truck engine that will be required will make the costs of buying a new truck impossible for independent owner operators. We need real representation on capital hill, people who actually work in this industry.
Rick Ormsby
In 2018 there were 5,000 + registered ships on the water ways moving freight . A study was done that showed just 15 of those freightliners produced more carbon than ALL cars and trucks on the planet . Yes , you read that correctly . Just 15 , with 4085 ships to go . Do the math folks . Of course they’re EXEMPT from emissions standards , like the Airline Corps. Of course they send in the lobbiest with mountains of cash to stay EXEMPT . We’re being DUPED folks . Spread this around . It gets a great discussion going fer sure . We have a corrupt and obsolete government. Stand up and say something. This is OUR house !!!!
Richard A
Wait till this hits. This administration thinks you can just come up with epa standards by writing it as law and it’s going to work. They want all evs by what 2030 or so yet can’t figure out how to keep power on in Texas or California or New York. If you think there’s rolling blackouts now ole Joe blow says “hold my diaper”.
Jak
All those requirements are going to make trucks even more expensive, manufacturers are not going to cover the warranty for free, fleets are not going to ditch there trucks for new trucks with less emissions unless it’s a big fleet like Amazon or Walmart who can afford it. Fleets are just going to hold out longer and longer, mean while you will have less start ups and new drivers, then you have no trucks. Also I did not vote in the EPA, how can they make and enforce law if not elected.
Gregory
The last time modification were made to emissions systems the trucks were breaking down. Will EPA or industry subsidize truckers for repairs and downtime for unproven technology?