
The US federal government has finalized its heavy truck GHG Phase 2 rule, which introduces tougher emission standards for heavy trucks and engines as well as establishes the first set of standards for certain trailer designs (box vans, flatbeds, tankers and container chassis).
The rule (check out a synopsis here: GHG Emissions Brief_public ) will require manufacturers to begin selling certain GHG reducing components to carriers in 2021, for tractors and engines, and in 2018 (EPA), for trailers.
These GHG reduction compliance component technology options include: transmission, driveline; aerodynamic design; lower rolling resistance tires; extended idle reduction technologies; automatic tire inflation systems (trailers); weight reduction (trailers); hybrid technology(vocational vehicles); and waste heat recovery (engine).
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has been messaging Washington and Ottawa that our sector supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the trucking fleet sector – but in a manner that does not put our vehicle reliability and durability at risk. CTA has been lobbying for a so-called S.M.A.R.T approach by Environment Canada for the latest round of emission regulations , meaning that components should be tested to meet unique Canadian operating conditions and regulatory requirements and that the manufactures and carriers be allowed to select from a lengthy list of proven compliance options rather being subjected to untested ‘bleeding edge’ technology.
CTA is pleased to see an improvement from the EPA’s first draft in the final rule which appears to strike a somewhat similar chord. It states that based on stakeholder feedback the rule would allow manufacturers to choose their own technology mix and provide them the lead time needed to ensure those technologies are reliable and durable.
CTA has also been pleased with the involvement and support of Transport Canada in investigating technologies such as smart axles and, most recently, single-wide based tires to expand compliance options here in Canada.
CTA now expects Environment Canada to ramp-up its regulatory process in Canada now that the US rule has been finalized.