The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed its most aggressive emission mandates for cars and heavy trucks, reports Transport Topics.
The agency, reports TT, is now seeking input about how to achieve its plans since the technology, infrastructure and energy cannot fully support national adoption of so-called zero-emission vehicles.
EPA proposals contained requirements for Phase 3 standards in the EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan for heavy trucks and another for light- and medium-duty vehicles.
“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 Regan announced April 12.
Its “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium Duty Vehicles” will build on existing emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years (MY) 2023 to 2026. The proposal allows manufacturers to meet EPA standards “however works best for their vehicle fleets,” the agency noted. “Depending on the compliance pathways manufacturers select to meet the standards, EPA projects that EVs could account for 67% of new light-duty vehicle sales and 46% of new medium-duty vehicle sales in MY 2032.”
EPA is requesting comments and data on numerous aspects of its proposals. A public hearing is slated for May 2 or 3, with another possible May 4 depending how many people want to testify.
Chris Spear, president of American Trucking Associations, said the trucking industry also wants to lower emissions and improve fuel efficiency, but “any regulation must be practical, achievable and based on sound science.”
“While these standards are directed at manufacturers, it is fleets — the customers and end-users of this equipment — who will ultimately determine their level of success. The Phase 3 standards must take into account the complex challenges and operating conditions facing motor carriers as we manage the transition to a zero-emission future while simultaneously moving more than 72% of the economy’s freight,” Spear said.
He said ATA will remain engaged in the regulatory process to ensure EPA arrives at a regulation with realistic equipment adoption timelines, is technologically feasible and does not result in additional inflationary pressures on the trucking industry.
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Written comments may be submitted to the rulemaking docket via www.regulations.gov, docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0985. Comments are due 50 days after publication in the Federal Register.