David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday finalized new emissions standards to drastically reduce smoke and soot from heavy trucks emissions, part of the first of a series of actions aimed at reducing vehicle pollution.
The new standard is the first update to the clean air standard for heavy duty trucks in over 20 years and is 48% stricter than the current standard , according to the agency. EPA estimates 2045 that the rule would result in 2,2021 fewer premature deaths per year, 1.1 million fewer child days out of school, and $23 billion in annual net income.
Reuters reported the plan earlier on Tuesday.
The new rules target manufacturers of heavy trucks and engines to ensure emissions reductions over the long-term use of the roads by tightening annual emissions limits and changing key provisions of existing emissions rules. They affect testing procedures, regulatory service life requirements and emissions-related warranties, among other requirements.
“This is very important – especially to protect the health of 29 millions of people living on US truck freight routes nearby,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan told Reuters in an interview, adding that the rule would lead to as many as 40 Percentage reduction in smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions 2045. “It’s a very, very aggressive way to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.”
Harold Wimmer, president of the American Lung Association, praised the rule, saying it “sets the stage for the EPA to issue the next round of Stricter standards lay the groundwork to clean up trucks at 2023.” He said: “Trucks make up a small fraction of the total number of vehicles on the road, but produce the largest share of harmful air pollutants , including dangerous nitrogen oxides.”
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer Says EPA’s “Essentially Ignored” Concerns Warning Small Businesses Truck drivers who can’t afford new, cleaner vehicles may “continue to use older, less efficient trucks, or leave the industry altogether.”
Separately, the EPA plans to start implementing “Phase 3” greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for heavy-duty vehicles by March and establish new emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles. These two rules will take effect beginning model year 2027 when finalized.
December 2021 ), EPA passed 2023 to finalize the new passenger car emission requirements , overturning President Donald Trump’s rollback of auto pollution cuts.
EPA is expected to make a decision on waivers California requires to create its own heavy-duty truck emissions rules early next year.
EPA chooses not to finalize heavy-duty truck greenhouse gas emission rules in 2021) after Congress passes new incentives to accelerate adoption of zero-emission vehicles . EPA believes zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle adoption is likely given climate law $29, Will be higher Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, constituting % of emissions, with heavy vehicles being the No. The two major contributors are 29%.
