Mack, Cummins Chiefs Endorse Obama Call For Truck Fuel, Emissions Improvements

Mack CEO Denny Slagle, Cummins CEO Tim Solso and other trucking industry stakeholders joined President Obama May 21 at the White House for the signing of a Presidential Memorandum targeting reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased fuel efficiency in medium- and heavy-duty truck models

Sources: Mack Trucks Inc., Greensboro, N.C.; Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind.

Mack CEO Denny Slagle, Cummins CEO Tim Solso, and other trucking industry stakeholders joined President Obama May 21 at the White House for the signing of a Presidential Memorandum targeting reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased fuel efficiency in medium- and heavy-duty truck models. It directs Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson–both on hand for the Rose Garden event–to create a National Policy aimed at raising trucksÌ fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent and lowering their greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent in 2014Ò2018 models.

“This is consistent with measures we have in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from operations and products,” said Slagle. “Mack joined the EPA’s Climate Leaders Program in 2004 as one of the charter companies. We originally pledged to reduce GHG emissions by 20 percent per unit from 2003Ò2010.” Energy-efficiency projects at manufacturing and administration locations, he added, brought the actual GHG emissions reduction level from operations to 42 percent per unit, two years ahead of the 2010 target. Additionally, Mack’s ClearTech selective catalytic reduction technology, bringing diesel engine exhaust systems into 2010 EPA compliance, has improved trucksÌ fuel economy by 5 percent or more in some applications.

Cummins recognizes the need for a consistent set of standards to address the threat of greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, said Solso. Regulations that recognize the needs of business, offer clear direction, and provide incentives to companies that create innovative technologies have the power to significantly benefit the environment while creating jobs in this country.

Obama issues mandate for truck MPG and GHG standards