Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler will advance his Cleaner Trucks Initiative, outlined in November 2018, with a proposed rulemaking to establish new, more stringent oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other pollutant emissions standards for heavy-duty diesel engines powering on-highway trucks.
“We will modernize engines, improving their efficiency and reducing their emissions, which will lead to a healthier environment,” said Administrator Wheeler, addressing an early-January gathering of trucking interests and lawmakers in Virginia. “The U.S. has made major reductions in NOx emissions, but through this initiative we will continue to reduce emissions, while spurring innovative new technologies, ensuring heavy-duty trucks are clean and remain a competitive method of transportation.”
“As co-regulators under the Clean Air Act, [our] state and local members have worked diligently to improve air quality, overseeing significant decreases in the emissions and ambient concentrations of the six criteria air pollutants,” added Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies Executive Director Jason Sloan. “By seeking efficiency improvements for on-highway heavy-duty trucks and engines, EPA’s Cleaner Trucks Initiative will support environmental agencies in their continued efforts to meet national air quality standards.”
“The trucking industry takes clean air seriously and has made significant strides in improving the nation’s air quality,” noted American Trucking Associations Executive Vice President of Advocacy Bill Sullivan. “Since 1985, newly manufactured trucks have reduced NOx emissions by over 98 percent but our work is not yet done. These reductions have been possible because the EPA has worked with stakeholders to help institute standards that are feasible, achievable and reasonable. The industry seeks one national, harmonized NOx emissions standard that will result in positive environmental progress while not compromising truck performance.”