The White House has announced new emissions standards aimed at reducing pollution caused by new trucks and tractors. The Environmental Protection Agency has modified the timeline of the mandate due to concerns about a lack of electric vehicle charging stations along highways. The regulations delay the onset of new emissions standards for the heaviest commercial vehicles, while lighter work vehicles are required to begin reducing emissions by model year 2027. By model year 2032, work trucks and tractors must reduce CO2 emissions by 25% to 60% depending on weight category.
Both heavy-duty trucks and tractors, which use diesel fuel, create carbon dioxide during combustion. Increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere contribute to global warming and climate change. Federal fuel regulations for consumer vehicles have become an election-year issue, with Donald Trump arguing that electric vehicles are not reliable for long-distance travel and potentially moving too quickly. The latest rule is estimated to avoid 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions and provide $13 billion in annualized net benefits to society related to health and climate.
The new rules were met with industry concern about the feasibility of commercial trucks recharging on highways. The Truck and Engine Manufactures Association trade group raised concerns about the regulations being the most challenging, costly, and potentially disruptive heavy-duty emissions rule in history. They highlighted the higher cost of zero-emission vehicles compared to ultra-clean diesel trucks and the lack of necessary infrastructure to support heavy-duty ZEVs. The regulations may also have unintended consequences such as older, more polluting trucks remaining on the road longer.
The bipartisan infrastructure bill signed by Biden in 2021 included funds for electric vehicle charging stations, with a focus on building out Alternative Fuel Corridors along major roadways. Electric vehicle stations will be required every 50 miles along these corridors, with local governments providing a portion of the funds for such projects. The industry has raised concerns about the need for adequate infrastructure to support commercial trucks and tractors, as well as the potential for negative economic consequences and job losses if fleets do not purchase enough ZEVs to comply with the regulations.
The EPA’s final rule for emissions standards for trucks and tractors is intended to make deep cuts in emissions from the transportation sector. The agency has emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Biden administration’s push for stricter regulations on emissions from heavy-duty vehicles has been met with criticism from industry groups who argue that the regulations may be too costly and disruptive. Despite concerns from industry, the administration remains committed to implementing these regulations to address the climate crisis and reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
