On January 6, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), per the direction of the Trump administration, announced the rollout of its Cleaner Truck Initiative (CTI). This step towards stiffer restrictions and pollution controls is intended to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions and to encourage freight companies to modernize their fleets.
Naturally, the EPA’s initiative to reduce truck pollution will have consequences—both large and small—on the trucking industry. Below, we’ll discuss the Cleaner Truck Initiative and what it might mean for the trucking industry as a whole.
The EPA is Looking to Reduce Truck Pollution
In 2001, the EPA rolled out its initial standards on highway heavy-duty trucks and engines’ NOx and nitrogen dioxide emissions. These have been linked to asthma and lung disease and “designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of the “criteria” pollutants under the Clean Air Act, meaning it may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.”
It required trucks to cut 95% of nitrogen dioxide emissions over the next decade.
This resulted in a 40% reduction in national nitrogen dioxide emissions.
While this was a positive step in the right direction, it wasn’t enough. In 2018, the EPA started to strategize ways that they could continue their mission to reduce air pollution. They set their sights on heavy-duty, diesel trucks, the country’s largest producer of mobile pollution, notably NOx emissions. Thus, the CTI was born, and its launch was announced in November of that year. Per the EPA:
“We have an opportunity to modernize the requirements to better reflect the capability of available emissions control technologies. In particular, emissions standards have lowered overall NOx emissions from heavy-duty trucks, but have not focused on emission control under low-load conditions—when trucks are at idle, moving slowly, or in stop-and-go traffic.”
While there were rumors about what it might contain, we’re just now beginning to see some of the details of the program. On January 6, 2020, the EPA released its Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule which would contain, “plans for a new rulemaking that would establish new emission standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other pollutants for highway heavy-duty engines. It also describes opportunities to streamline and improve certification procedures to reduce costs for engine manufacturers.” That said, the rules haven’t yet been set in stone so much of it remains as pure speculation.
What Will The CTI Mean For The Trucking Industry?
To the surprise of some, many leaders within the trucking industry support this movement. There is widespread consensus that this is a wise strategy that not only helps the environment but also preempts and undercuts California’s latest efforts to sacrifice business and economic growth at the altar of progressive regulation. So, rather than allow the state’s choking regulations to set the standard, this move allows the trucking industry to head them off at the legislative pass, as it were. According to the New York Times:
“The [Trump] administration appears to be complying with the wishes of the trucking industry, which has called for a new national nitrogen dioxide regulation to override states that could otherwise implement their own, tighter rules. On that front, the E.P.A. rule is likely to open a new battle in Mr. Trump’s long-running war with California over environmental regulations and states’ rights. California is already moving ahead with stringent state-level standards on nitrogen dioxide pollution from trucks that could be replicated by other states.”
Along these lines, the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) signaled their support for the initiative. This sentiment was echoed by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler: “The Trucking industry touches nearly every part of our economy. A strong and resilient trucking industry is imperative to maintaining a strong and resilient economy. Through this initiative, we will modernize heavy-duty truck engines, improving their efficiency and reducing their emissions, which will lead to a healthier environment.”
So, what should members of the Trucking industry expect:
Higher initial capital investments – Freight companies that don’t yet meet the standards may have to invest in overhauling their fleet, by either purchasing new trucks or retrofitting their engines to meet new standards.
Financial incentives – Capital investment may be offset by programs that provide financial incentives for fleets to replace older model trucks with newer ones.
Decreased freight costs – The improved fuel efficiency of newer truck models will have significant benefits over time, particularly.
Lower emissions – Members of the trucking community wish to do their part in being wise stewards of the earth, but not at the sake of ruining the American economy, which trucking is the lifeblood of.
Trucking Proud
While much remains to be seen, these initial steps are a positive move in the right direction. Until technology reaches the point where it’s cost-benefit to make the switch to electric, this is a worthwhile compromise that reduces emissions without destroying the trucking industry. That said, we’re still in the early phases of the CTI rollout. However, once rules are solidified, we at Trucking Proud will be sure to update you!
Sources:
American Thoracic Society Journal. Nox – Nox: Who’s There? https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.200903-0485ED
EPA. News Release - EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Launches Cleaner Trucks Initiative. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-acting-administrator-wheeler-launches-cleaner-trucks-initiative
EPA. Cleaner Trucks Initiative. https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/cleaner-trucks-initiative
EPA. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule: Control of Air Pollution from new Motor Vehicles. https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/advance-notice-proposed-rule-control-air-pollution-new
New York Times. E.P.A. Aims tot Reduce Truck Pollution and Avert Tougher State Controls. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/climate/trump-truck-pollution.html
AP. Truck and Engine Manufactures Support EPA’s Cleaner Trucks Initiative. https://apnews.com/069ebc1851824248b3977377f28e0d2f
EPA. News Release – EPA Jumpstarts Cleaner Trucks Initiative. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-jumpstarts-cleaner-trucks-initiative
