On March 7, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a plan for new emission standards for trucks. The proposed standards for heavy-duty trucks will be stricter than the previous ones, which haven’t changed in 20 years. The EPA will implement these guidelines to reduce air pollution by limiting the amount of nitrous oxide admitted. By 2031 the discharge of nitrogen dioxide is also planned to be cut by 90%. The goal of a zero-emission future could become feasible for commercial vehicles in the U.S. The EPA proposed that the standards may come in a one or two-step process.
Option one will establish stringent standards by the model year 2027 and increase the standards by the model year 2031. This will decrease nitrogen dioxide emissions by 90% and reduce the NOx released by 60% by 2045. Option two will go straight to a complete implementation of the NOx standard by the model year 2027. Another proposal that the EPA made simultaneously with the plan was for more extended emission warranty periods. This will improve engine serviceability while expanding the miles covered under warranty. Some of the benefits of the proposal include the following:
- Eighteen thousand fewer cases of asthma onset in children and 3.1 million fewer cases of allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.
- Six thousand seven hundred fewer hospital trips and emergency department visits yearly.
- An estimated 2,100 fewer premature deaths annually.
- 1 million fewer missed school days for children and 78,000 fewer lost school days.
- Monetary net benefits of up to $28 billion (presuming an inflation discount of 7%).
Do the Costs Overshadow the Benefits
While the EPA has detailed the proposal’s advantages, many trucking associations have been concerned with the costs. David Owen, president of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC), noted that small businesses might not afford to buy new trucks. The average power unit cost is close to $140,000, and trucks that follow the proposed plan may cost more. Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), acknowledged that the proposed plan’s timeline might be too short. The manufacturing timeline for ensuring that the trucks meeting the new standards are affordable could be inadequate.
For the proposal to be effective, the trucks produced need to be durable, cleaner, safer, and affordable. Despite the argument against the proposed options, many supporters believe that the end goal is possible. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) noted that the Inflation Reduction Act offers various incentives and grants targeted at reducing emissions. This recently signed act also provides up to $40,000 for purchasing a heavy-duty truck that meets the standards.
Moving 70% of all the freight in the U.S., trucking is a vital part of the U.S. economy and supply chain. Cargo that comes into the U.S. from anywhere internationally also relies on trucking for movement to the final destination. When moving goods by truck, it can be beneficial to have a freight broker to arrange the transportation. Brokers find the best carriers and provide cost-efficient quotes to move your shipment. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com for a quote to move your cargo anywhere across the U.S.