Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/555101
100 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | AUGUST 2015 T he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation last month published their proposed rule for the next round of emissions standards for heavy trucks. EPA and DOT are accepting public com- ment on the rule until Sept. 11. The rule, Phase II of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles, will set a cap on the amount of GHG emissions produced by heavy trucks and engines by imple- menting vehiclewide fuel economy standards encompassing trucks, trailers and engines. EPA says the standards would "significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles, helping to address the challenges of global climate change and energy security." The proposed standards will begin for model-year 2018 trailers and model-year 2021 tractors and culminate in vehi- clewide – engine, truck and trailer – standards for model-year 2027 vehicles. The proposal also includes certain EPA-specific provi- sions relating to control of emissions of pollutants other than GHGs. EPA is seeking comment on non-GHG emissions standards relating to the use of auxiliary power units installed in tractors. In addition, EPA is proposing to clarify the classifica- tion of natural gas engines and other gaseous-fueled heavy-duty engines and is proposing closed crankcase standards for emissions of all pollutants from natural gas heavy-duty engines. The rule also would change emissions laws governing glider kits and would require them to meet emissions laws in place when they were assembled rather than the year the engine was manufactured. The 629-page proposed rule can be found at www.gpo.gov/ fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-07-13/pdf/2015-15500.pdf. To comment on the rule, go to www.regulations.gov and search for Docket Number 2015-15500. – Matt Cole JOURNAL | FUEL SAVVY T he American Truck Dealers last month said H.R. 2822 – which includes an amendment that would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for one year, from using funds to include the regulation of glider kits in its Phase II fuel economy/greenhouse gas proposed rule – is unlikely to pass, as it was pulled from the House floor last month due to an unrelated provision's inclusion in the bill about the Confederate battle flag. The amendment, offered by U.S. Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.), called for no funds to be used in implementation or enforcement of the GHG rule on glider kits and/or glider vehicles and had passed by voice vote on July 8. A week later, the underlying H.R. 2822 bill was pulled from further consid- eration by the House. H.R. 2822 proposed to appropriate $30.17 billion for fiscal year 2016 for EPA, the Interior Department and other agen- cies, but Republican leaders pulled it from the floor after it was amended by a non-record vote to bar displays of Confederate symbols at national cemeteries and other federal properties funded by the bill. Black represents the Tennessee state district that includes Byrdstown, where Fitzgerald Glider Kits is located. She had told fellow House members that glider kits – which include a new frame, cab and axles, but do not include an engine or transmission – are less expensive than buying a new truck, making them more affordable to more drivers. The refur- bished powertrains come from older trucks. – Jason Cannon and Matt Cole Comment period open for Phase II of proposed GHG rule Amendment to exempt glider kits from emissions rule unlikely to pass The proposed standards will culminate in vehiclewide – engine, truck and trailer – standards for model-year 2027 vehicles. Glider kits include a new frame, cab and axles, with a refurbished powertrain from an older truck.