Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/619872
January 2016 | Overdrive | 11 Untitled-2 1 12/9/15 8:20 AM Upcoming fuel regs draw criticisms Most trucking stakeholders submitting comments on the next round of fuel economy and emissions regulations say they agree with the purpose of the regulations – cleaner air – but see flaws in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's massive rule. The proposed standards would begin in model-year 2018 for trailers and 2021 for tractors. They would culmi- nate in vehicle-wide – engine, truck and trailer – standards for model-year 2027 vehicles. The American Trucking Associations said the market penetration rates estimated in the proposed rule are "overly aggressive" and that the Na- tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration underesti- mated the costs of technol- ogies. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Associa- tion agreed, saying those two agencies have not "adequately considered the excessive burden that will be placed upon small business owners and professional truck drivers from exorbitantly expensive, untested and in some cases unproven technologies." The agencies estimated cost increases of $10,000 to $13,000 for new trucks and $1,400 for new trailers by the end of Phase 2, in 2027. Paccar said EPA and NHT- SA should provide credits for advanced innovations such as speed limiters, B-20 capabil- ity, tire pressure monitoring, hybrid technology, rear axle efficiency and transmission efficiency. – Matt Cole