Andrew Wheeler, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency re-introduced the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI) at a livestock exchange in Marshall, Virginia earlier this week. The policy aims to reduce oxides of nitrogen, NOx, and other pollutants for highway heavy-duty engines by establishing more rigorous emission standards. Wheeler is calling for public participation in drafting the initiative through his issuing of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The Cleaner Trucks Initiative was first announced in November 2018 by Wheeler to help modernize heavy-duty truck engines while providing cleaner air for all Americans after a petition was sent to the EPA in 2016 from twenty states and local air quality agencies. When this was first announced Wheeler stated, “The U.S. has made major reductions in NOx emissions, but it’s been nearly 20 years since EPA updated these standards. Through rulemaking and a comprehensive review of existing requirements, we will capitalize on these gains and incentivize new technologies to ensure our heavy-duty trucks are clean and remain a competitive method of transportation.”
During his speech in Virginia this week with officials from the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, American Trucking Association, Diesel Technology Forum and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in attendance, Wheeler explained the initiative as a “holistic rethinking of emission standards and compliance.” Bill Sullivan, American Trucking Association Executive Vice President of Advocacy stated, “The trucking industry takes clean air seriously and has made significant strides in improving the nation’s air quality over the last 35 years. Since 1985, newly-manufactured trucks have reduced NOx emissions by over 98 percent, but our work is not yet done. These reductions have been possible because the EPA has worked with stakeholders – including the trucking industry – to help institute standards that are feasible, achievable and reasonable.”
The public comment period will last 30 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register and the EPA intends to disclose proposed direction from the feedback they receive.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-jumpstarts-administrator-wheelers-cleaner-trucks-initiative
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/epa-seeks-comment-cleaner-trucks-initiative
https://www.fleetowner.com/equipment/article/21119979/epa-wants-public-input-on-new-emissions-rules
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/epa-awarding-44-million-to-cut-diesel-engine-emissions
https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/cleaner-trucks-initiative
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-acting-administrator-wheeler-launches-cleaner-trucks-initiative
