New US standards to slash CO2

The Obama Administration has released a proposal for tough new emissions standards for trucks, buses, large pick-ups and vans, with the changes lowering carbon dioxide levels by 24 per cent in a prime mover manufactured in 2027, compared to a projected 2018 baseline.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the proposed standards on Friday, June 19.

The two bodies claim the changes will "lower CO2 emissions by approximately one billion metric tons, cut fuel costs by about $US170 billion ($A219 billion) and reduce oil consumption by up to 1.8 billion barrels over the lifetime of the vehicles sold under the program".

The proposed changes represent a second major phase of environment-focussed legislation, and follow on from the current 2014 to 2018 fuel efficiency and emissions standards.

While the changes will apply only to the US market, the resulting uptake of new environmentally friendly technologies – from clean-running and fuel-efficient engines to low-rolling-resistance tyres and advanced aerodynamics – could ultimately flow on to other world markets, as truck and engine manufacturers make the most of the resulting advances.

While most truck brands are already investing substantial sums in the next generation of trucks – like Western Star with the innovative 5700XE (pictured) it released in the US last year and Freightliner with its SuperTruck concept – the proposal will add significant extra momentum to manufacturers' R&D programs.

The US Government says commercial vehicles account for just five per cent of traffic on America's roads but represent 20 per cent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions and oil use. Commercial vehicle emissions are currently projected to exceed those of passenger cars by 2030.

The proposed changes would be phased in over 2021 to 2027, and will encompass engine standards, general performance standards and – for the first time – trailer efficiency standards.

US Authorities say the proposal's timeline and staged approach will give manufacturers sufficient time for product planning, while the fuel consumption gains will allow truck operators to recoup the extra outlay for the technology involved in a relatively brief period of time – typically one to two years.

It also says the proposed changes afford a high degree of flexibility, allowing manufacturers to choose which technologies they feel best suit their products and capabilities.

According to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the proposed changes will usher in benefits on myriad levels.

"We're delivering big time on President Obama's call to cut carbon pollution," she said in a media statement.

"With emissions reductions weighing in at one billion tons, the proposal will save consumers, businesses and truck owners money, and at the same time spur technology innovation and job growth, while protecting Americans' health and our environment over the long haul."

The US Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx, was also predictably upbeat.

"Once upon a time, to be pro-environment you had to be anti-big-vehicles," he said.

"This rule will change that. In fact, these efficiency standards are good for the environment and the economy. When trucks use less fuel, shipping costs go down. It's good news all round, especially for anyone with an online shipping habit."

The US transport industry has had a mixed reaction to the proposed changes, with many stakeholders concerned the new standards will see prices for new trucks blow out.

The American Trucking Association has reacted to the proposal with cautious optimism. According to ATA President and CEO, Bill Graves, the changes could pave the way to significant savings.

"Fuel is an enormous expense for our industry – and carbon emissions carry an enormous cost for our planet," he said, in an ATA press release.

"That's why our industry supported the Obama Administration's historic first round of greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards for medium and large trucks and why we support the aims of this second round of standards."

However, ATA Vice President and Energy and Environmental Counsel, Glen Kedzie, expressed concern that the timeframe for the proposal could potentially rush the technology uptake.

"We believe this rule could result in the deployment of certain technologies that do not fully recognize the diversity of our industry and could prove to be unreliable," he warned.

"This unreliability could slow not only adoption of these technologies, but the environmental benefits they aim to create. To prevent this, truck and engine manufacturers will need adequate time to develop solutions to meet these new standards."

The release of the proposal will now enter into a 60-day consultation period, with the EPA and NHTSA hosting a series of public hearings with key stakeholders.

Click here for more information on the proposal.