EPA contemplates new rule to curb pollution from heavy-duty trucks

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is contemplating rigorous regulations to curb pollution—nitrogen oxide (NOx)— from heavy duty-trucks. Heavy-duty vehicles are believed to be the largest mobile source of nitrogen oxide which is normally associated with lung and heart disease.

Heavy duty truck engines would be modernized by curbing their emissions and boosting their efficiency, EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler emphasized at an announcement in Virginia. The environment watchdog expects this new rule to ‘enhance and streamline certification procedure’ to minimize cost for engine manufacturers.

EPA stressed that more than 100 million people in the U.S. reside in places of non-attainment for ozone and particulate matter. For the record, EPA intends to update the standards for heavy-duty trucks that were last revised in 2000.

In a bid to keep up with the national ambient air quality standards, South Coast Air Basin of California will warrant 70% NOx reduction by 2023. With 60% of truck travel in California stemming from trucks registered from other states, the state wants nationwide rules in part. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is gearing to frame new stricter state emissions limits on NOx.

EPA and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association appear to be on the same page as the association representing companies such as Daimler Trucks North America, Cummins Inc and Navistar International Corp has given thumbs up to revise standards. The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association expects a national program with considerable stability, regulatory lead time and certainty.

Audacious steps taken by EPA to ensure that SUVs and diesel cars are adhering to emission standards in on road use come in the wake of infamous Volkswagen AG’s light-duty diesel emissions behavior. The German automaker allegedly admitted having covertly used software to dodge emissions rules.
 

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-epa-emission/us-epa-to-advance-plan-to-cut-heavy-duty-truck-emissions-idUSKBN1Z50CB