EPA sets strict new emissions standards on heavy-duty vehicles
The Environmental Protection Agency is setting strict new emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles that it says will help address the worsening climate crisis. But truckers warn the rules will de… The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict new emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, which it claims will help address the climate crisis. However, truckers warn that the rules will devastate their industry and cost consumers. The American Trucking Association has called the new rules unrealistic and suggested a slower and more phased in approach. The EPA insists the rules give the industry time to adjust and will start taking effect in 2027 then ramp up through 2032. Supporters argue that the new technologies will make these trucks cheaper to operate and reduce costs.
Published : a month ago by Hannah Brandt in Politics Environment
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Environmental Protection Agency is setting strict new emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles that it says will help address the worsening climate crisis. But truckers warn the rules will devastate their industry and cost consumers.
Environmental advocates are excited about the crackdown on emissions.
Amanda Leland, the Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund, expects the new standards to have a huge impact.
“This is a big deal, it’s a really big deal,” Leland said. “These new standards will prevent a gigiton, one billion tons of climate pollution from getting into our air and our atmosphere.”
The companies that own the big trucks aren’t happy about the changes. CEO of the American Trucking Association Chris Spear says the EPA’s calls the new rules unrealistic.
“The timelines and targets in this rule are simply unachievable,” Spear said. “It’s going to be a travesty if it goes forward.”
The EPA insists the new rules give the industry time to adjust and says they start taking effect in 2027 then ramp up through 2032.
“They phase in gradually. They’re built upon standards that are already in the books that the industry is already complying with,” Joseph Goffman with the EPA said.
“These new technologies will untimately make these trucks cheaper to operate,” Goffman said.
Spear argues most companies won’t be able to afford the transition. He warns it will disrupt supply chains and increase prices.
“We’re talking about real people putting food on the table. They’re going to be paying 10 times more for it and they’re going to get half the choices,” Spear said.
He agrees that there’s a need to confront the climate crisis, but he’s pushing for a slower and more phased in timeline.
“Let’s take care of the economy and the environment at the same time,” Spear said. “Work with our industry, we’ll get there. This is not a question of if, it’s about when.”
Supporters of the change insist it would be a mistake to slow down standards that will benefit public health and the economy.
“We want to see that happen sooner not later,” Leland said.
Topics: Climate Change, ESG