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GHG Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy Duty Engines and Vehicles

EPA has published a document containing a record of the answers the agency has completed to date to the questions submitted by industry before, during and after the November 3, 2011 workshop. Regulated parties may use this document to aid in achieving compliance with the regulations for heavy-duty vehicles (40 CFR Part 86, 1037; and, 49 CFR Part 523,534 and 535) and heavy-duty engines (40 CFR Part 1036; and, 49 CFR Part 523, 534 and 535). For a copy, click here.

2017-2025 CAFE/GHG NPRM

On January 13, 2012, NHTSA and EPA published a notice in the Federal Register at 77 FR 2028 announcing that they are extending the comment period for the joint 2017-2025 CAFE/GHG NPRM to February 13, 2012. The extension does not apply to NHTSA’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement which is available online at www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy. The comment period for NHTSA’s Draft EIS closes on January 31, 2012. 

 

SCR Maintenance Intervals

On January 5, 2012, EPA is publishing notices in the Federal Register announcing the approval of new SCR maintenance intervals for both onroad and nonroad diesel engines/vehicles.  For light duty vehicles, the previously approved maintenance intervals for 2009-2010 will be allowed for 2011 and later model years.  For light duty, DEF refill intervals shall not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval.  This also applies to medium duty vehicles and other chassis certified vehicles up to 14,000 pounds.  For heavy-duty vehicles/engines, vocational heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., dump trucks, concrete mixers, refuse trucks, and other centrally-fueled vehicles) are permitted a DEF tank maintenance interval no less than the vehicle’s fuel capacity (i.e., a 1:1 ratio of DEF refill to fuel refill).  For all other heavy-duty vehicles, EPA has approved a DEF tank refill interval no less than twice the range of the vehicle’s fuel capacity (i.e., a 2:1 ratio).  EPA will review manufacturer certification applications to ensure that technology is being provided to ensure DEF tanks will be refilled as intended.  Acceptable strategies will include visible signal systems to alert drivers and operators that maintenance is needed or data demonstrating that drivers or operators are induced to perform maintenance.  For nonroad CI engines, the approved maintenance interval is the 1:1 ration of DEF refill to fuel refill.  EPA contact: David Dickinson, Compliance Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Tel: 202-343-9256, Email: Dickinson.david@epa.gov. 

 

Low Volume Manufacturers Act of 2011

On October 27, 2011, Rep. Campbell (R-CA) introduced  legislation that would essentially exempt  manufacturers producing one thousand vehicles per year or less from the safety standards and allow them to bypass the EPA certification system by using previously certified engines that are compliant with the OBD II evap standards.  The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  It is co-sponsored by Representatives Posey (R-FL), Manzullo (R-IL), Blackburn (R-TN), Hunter (R-CA), and Barrow (D-GA). 

 

Fuel Economy Label Information for 2012 Model Year

On August 8, 2011, EPA issued a “Dear Manufacturer” letter (CISD-11-11) discussing the following:

• Information necessary to print fuel economy labels;
• Instructions for submitting information to EPA for the Fuel Economy Guide for alternative-fueled vehicles, CNG vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and sport utility vehicles;
• Instructions and guidance for manufacturers who voluntarily wish to use the new 2013 labeling requirements for 2012 vehicles;
• The timetable for inclusion of fuel economy label values in the 2012 model year Fuel Economy Guide.

For a copy of the letter, click Download CISD-11-11.

 

E15 Misfueling Rule



On June 27, 2011, the EPA released a final rule that establishes several measures to mitigate E15 misfueling.  A copy of the pre-Federal Register version of the rule, along with other information related to the rulemaking, is available at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/index.htm. 

In the final rule, EPA has established several measures to mitigate misfueling of certain vehicles, engines and equipment with E15. The key mitigation measures are as follows:

1. The rule prohibits the use of gasoline containing more than 10 vol% ethanol in vehicles, engines and equipment not covered by the partial waiver decisions. 
2. The final rule requires all E15 gasoline fuel dispensers to have a specific label when a retail station or wholesale-purchaser consumer chooses to sell E15.
3. The rule requires that product transfer documents (PTDs) specifying ethanol content and Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) accompany the transfer of gasoline blended with ethanol through the fuel distribution system.
4. The rule requires a survey of retail stations to ensure compliance with E15 labeling, ethanol content and other requirements.

The requirements contained in the final rule will go into effect 30 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.  Docket reference: EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0448.  EPA contact: Robert Anderson, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Compliance and Innovative Strategies Division, 202-343-9817, Anderson.robert@epa.gov.

 

EPA Proposed Draft Guidance on Certification Requirements for Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines Using SCR

 

On June 7, 2011, the EPA published a notice in the Federal Register at 76 FR 32886 requesting comment on draft guidance for complying with adjustable parameter regulations at 40 CFR 86.094-22 as they apply to certification of on-highway heavy-duty diesel engines using SCR.  Once finalized, this guidance will be used by EPA in reviewing applications for certification involving SCR received on or after the effective date of the guidance. 

Comments will be due 30 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

Docket reference: EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0444

EPA contact: Greg Orehowsky, Heavy-Duty and Nonraod Engine Group, Compliance and Innovative Strategies Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, (202) 343-9292,orehowsky.gregory@epa.gov.

 

EPA Cross-Border Sales Policy for 2011 MY and Later Vehicles

On May 3, 2011, EPA issued a “Dear Manufacturer Letter” (CISD-11-06) which updates the agency's Cross-Border Sales Policy pertaining to sales of “California vehicles” for model years 2011 and beyond. 

Under this policy, manufacturers may introduce into commerce 2011 and beyond model year vehicles certified by California and EPA to California regulations, but not federal regulations, into California and any of “the 177 states” (i.e., states that have adopted and placed into effect the CARB regulations for a vehicle class or classes in accordance with Section 177 of the Clean Air Act).  This policy is applicable for vehicles classified by CARB as passenger cars (PC), light-duty trucks (LDT), medium-duty vehicles (MDV), and heavy-duty vehicles (HDV).  EPA will not prevent manufacturers from introducing vehicles certified as meeting California regulations into commerce in the states that are not one of “the 177 states” but are contiguous to either California or any of “the 177 states.” 

 

House Passes Legislation to Strip EPA and CARB of Their Ability to Regulate Motor Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions

On March 15, 2011, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 34 to 9  to approve H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011.  While the bill is clear that EPA and CARB would be unable to issue motor vehicle GHG standards for the 2017 and later timeframe, it is also the opinion of the EPA that the legislation would also prevent them from enforcing 2012-2016 motor vehicle GHG standards that were passed in 2010.  Although the bill is expected to be approved by the full House, it is not expected to garner enough votes in the Senate to pass there.  

 

HFO-1234yf for motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC)

On Feb. 24,, 2011, EPA Administrator Jackson made a determination that HFO-1234yf is acceptable, subject to use conditions, as a substitute for CFC-12 in new MVAC systems for passenger cars and light-duty trucks.  This determination does not apply to the use of HFO-1234yf as a conversion or retrofit for existing MVAC systems.  In addition, it does not apply to the use of HFO-1234yf in the air conditioning or refrigeration systems of heavy-duty trucks, refrigerated transport, or off-road vehicles such as agricultural or construction equipment.  Under this decision, the following enforceable use conditions apply when HFO-1234yf is used in a new MVAC system for passenger cars and light-duty trucks: 1. HFO-1234yf MVAC systems must adhere to all of the safety requirements of SAE , and 2) Manufacturers must conduct Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) as provided in SAE J1739 (adopted 2009).  The rule will go into effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.  For a copy of the advanced copy version, click here.   Docket ref: EPAHQ-OAR-2008-0664.