MotorVehicleRegs.COM

SCR Guidance for Heavy Duty Engines

On December 30th, EPA issued revised SCR guidance for heavy duty engines.  The new letter attempts to clarify that the letter to manufacturers issued last February was intended to be used as guidance and not constitute binding requirements. The revised guidance stems from the petition for review filed by Navistar. 

Ethanol Waiver

On November 30th, EPA informed Growth Energy that although all of the studies have not been completed, EPA’s engineering assessment to date indicates that the robust fuel, engine and emissions control systems on new vehicles (likely 2001 and newer model years) will likely be able to accommodate higher ethanol blends, such as E15.  The letter further indicates that if data anticipated by mid-June of 2010 remain supportive of the initial assessment, EPA would be in a position to approve E15 for 201 and newer vehicles in the mid-year timeframe.  It goes on to say, however, that if the data highlight potential problems, then the decision may need to be delayed until all testing is received and reviewed.  The letter adds that, in light of the current testing data, EPA will be taking steps to address fuel pump labeling issues to ensure consumers utilize the proper gasoline for their vehicles and equipment (i.e., E10 for older vehicles, boats, lawnmowers, etc.).  For a copy of the letter, click here.  

Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR)

On November 9, 2009, EPA published a notice in the Federal Register at 74 FR 57671 announcing that they are granting certain manufacturers new and limited variations in emission-related scheduled maintenance intervals for the replenishment of the nitrogen containing reducing agent for Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) technologies used in light-duty and chassis certified diesel vehicles for model years 2009-2010, and used in heavy-duty diesel vehicles and heavy-duty diesel engines for model years 2009-2011. 

SAE 2010 Government/Industry Meeting

SAE’s 2010 Government/Industry meeting will be held January 27-29 in Washington, DC.  Sessions will include:

- Crash Avoidance Technologies for Heavy Trucks

- Enforcement: CARS and CAFÉ

- Adding Up the Carbon of Renewable Fuels

- Second Generation Biofuels

- Front and Side Impact Crashworthiness

- Vehicle Rollover and Occupant Containment

- New Innovations in Advanced Safety Technology

- Crash Avoidance and Crash Causation

- Electricity -- The Fuel of the Future....Today?

- Return of the Plug-in Electric Vehicle -- Will the Sequel Succeed?

- Marketing Safety

- Safety Data

- Heavy-Duty Technologies & Solutions to Improve Efficiency and Emissions

- What's Next for Heavy-Duty Engine Regulations?

- Child Safety

- Pedestrian Safety

- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Safety

- Light-Duty Powertrain Strategies -- Are IC Engines Taking a Back Seat?

- Biomechanics

- Who Pays for the High-Fuel Economy Vehicles of the Future?

- Distraction

For information on the upcoming meeting, go to http://www.sae.org/events/gim/.

Testimony on EV Credits to EPA & DOT

At the EPA/NHTSA public hearing held Oct. 23, 2009 regarding the proposed rulemaking to establish light duty vehicle GHG emissions standards and CAFÉ standards, Shruti Vaidyanathan of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy testified that the proposed advanced technology incentives should be eliminated or strictly limited.  ACEEE testified that while they supported the tax credits for hybrids and PHEVs as well as the $2.4 billion allocated by the 2009 ARRA for electric vehicle programs, they say that the extra credit for advanced technology vehicles proposed by EPA will undermine efficiency improvement in the remainder of the fleet and invite unintended consequences.  According to ACEE, should EPA include the advanced technology credits in the final rule, they recommend that they be limited to a factor of 1.2 and that no consideration be given to an extension beyond 2016.

Mobile Air Conditioning

On October 13, 2009 EPA Administrator Jackson signed a rule that proposes to amend 40 CFR Part 82 by adding HFO-1234yf to the list of refrigerants that are acceptable as substitutes for CFC-12 in motor vehicle air conditioning. Several use conditions are proposed to address flammability concerns. Comments on the proposal will be due 75 days following publication of the proposal in the Federal Register.

Proposed Light Duty Vehicle CAFE and GHG Emissions Standards for the 2012-2016 Model Years

On September 15, 2009, EPA and NHTSA issued a joint notice that contains separate EPA and NHTSA proposals, both of which will require that 2012-2016 model year light duty vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Federal Register version of the proposal was issued on September 28, 2009 at 74 FR 49454. Though the two rules are intended to be harmonious and establish a single National program to reduce GHG emissions and improve fuel economy, they are different because each agency has different statutory mandates and authorities. EPA is proposing GHG emissions standards under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and NHTSA is proposing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended.

Both agencies’ proposals apply to passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles, covering model years 2012 through 2016. However, EPA’s rule will regulate CO2 and other GHG emissions while NHTSA’s rule will establish CAFE standards in terms of miles per gallon (mpg). Per EPA’s proposal, light duty vehicles on average will meet a CO2 standard of 250 g/mile in the 2016 model year. Per NHTSA’s proposal, light duty vehicles on average will be required to meet a CAFE standard of 34.1 mpg in model year 2016. These standards are expected to cause manufacturers to increase their light duty fleet fuel economy by about 5% per year over the affected time period (2012-2016MYs).

EPA and NHTSA jointly estimate that the proposed requirements will increase the cost of a typical 2016 MY light duty vehicle by about $1,100 (eleven hundred dollars). They expect, however, that the average consumer will spend $3,000 less on fuel and thus realize a net savings of $1,900.

Deadline for comments: November 27, 2009.

Public hearings: Three public hearings will be held: Oct. 21 (Detroit), Oct. 23 (NYC), and Oct. 27 (LA).

Lead Wheel Weights

In an Aug. 26, 2009 letter to the Ecology Center and the Sierra Club, the EPA indicates that it has decided to grant the petition to initiate a proceeding for the issuance of a rule to prohibit the manufacture, processing and distribution in commerce of lead wheel balancing weights. Per the letter, the EPA will promptly commence a proceeding under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Engine Stockpiling Prohibition

On June 26, 2009, EPA issued an NPRM concerning large marine diesel engines used in ocean going vessels. With the issuance of this NPRM, EPA is also proposing numerous technical amendments to existing motor vehicle and nonroad engine regulations. Among them is the codification of EPA’s informal policy prohibiting engine stockpiling. With the provision proposed, a new section within 49 CFR Part 85 would be created that would prohibit heavy vehicle manufacturers from stockpiling heavy duty engines to avoid having to purchase clean/more costly heavy duty engines. The proposal is partly a reaction to engine stockpiling that is believed to have occurred in 2006 in advance of the introduction of cleaner 2007MY engines. With the prohibition, vehicle manufacturers would only be allowed to use up normal inventory. Otherwise, the vehicle manufacturer must use engines of the same model year designation as the vehicle (i.e., 2010MY engines in 2010MY vehicles). Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has the authority to fine a manufacturer $25,000 for every vehicle or engine that is illegally stockpiled. For more information on the rulemaking, go to http://www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm#regs.

U.S. EPA Emissions Standards Reference Guide

On July 13 EPA launched the Emission Standards Reference Guide web site that contains federal standards for on-road and nonroad vehicles and engines, and related fuel standards. The Reference Guide is online at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/standards/index.htm.