On October 25, 2010, EPA and NHTSA released a joint proposal to establish a federal program to reduce GHG emissions and increase fuel efficiency for on-road heavy-duty vehicles. The proposal covers essentially all heavy duty vehicles and the engines used in HD vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVWR (except MDPVs). The requirements vary depending on vehicle category. Three vehicle categories are defined: 1) tractor combinations, 2) vocational vehicles, and 3) heavy duty pickup trucks and vans. EPA’s proposed GHG emission standards would begin with MY2014 while NHTSA’s proposed fuel consumption standards would be voluntary in MY2014-2015 and become mandatory in 2016, except for diesel engine standards which would be voluntary in MYs2014-2016 and become mandatory in MY2017. Fuel economy improvements in the range of five to seventeen percent would be required and cost implications vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on vehicle type.
Comments on the NPRM will be due 60 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.
Two public hearings are scheduled to be held. One hearing will be held in Chicago on November 15 with the other taking place on November 18.
Docket reference: EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0162 & NHTSA-2010-0079
Agency contacts: EPA: Lauren Steele, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Div., Ann Arbor, MI (734) 214-4788, [email protected]. NHTSA: Rebecca Yoon, Office of Chief Counsel, (202) 366-2992.
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