MotorVehicleRegs.COM

Regulatory and Legislative Tracking Reports for Vehicle Manufacturers and Suppliers

Since 1999, Kardos & Associates LLC has supplied the auto industry with the most comprehensive regulatory and legislative tracking reports available. We currently offer clients the following:

Motor Vehicle Safety & Emissions Regulatory Update (the REG UPDATE)

The REG UPDATE has been tracking US and Canadian regulatory activity impacting the auto industry for over twenty years. Regulations developed by the NHTSA, FMCSA, EPA, FCC, CARB, Transport Canada, and Environment Canada are the focus. For each rulemaking, the Reg Update provides a description of the rulemaking, comment deadlines, effective dates, a docket reference, and links to documents available online. Deadlines and critical path items are color-coded so that you can quickly identify what’s new and important. In addition to being an excellent tool for tracking regulatory activity, the Reg Update is a great archive of past actions. The report contains information on virtually every rulemaking affecting automakers from the past two decades. Approximately 400 pages in length.

U.S. Safety & Fuel Economy Regulatory & Legislative Update
The U.S. Safety & Fuel Economy Regulatory & Legislative Update provides a snapshot of the past month’s legislative and regulatory activities relating to safety, emissions and fuel economy. The report provides brief summaries of notices issued by DOT, EPA, CARB and others. With regard to federal legislation, the report covers newly introduced bills, information on committee hearings, etc. Activities at the state level pertaining to emerging technologies (e.g., automated vehicles, advance driver assistance systems, EVs and EV infrastructure, etc.) are also covered.

Federal Legislation Tracking Report
Our legislative tracking report focuses on matters relating to environment and energy, safety and fuel economy/climate change. The report covers two years-worth of bills (the length of each Congressional session) and includes summaries and status updates for each tracked bill. Links to bill text and related information are provided.

All of our reports are distributed monthly via email as a PDF. Subscribers also get access to an online archive of past reports.

For pricing, contact Dale Kardos at (202) 3064997 or [email protected]. For more information about Kardos & Associates LLC, see www.kardosllc.com.

For a PDF of this information, click here.

EPA Heavy Duty Engine Test Procedures NPRM

On May 12, 2020, the EPA published an NPRM in the Federal Register proposing changes to the test procedures for heavy-duty engines and vehicles to improve accuracy and reduce testing burden.  In the NPRM, EPA also proposes other regulatory amendments concerning light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, highway motorcycles, locomotives, marine engines, other nonroad engines and vehicles, stationary engines. These would affect the certification procedures for exhaust emission standards, and related requirements. EPA is proposing similar amendments for evaporative emission standards for nonroad equipment and portable fuel containers. These amendments would increase compliance flexibility, harmonize with other requirements, add clarity, correct errors, and streamline the regulations. 

Products affected by the rulemaking include:

• Light-duty vehicles
• Heavy-duty vehicles and engines
• Motorcycles (highway and nonroad)
• Marine engines
• Locomotives
• Other nonroad engines and equipment
• Stationary engines
• Portable fuel containers

Comments on the NPRM will be due June 26, 2020.

Docket reference: EPA–HQ–OAR-2019-0307.

EPA contact: Alan Stout, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; telephone number: (734) 214-4805; email address: [email protected].

Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI) ANPRM

On Jan. 21, 2020, the US EPA published an ANPRM in the Federal Register requesting comments on potential regulatory measures that would reduce emissions from heavy vehicles.  Topics covered in the ANPRM include the following:

- emission control technologies for reducing NOx

- standards and test cycles

- in-use emission standards

- extended regulatory useful life

- ensuring long-term in-use emissions performance

- certification and compliance streamlining

- incentives for early emission reductions

An EPA summary document is available here.

The EPA website for the rulemaking is available here.

Docket reference: EPA–HQ–OAR–2019–0055

Comments are due Feb. 20, 2020.

Diesel Vehicle Ban

On October 1, 2013, at the request of the Mayor, DC Council Chairman, Phil Mendelson, introduced bill no. B20-0513 (the Alternate Fuel Vehicle Conversion Act of 2013), which proposes to ban new diesel vehicles of any kind from being registered in DC starting Jan. 1, 2018.  In addition to banning diesel vehicles, the legislation would offer tax credits to persons and businesses who convert vehicles to operate on alternative fuels such as E85, natural gas, CNG, LNG, LPG, B100, electricity and hydrogen.  For a copy of the bill, click here. 

Monthly Regulatory & Legislative Tracking Reports Available for 2013 - Sign Up Now!

Since 1995, Dale Kardos & Associates, Inc. (DKA Inc.) has been supplying automakers, automotive suppliers and their trade associations with comprehensive detailed regulatory and legislative tracking reports.  Each month, DKA Inc. publishes the following three related, but uniquely-focused, tracking reports:

The Reg Update

The Reg Update is a monthly report that tracks the status of all North American regulatory activity concerning emissions, fuel economy (CO2) and safety (we track all regulatory actions of NHTSA, EPA, California Air Resources Board, Transport Canada, Environment Canada, and Section 177 States (i.e., states that have adopted CA’s Low Emission Vehicle program rules). For each rulemaking, the Reg Update provides electronic links to the latest official publications and includes information concerning comment period deadlines, anticipated future actions, projected implementation dates, and more.  In print since 1998, the Reg Update also serves as a tremendous archive of past actions. 

U.S. Motor Vehicle Safety and Legislative Update

The U.S. Motor Vehicle Safety & Legislative Update is a monthly report summarizing the past month’s legislative and regulatory activity concerning motor vehicle safety, emissions, and fuel economy/GHG issues.  The report provides brief summaries of and electronic links to key Federal Register notices, Congressional bills, public laws, NHTSA interpretation letters, recall listings, defect reports, NCAP test results, etc.  The report also covers financial incentive program announcements coming out of the Department of Energy, California and elsewhere.

Status of Motor Vehicle Related Legislation in the 113^th Congress

This report is devoted to keeping automakers and supplier up-to-date on the status of all legislation pending in the U.S. Congress that may potentially affect the auto industry.  We cover the introduction of all new bills and track their status over the course of the next two years.  We’ll provide updates on any official new activity related to the bill, increases in sponsorship, etc.  The report typically groups bills into the following categories:  Appropriations, Climate Change/GHG/Environment, Financial Incentive Programs, Biofuels and Flex Fuel Vehicles, Funding for Vehicle Development, Safety, Toxic Chemicals, misc.

 Report samples are available via the links below:

1.  Download REG UPDATE (SAMPLE - DEC 2012)

2. Download US Motor Vehicle Regulatory and Legislative Update (Dec 2012)

3. Download 111TH CONGRESS MOTOR VEHICLE LEGISLATION TRACKING SUMMARY (SAMPLE)

Pricing: The above reports can be purchased individually or at a discount (as a package).  A one year subscription is required (12 monthly updates).  For pricing and/or questions, please send an email to Dale Kardos ([email protected]).

CARB Diesel Verification Procedure

California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) staff has posted the presentation that will be given at the public workshop to discuss the proposed amendments to the Verification Procedure, Warranty, and In-Use Compliance Requirements for In-Use Strategies to Control Emissions from Diesel Engines (Verification Procedure) that will be presented on January 19, 2012.  The presentation is now available at the Verification Procedure webpage:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/in-use/workshop_presentation_1-19-12.pdf

Along with minor changes and clarifications, the proposed amendments to the Verification Procedure include the following:

•     Additional changes to the in-use compliance testing requirements including when testing is required and the adoption of an in-field testing option

•     Recall provisions

•     Changes to the pre-installation compatibility assessment provisions including additional requirements for installers of verified DECS

•     Clarification of the definition of a warrantable event and warranty reporting requirements

•     Changes to the backpressure monitoring requirements for filter-based DECS

For more information about the January 19th workshop, please go to:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/mailouts/msc1136/msc1136.pdf

For more information about the Verification Program, please go to:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/verdev.htm

 

 

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: [email protected]. 

 

Diesel Verification Procedure Workshop

On December 16, 2011, CARB published Mail-Out # MSC 11-36 which announces a public workshop to discuss proposed amendments and clarifications to the Verification Procedure, Warranty, and In-Use Compliance Requirements for In-Use Strategies to Control Emissions from Diesel Engines (Verification Procedure) to be considered by the Board in May 2012. The Verification Procedure is used by staff to evaluate diesel emission control strategies (DECS) to determine their suitability for use by regulated fleets. At the workshop, staff will discuss proposed amendments to the Verification Procedure including the following:

• Additional changes to the in-use compliance testing requirements, including specifying when testing is required and providing a new in-field testing option
• New recall provisions
• Changes to the pre-installation compatibility assessment provisions, including additional requirements for installers of verified DECS
• Clarification of the definition of a warrantable event and revised warranty reporting requirements
• Changes to the backpressure monitoring requirements for filter-based DECS
• Other changes and clarifications

Staff will post an agenda and presentation on ARB’s Verification Procedure website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/verdev.htm and on the In-Use Compliance website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/inusecomreq.htm prior to the workshop.

The workshop will be held in El Monte and is scheduled for three hours on the date below:

Date: Thursday, January 19, 2012

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Location: Air Resources Board

Auditorium – Annex 4

9528 Telstar Avenue

El Monte, California 91731

Comments may also be submitted by postal mail before the workshop or by electronic submittal before and during the workshop:

Postal Mail: Mr. Dean Bloudoff

Air Resources Board

1001 “I” Street, P.O. Box 2815

Sacramento, California 95812

Electronic submittal: [email protected]

 

The public workshop will have teleconference capabilities. To participate, dial

(888) 677-0331 and give the Participant Code: 17234. For international calls, dial

(517) 268-4943. 

 

U.S. Coalition for Advanced Diesel Cars Calls for Technology Neutral Public Policies and Regulations

On December 7, 2011, the U.S. Coalition for Advanced Diesel Cars held a panel discussion at the National Press Club on the subject of technology-neutral public policies and regulations.  Moderated by the Coalition’s Executive Director, Jeffrey Breneman, the event featured presentations by:

Greg Garr, Umicore

Lars Ullrich, Bosch

Dave Cetola, Johnson Matthey

Steve McKinley, Honeywell

Dave Cetola, Johnson Matthey

Mike Omotoso, LMC Automotive

John DeCicco, University of Michigan

Drew Kodjak, International Council on Clean Transportation

Steve Ciatti, Argonne National Laboratory

 

Collectively, the panelists discussed the potential for advanced diesel vehicles to meet future fuel efficiency standards and spoke against government policies (e.g., tax incentives for hybrids and EVs) that favor one technology over another. In their collective view, the government should set the standards and get out of the way. 

Also participating in the event was former Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta.  Mr. Mineta recently authored a White Paper for the Coalition entitled, “The Case for Technology Neutral Public Policy in Fuel Economy Debate: Allowing Performance to Determine Solutions.”  The White Paper makes the case that it is wrong for the federal government to promote EVs and hybrids over other technologies and that the government should instead be focused on improving efficiency and reducing emissions in a technology-neutral manner.  It adds that the quickest and most cost-effective way to achieve our energy usage goals is through faster adoption of fuel efficient downsized gasoline and diesel engines.

A copy of the White Paper is available online at http://www.cleandieseldelivers.com/upload/CleanDieselDelivers_White_Paper.pdf.

The U.S. Coalition for Advanced Diesel Cars is comprised of the following companies: Borg Warner, Bosch, Honeywell, Johnson Matthey, SinterCast, and Umicore.  More information on the Coalition can be found online at http://www.cleandieseldelivers.com.

 

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,[email protected].