Trucking industry resists EPA’s new heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards

Truckers resist EPA’s new heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards

Truckers argue new EPA regulations will disrupt industry, raise expenses
EPA says standards will benefit 72 million people living near US freight routes
Rules apply to model years 2027-2032, could eliminate 1B tons of emissions

Updated: Apr 5, 2024 / 07:16 AM CDT

(NewsNation) — Despite the Environmental Protection Agency‘s assertion that new emissions regulations will benefit about 72 million Americans living near freight routes by reducing air pollution, truckers caution the rules will disrupt the industry and consumer expenses.

The EPA announced last month the new strict emission standards for heavy-duty trucks, buses and other large vehicles in a bid to combat climate change.

The American Trucking Association (ATA) and other groups continue to express concerns, describing the standards as challenging, costly and disruptive to the supply chain.

“The timelines and targets in this rule are simply unachievable, and if you move too fast for an industry like ours, that’s very complex, said Chris Spear, ATA’s president and CEO. “In total, we move 73% of the economy, you’re going to have an impact on everything that we pay, but also everything that we need.”

The American Petroleum Institute has also expressed concerns about the new standards and indicated it could challenge them in court.

The American Lung Association endorsed the regulations, touting the health impacts of fighting air pollution.

According to the EPA, transportation remains the leading U.S. source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

“CO2 emissions contribute to climate change, and I think we’re seeing from severe weather to wildfires to flooding, the negative impacts of climate change and why it’s urgent to do something,” Joseph Goffman, the EPA’s assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, told NewsNation.

The EPA projects these regulations will generate around $13 billion in net benefits, including fewer hospital visits and lost work days. The agency suggests more electric vehicles could translate into lower fuel and maintenance costs for truck companies.

The new rules, which take effect for model years 2027 through 2032, will avoid up to 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next three decades.

However, trucking associations argue the new limits lower zero-emission sales rates proposed for the 2027 through 2029 model years but require higher sales later, resulting in a practical mandate for electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. The EPA rule limits choices for trucks and buses to unproven technology, the organizations said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.