The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new
and stricter standards for greenhouse gas emissions in the US from heavy-duty
vehicles of model year 2027-2032.
In the US, transportation makes up the largest portion of the country’s carbon footprint. Heavy duty vehicles like big rigs and buses are considered a major source of pollution and contribute to a quarter of the US’ transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions – hence greatly impacting the climate.
With the new standards, the EPA aims to prevent a billion
tons of these emissions by 2055. Additionally, the rules are expected to
improve air quality for US citizens living within 200 meters of a truck freight
route, since trucks are also responsible for the release of soot and
smog-forming pollutants in the atmosphere. Earlier this month, the EPA had also
announced new standards for emissions from light and medium-duty vehicles,
which is expected to lead to faster adoption of electric vehicles.
The new rules have also been met with some negative reactions from the transportation industry. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association pointed out that in order to avoid higher costs for zero emissions vehicles, truck drivers may stick to older vehicles that are, in fact, more polluting. The association further highlighted that the EPA rule could lead to rushed production of battery electric vehicles before adequate charging infrastructure is implemented.
