The Obama administration is looking to raise fuel efficiency standards for trucks and buses in the United States as part of its continued efforts to curb emissions that contribute to global warming.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and officials of the Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed regulation to gradually raise the efficiency requirements to improve the mileage of the said vehicles by almost a quarter by 2021. This follows similar moves by the White House to cut emissions from other land vehicles, aircrafts and power plants.
Foxx is selling the proposal as good for the environment and the economy. It was cheered by environmental groups but received mixed reaction among members of the trucking industry.
The Washington Post cited administration officials saying prices would go up as high as $14,000 for a large truck due to the proposal, but this could be recouped in two years from fuel savings. Overall, it is estimated that savings on gasoline and diesel could reach up to $170 billion, oil consumption will be reduced by close to 2 billion barrels and carbon emissions will be cut by a billion metric tons.
The Washington Post noted that the proposed regulation will impact the largest tractor-trailers as well as buses, large pickup trucks and vans that account for only five percent of vehicles on the road but is responsible for 20 percent of fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The proposal includes requiring the use of lightweight material and improving aerodynamic designs for better fuel economy.
The Washington Post reported that the National Automobile Dealers Association and American Truck Dealers Truck was concerned that the increased cost of vehicles will hurt truckers, but the American Trucking Association was more receptive, agreeing that fuel is a major input for the industry and carbon emissions must be better managed.
The proposal is expected to be finalized next year after undergoing public scrutiny, but officials at various agencies have held dialogues with industry players to assure them that the initiative has business benefits aside from helping the environment.
