Call to Action Raised Over Trucking Emissions Regulations

Chris Spear, the President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), is raising concerns about new federal emissions regulations and their potential impact on the trucking industry.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Arkansas Trucking Association in Little Rock, Spear emphasized the need to amplify their voice and make their story heard.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Trucks Plan, particularly Phase 3, has become a contentious issue in relation to emissions from large trucks. Spear likened complying with Phase 3, which focuses on reducing nitrogen oxide (NoX) emissions, to extracting blood from a stone.

The Clean Trucks Plan aims to decrease the production of diesel-fueled trucks and replace them with electric or other alternative-fuel vehicles in the coming years. Phase 1 of the plan was finalized by the EPA in December 2022, targeting the reduction of smog- and soot-forming emissions from new heavy-duty trucks starting from the model year 2027.

The details of Phases 2 and 3 are currently being finalized.

Emissions Making Progress Among Infrastructure Concerns

Spear highlighted the significant progress made by the trucking industry in reducing emissions from diesel engines. He mentioned their long-standing collaboration with the EPA’s SmartWay program and the industry’s commitment to adopting environmentally friendly equipment. According to Spear, over the past four decades, harmful emissions from truck tailpipes have been reduced by 98.5%.

To illustrate the progress, Spear noted that it would take 60 modern Class 8 trucks to emit the same amount of pollutants as a single truck from 1988.

Phase 3 of the Clean Trucks plan introduces new and stricter greenhouse gas standards for model years 2027 to 2032. The program aims to gradually transition towards zero emissions, with increasingly stringent standards for different types of trucks over time.

Spear expressed concern about the California Air Resources Board, referring to it as a thorn in the side of the trucking industry. California has taken steps to phase out diesel-powered trucks as part of its efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality in heavily trafficked areas, such as ports along the coast.

Under the EPA’s decision, California can require truck manufacturers to sell more zero-emission trucks over the next few decades. Several other states plan to adopt California’s truck standards as well. Spear questioned the focus on electric trucks when the necessary infrastructure and additional electric capacity to support widespread adoption are lacking.

Spear emphasized the efficiency and convenience of refueling diesel trucks compared to charging electric ones. He raised concerns about the time required to recharge electric trucks and the lack of charging infrastructure to support widespread use.

Spear mentioned that 53% of the big rigs in California are 2010 models or older, suggesting the need for incentives to encourage the purchase of newer, more environmentally friendly diesel models.

ATA President Supports Speed Limiters, Criticizes OOIDA

He also discussed other industry-related topics, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) proposal for speed limiters on commercial vehicles. The ATA supports the measure, which is expected to have a final ruling later in the year.

Spear criticized the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) for opposing the speed limiter proposal. He highlighted what he considered an anti-safety stance from OOIDA, referring to their opposition to electronic logging devices (ELDs) and their advocacy for unlimited driving hours and speed.

When reached out to for a response, OOIDA President Todd Spencer criticized Spear’s comments, highlighting their opposition to the speed limiter rule and their focus on supporting professional drivers’ needs.

Spear concluded his address by discussing truck parking and infrastructure, acknowledging the joint efforts of ATA and OOIDA to secure funding for truck parking through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). He expressed optimism about their collaboration in advocating for truck parking funds.

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