US unveils stringent emissions standards for heavy vehicles

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its plans to implement rigorous new tailpipe (exhaust) emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, including semi-trucks and buses, in a bid to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air across the nation.

According to the EPA, these forthcoming regulations, which will be in effect from the 2027 through 2032 model years, are projected to mitigate a staggering 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, they are anticipated to generate approximately $13 billion in annualised net benefits for society.

Heavy-duty vehicles currently contribute a substantial 25 per cent to the total greenhouse gas emissions emanating from the transportation sector.

This sector itself accounts for about 30 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

The EPA was of the view that the new standards are designed to be technology-neutral and performance-based.

This approach allows each manufacturer the flexibility to select the emissions control technologies that best suit their needs and those of their clientele.

These stringent regulations will apply to a wide array of vehicles, including delivery trucks, garbage trucks, public utility trucks, transit, shuttle, and school buses, as well as tractor-trailer trucks.

In a statement, the EPA highlighted that the final rule incorporates provisions to facilitate the development of vehicle technologies and the establishment of charging and refueling infrastructure during the initial model years of the programme.

Additionally, it offers flexibilities aimed at assisting manufacturers in meeting the standards during the early stages.

It’s worth noting that the current tailpipe emissions limits for heavy-duty trucks and engines were established in 2016, covering the model years from 2021 through 2027.

This latest move by the EPA follows closely on the heels of its recent finalisation of emissions rules for light and medium-duty vehicles through 2032.

Notably, the agency revised its target for electric vehicle adoption in the United States, scaling it back from the initial 67 per cent by 2032 to a range as low as 35 per cent.