Tougher environmental rules proposed for heavy-duty pickups, vans

WASHINGTON -- Carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption by heavy-duty pickups and vans would be reduced by 16 percent from the 2021 to 2027 model years under rules proposed today by federal regulators.The standards, which would be phased in year by year during that period, would affect trucks such as the Ford Super Duty lineup, the Chevrolet Silverado HD range and Ram 2500 and 3500, as well as commercial vans such as the Ford Transit and E series.Like the regulations for light vehicles, the proposed rules are a joint national program overseen by the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They are part of a second phase of rules to curb greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption by medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including long-haul semitrailers, trailers, vocational vehicles such as cement mixers and garbage trucks, as well as heavy-duty pickups and vans.Such vehicles account for just 5 percent of vehicles on U.S. roads, according to NHTSA, but 20 percent of all oil use and emissions from the transportation sector.In a statement, the EPA and NHTSA said the proposed standards for all medium- and heavy-duty trucks would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1 billion metric tons, save $170 billion in fuel costs and reduce oil consumption through 2027 by as much as 1.8 billion barrels -- or more than a year’s worth of U.S. oil imports from the OPEC bloc.Support from FCAIn a statement, Fiat Chrysler’s U.S. arm said it “supports and commends” the coordinated approach taken by the federal agencies.“FCA US remains committed to the proliferation of clean technology and reducing vehicle operating costs, while ensuring our products deliver the performance and functionality our customers demand and deserve,” the statement read.Matt Blunt, CEO of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents FCA, Ford and General Motors, said the group will work with the EPA and NHTSA as the rules are finalized “to ensure our customers receive the maximum utility and functionality that these work trucks provide.”Both FCA and the Policy Council said it was “imperative” that the rules continue to be aligned between the EPA, NHTSA and California’s Air Resources Board, as the current rules are.American Truck Dealers, a division of the National Automobile Dealers Association, voiced concerns about the higher costs of compliance and the potential effect on the economy if prices for commercial trucks rise.“While supportive of affordable fuel-economy improvements, ATD is closely reviewing the proposal and the many potential impacts it will have on truck dealerships and their customers,” the group said in a statement.Manufacturers and the public have 60 days to comment on the proposed rules. The agencies expect to issue final rules next year.

Tougher environmental rules proposed for heavy-duty pickups, vans

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