Upcoming Environmental Regulations Impacting Trucking
SAN DIEGO — A series of new environmental regulations is set to transform the trucking industry by intensifying engine emission controls and encouraging the switch to zero-emission trucks.
New and proposed guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) will mandate significant nitrogen oxide and greenhouse gas reductions, likely necessitating major updates to diesel engines.
Moreover, CARB’s finalized Advanced Clean Trucks rule and the proposed Advanced Clean Fleets rule will require an increase in the sales and use of zero-emission trucks in California and other participating states.
During an Oct. 23 panel at the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition, industry executives explored how the sector can navigate this transitional phase.
Glen Kedzie, ATA’s vice president of energy and environmental counsel, remarked, “We are truly at an inflection point in our industry today,” noting that upcoming emissions standards from the EPA and CARB will develop a new industry landscape.
Matthew Spears from Cummins emphasized the necessity for new technology and changes in hardware and software to comply with the evolving emissions regulations, indicating modifications may include advanced engine designs and additional catalytic reduction systems.
As stricter greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards emerge for commercial vehicles by 2024 and 2027, changes in vehicle architecture will also be expected, including improvements to aerodynamics and engine efficiency as per Johan Agebrand of Volvo Trucks.
Challenges are anticipated with CARB’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, which would restrict new non-zero-emission vehicles in drayage operations starting January 1, 2024. Ron Hall from C.R. England cautioned about the complexities involved in establishing an electric fleet and required infrastructure.
Dan Porterfield of Covenant Logistics urged companies to proactively plan for the transition to zero-emission vehicles. He highlighted the high costs and infrastructural challenges associated with electric trucks, but noted that drivers tend to favor these vehicles for their improved comfort and performance, resulting in positive feedback from the workforce.
Covenant, based in Chattanooga, Tenn., ranks No. 40 in the TT100 list of for-hire carriers, positioning it among companies navigating this significant regulatory shift towards sustainable technologies.
