The Biden administration will soon issue new tailpipe emissions standards for trucks that most truckers \u2013 from single owner-operators to owners of large fleets \u2013 warn could place heavy cost burdens onto the U.S. economy as a recession already looms.<\/p>\n
As proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in March, the\u00a0new nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions standards for heavy-duty truck engines will be implemented through either a two- or one-step process.<\/p>\n
The two-step process, Option 1, would set a stringency increase first in model year (MY) 2027 and a second increase in MY 2031. The one-step process, Option 2, would immediately jump to full implementation of a NOx standard in model year 2027.<\/p>\n
The 2031 standards under Option 1 would lower truck emissions by 90% compared with current norms, and EPA estimates that NOx emissions from the total fleet of heavy-duty trucks on the road in 2045 would decrease by as much as 60%. Option 2 would achieve less overall NOx emissions reductions than Option 1, according to EPA.<\/p>\n
In addition, EPA is proposing longer emissions warranty periods that would increase the number of useful life miles covered under warranty, as well as making improvements to engine serviceability.<\/p>\n