Proposed National Regulation of Fuel Economy Aims to Provide Standard Regulations Nationwide

In May of this year, President Obama catalyzed a new proposal to reduce greenhouse gases and increase fuel efficiency standards for medium to heavy-duty trucks.  Taking the lead, the National Highway National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have proposed the first national regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy in the commercial vehicle segment. 

"...by setting a single standard in place, rather than a tangle of overlapping and uncertain rules, auto companies will have the clear incentive to develop more efficient vehicles.." -President Obama, May 21, 2010, Remarks by the President at Signing of Presidential Memorandum on Fuel Efficiency Standards

 A wide variety of medium and heavy-duty trucks will be subject to this proposed rule, from fire trucks to cement mixers.  Each segment will be organized by vehicle weight categories.

Factors the new proposal most important to manufacturers:

• National program - uniform standards 
• Plenty of lead time - given the size of the market and varied vehicles, ample time will be allotted for comopliance
• Safety considerations - testing of varying solutions will be important
• Continuity in standards from both agencies -- EPA and NHTSA working together
• Market compatibility - solutions that accommodate the unique needs of each vehicle market must be considered

For more detailed information on this proposal visit the following sites:

• Diesel Forum: Fact Sheet
• Notice of Intent to Prepare Environmental Impact Statement for New Medium and Heavy Duty Fuel Efficiency Improvement Program
• Remarks by the President at Signing of Presidential Memorandum on Fuel Efficiency Standards
• Congressional Briefing: Economic Growth, Green Jobs, Clean Trucks

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What do you think about this new regulation?  Please leave your comments below.