TRUCK STANDARDS LEAVE POTHOLES

Proposed Truck Standards a Milestone, but Some Savings Opportunities Left Untapped
October 25, 2010 (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy)

"…[T]he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation proposed the first-ever fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The affected vehicles, ranging from large pickup trucks to big rigs, today consume about 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, one-fifth of total transportation oil use in the U.S.

"ACEEE applauded the agencies tackling this essential but complex task…[as a way of] saving oil and reducing emissions…[while] it will help keep down the price of goods that move by truck…"

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"…[But a] National Academy of Sciences study published earlier this year shows how long-haul tractor-trailers — the biggest diesel users — could reduce their fuel consumption by at least 35 percent by 2017, using measures that would pay for themselves in two years…

"…[T]he proposed rule calls for no more than 20 percent savings. Trailers are not covered by the rule, even though improving trailers’ aerodynamics and tires alone could reduce fuel use by 10 percent."

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"…[ACEEE also said it does not drive] advanced technologies [from advanced transmissions to hybrid drive trains] into the market…for “vocational” trucks such as refuse trucks, delivery vans, utility trucks, and school buses…

"Moreover, the standards should set the efficiency bar high enough that the entire industry will start using these technologies sooner rather than later…Similarly, while engine improvements anticipated later in this decade could achieve fuel savings in excess of ten percent, the proposal calls for only six percent…"