The EPA has officially proposed a law
that would bring the country significantly closer to the Biden administration's goal to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030. The proposal, referred to as the Clean Trucks Plan, involves a two-step process to address heavy-duty engine and vehicle standards. This would include 18-wheels, school buses, and heavy commercial trucks; the worst offenders when it comes to transportation-related
greenhouse gasses, specifically the highly toxic nitrogen oxide. The future sounds like a gas
The ultimate goal of the proposal would be a 90% reduction in heavy-duty truck pollution. The EPA calculated the effects such a reduction would bring about on the health of people—often people of color and underprivileged—who live near major truck routes. The benefits
would include, “as many as 18,000 fewer cases of childhood asthma, 1.1 million fewer lost school days for kids, and 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and ER visits.” No one is opposed to healthier kids, but there have been a few voices of dissent
. Namely, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). The group released a statement voicing concern that the initiative would favor large corporations over small businesses due to overhead costs of the greener technology. MORE: The New Airo Car is Designed to Eat Air Pollution!
The cost of clean air
Unfortunately, it seems extra cost is inevitable. Car and Driver estimates an extra $4,000 would be involved—and that's likely
going to fall to the truckers themselves to pay. However, there will be positives for the truckers too, beyond feeling good about the planet and strangers’ lungs. A large part of phase one would be extending warranties
. At present, tampering with truck technology to avoid the costs associated with emissions-related maintenance is all too common. Starting with model year 2027 heavy-duty vehicles, the EPA proposes a seven-year/450,000-mile warranty. (Though should evidence of tampering be present, the warranty would become null and void.) Phasing out pollution
By the second phase, heavy-duty vehicle emissions will be at a 41-60% reduction from where they are at present. As the second phase begins in 2031, new regulations will be set to cut emissions by 90%.
Ultimately nothing has been put into effect yet. The EPA has been clear
that they will be hearing from both the trucking community
and those most affected by NOx, but will likely not conclude until December. With positive updates coming from the National Renewable Energy Lab regarding the future of zero-emission trucks and buses, we can remain hopeful that higher costs for truckers and asthmatic children will soon be things of the past. In uncertain times it’s comforting to have a consistent presence in your life to lean on. What if it’s an app—and saves you some serious cash
? Jerry’s a car insurance app that’s free to download that can quote you coverage and savings from over fifty major insurance companies, no strings attached.
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