President Obama Announces New Truck Efficiency Standards

[ProSense]

President Obama Announces New Truck Efficiency Standards

In a speech today in Maryland, President Obama directed his administration to move forward with standards to make our tractor trailers and commercial vehicles more efficient. Already the administration has set historic standards for passenger vehicles of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 that will cut U.S. carbon pollution nearly 10 percent. These truck standards are another step to slash oil use, save Americans money and bring down carbon pollution.

Medium and heavy-duty vehicles, everything from 18-wheelers to delivery trucks, are the fastest growing source of oil consumption in the transportation sector. Even though these vehicles only make up seven percent of the vehicles on the road, they guzzle more than 25 percent of transportation fuel. Although new fuel-saving technologies are found in some trucks, most 18-wheelers on the road average around six miles per gallon (mpg) -- about the same as they did decades ago.

In 2010 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized the first-ever efficiency standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles sold from 2014-2018. These standards will ensure that new engines are more efficient, and will reduce fuel consumption in semi-trucks by roughly 20 percent.

Developing the next round of efficiency standards now will allow manufacturers to innovate and develop new fuel saving technologies, such as aerodynamic trailers, higher-efficiency engines, advanced materials and lower rolling resistance tires. Last year Peterbilt and Cummins showcased a 10-mpg truck as a part of the DOT's Super Truck program. While 10-miles-per-gallon might not sound like much, it’s a big deal. By increasing fuel economy 54 percent over today's average trucks, this prototype could slash greenhouse gas emissions and save an average driver $25,000 in fuel costs annually.

- more -

http://sierraclub.typepad.com/compass/2014/02/president-obama-announces-new-truck-efficiency-standards.html

[Pretzel_Warrior]

1. Obama, the job killer

[Wounded Bear]

2. Long overdue....but good to hear...

[Pretzel_Warrior]

3. what is the shrug for?

I'm sure the president's staff will rush IMMEDIATELY to inform the president of your displeasure he didn't keep to your timetable.

mmmm.....Cheetos.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Dunno...

I guess it's a bit of "too little, too late" syndrome.

I am glad to hear they're finally moving to regulate big commercial vehicles. And I know how the powerful fossil fuels industry has prevented this for decades.

I'm feeling a bit cynical these days, I guess.

[A HERETIC I AM]

5. "Finally moving to regulate"?

Sorry, but LOL!

It isn't as if heavy trucks and their engines have been free from regulation before this.

I drove an 18 wheeler from Jacksonville to SF and LA and back last week.

Average MPG for the trip?

Over 9.

The emissions and mileage on class 8 trucks has been improving for quite a while

[ujs1500]

6. I like this good news

It should happen sooner.

[ProSense]

7. Kick

because everything from here on out is better late than never.

[gwheezie]

8. I watched the speech

this is good news, not getting much coverage.
Look, I wish Obama did more however he has done far more than I expected he'd be able to and he rarely gets credit for the stuff he has managed to get done.

[ProSense]

9. He's getting things done despite the ankle-biting and obstruction. n/t

[madokie]

13. Ankle biting is a good metaphor

I have no use for liars and ankle biters. I like the sound of that

[NCTraveler]

10. Good news. Thanks for the op. Kick. nt.

[One_Life_To_Give]

11. Was this needed?

The world record for combustion engine efficiency is held by the Marine sector. Was the Wartsilla RTA96C14 Diesel with over 50% conversion efficiency. No surprise this engine is used by the likes of Emma Maersk in Trans Pacific container shipping.

Considering that most heavy trucks are being driven some 2000+ hours a year. The relative efficiency of fuel consumption is a far larger part of the overall operating costs than for the typical consumer and their commuter car. The difference between burning ten gallons an hour vs 8 comes to $16,000 a year.

[ProSense]

12. Yes, industry and markets don't regulate themselves. n/t

[One_Life_To_Give]

14. Neither do "Predator / Prey" but they both follow equations

Anything with less than a 3 year ROI for fuel/vs upfront capital is going to become routine via economics. Which is why Ship Propulsion systems are leading in efficiency. Heavy Trucks have been a focus of increasing efficiency because the rules of economics dictate such action. Regulating particulate emissions from them was a required regulation, efficiency not so much.