More than 150 Members of Congress are pushing back against the EPA’s new greenhouse gas (GHG) rules for heavy-duty trucks. These rules, known as Phase 3, have faced a lot of criticism. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is also against these rules and supports the lawmakers’ efforts to get the EPA to change them.

ATA Supports Congressional Effort Against New Emission Standards

The ATA supports the Congressional effort led by Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). They sent a letter to the EPA asking them to withdraw the new rules. According to Henry Hanscom, ATA’s Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs, the current technology and infrastructure for zero-emission trucks are not ready to meet the new targets set for after 2030.

Concerns Highlighted by Lawmakers Regarding New Emission Standards

The lawmakers’ letter points out that the new rules could disrupt the trucking industry and raise costs for everyone. They argue that the rules do not take into account the current state of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), especially in rural areas where it’s harder to find these vehicles and the needed infrastructure.

“This mandate does not consider the realities of the commercial ZEV marketplace or the ability for rural America to purchase these vehicles,” the letter says. “Trucks must be affordable and reliable; otherwise, the benefits will not be realized. This rule will harm families and businesses, increase gas prices, and make us more dependent on foreign supply chains – particularly China.”

Economic and Technological Challenges

A study by the Clean Freight Coalition shows that it would cost nearly $1 trillion to fully electrify the U.S. commercial truck fleet. The American Transportation Research Institute also found many challenges with the U.S. electricity supply and demand, electric vehicle production, and truck charging requirements.

Real-world examples, such as those shared by a fleet manager from PITT OHIO, highlight the difficulties faced when using battery-electric trucks. Despite these challenges, the EPA’s new rules set aggressive targets for zero-emission vehicles, which could limit choices for fleet operators.

Legal and Political Context Around New Emission Standards

The opposition to the Phase 3 GHG rules is not just from Congress. A coalition of 24 states has filed a lawsuit against the EPA’s regulation. Industry groups like the American Petroleum Institute and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association are also part of the lawsuit. These lawsuits claim that the EPA’s rules exceed its authority and are not practical.

Both the House and Senate have voted to revoke the rule, but these efforts were vetoed by President Joe Biden. The recent letter from lawmakers reiterates their stance that the new rules will disrupt the heavy-duty truck industry by forcing the use of unproven technology on a fast timeline.

Impact on Farmers and Small Businesses

The letter also discusses the impact on farmers and the agriculture industry. The higher costs of new equipment and tighter margins could hurt farmers. With over 3 million trucks and nearly 4 million tractors in use on U.S. farms, the financial burden of switching to zero-emission vehicles could be significant.

“Our farmers and agricultural industry will be especially hurt by this new mandate,” the lawmakers wrote. “According to the latest agriculture census, there are over 3 million trucks and nearly 4 million tractors on farms that would face higher costs and tighter margins due to this rule.”

Call for Technology-Neutral Policies

The ATA and other industry groups are calling for technology-neutral policies that allow for innovation and the use of alternative fuel sources like renewable diesel. They argue that these alternatives can provide a lower carbon footprint at a lower cost compared to battery-electric vehicles.

“Apart from the greater cost of ZEV trucks, the U.S. lacks a national commercial vehicle charging network, which makes customer adoption of heavy-duty ZEVs and their day-to-day use impractical,” said Scott Pearson, Chairman of the American Truck Dealers group.

Looking Ahead

The trucking industry has made great progress in reducing emissions over the past decades, cutting nitrogen oxide and particulate matter tailpipe emissions by 99%. The industry supported the EPA’s earlier GHG regulations and worked with the agency to set achievable goals. However, the Phase 3 rules are seen as too aggressive and unrealistic.

The ATA and its allies in Congress are committed to working with federal regulators to develop realistic new emission standards that balance environmental benefits with economic and operational feasibility. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the sustainability of both the environment and the supply chain.

In summary, the pushback against the EPA’s Phase 3 GHG rules highlights the challenges of balancing environmental regulations with technological and economic realities. Stakeholders from all sectors are seeking solutions that promote both environmental sustainability and economic stability.