GHG Rule Review Pleases Trailer Makers, Concerns Some Stakeholders
Trailer skirts like this one benefit some carriers, but not enough fleets so they should be mandated, contend trailer makers. Photo: Utility Trailer Mfg.
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Trailer skirts like this one benefit some carriers, but not enough fleets so they should be mandated, contend trailer makers. Photo: Utility Trailer Mfg.
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The Trump administration’s announcement that it will revisit parts of the Phase 2 greenhouse gas/fuel economy rules were greeted with cautious optimism by the trailer makers who pushed for the review, but with concern by other parties.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Aug. 17 that it will revisit provisions of the Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards, following concerns raised by stakeholders in the trailer and glider industry. The rules were issued jointly by the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2016 and are the first time trailers have been covered by a federal emissions regulation.
The Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association, which petitioned the agency to reconsider the rules, says it’s pleased with the agencies announcement, but it hopes the agencies will stay the implementation date while they complete their review.
The rules are still scheduled to begin with January 2018 trailer production, just a few short months away, the association noted in a press release.
“Most heavy-duty trailers are custom-ordered, and the required lead time for scheduling production means that trailer manufacturers are having to quote orders for 2018 delivery that will force customers to purchase equipment they do not want and that will not produce any fuel efficiencies in the customers’ operations,” TTMA said.
“Moreover, much of this equipment is still not certified by EPA, so trailer manufacturers are not certain if they can incorporate the equipment into future orders and still comply with the regulations. This is disrupting the normal ordering process and is frustrating both customers and manufacturers.”
TTMA confirmed that on August 17, it received letters from both EPA and NHTSA stating that they have reviewed its petitions for reconsideration …Read the rest of this story
