EPA jumpstarts Cleaner Trucks Initiative

Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI) rulemaking will establish new, more stringent emission standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other pollutants for highway heavy-duty engines. Through this Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), EPA is seeking input from the public and interested stakeholders.

EPA regional administrator Pete Lopez, said: “This rule will have a major impact on improving air quality in the future and the reduction on pollutants from heavy duty trucks will help our states meet their air quality goals.”

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Port Department Director Sam Ruda was in attendance at an EPA-led briefing on CTI. He stated: “At the port, we have a comprehensive strategy to reduce harmful pollutants, including a program that provides financial incentive for drivers to replace older model trucks with newer ones, as well as programs to reduce emissions from vessel traffic.

“We continue to work closely with all of our stakeholders to get input on how we can move forward with additional clean air programs including ones that would migrate to the use of all electric yard equipment and drayage vehicles.”

This rulemaking will also offer opportunities to streamline and improve certification procedures to reduce costs for engine manufacturers.

The EPA last revised NOx standards for on-highway heavy-duty trucks and engines in January 2001, however, it is anticipated that manufacturers will be provided with sufficient time to comply with new standards and ensure that updated standards consider feasible emissions control technologies.

EPA intends to publish a proposed rule in early 2020.