| October 25, 2010 |  |
Proposed Truck Standards Would Dramatically Lower Oil Consumption and Save Truck Operators Money
WASHINGTON (October 25, 2010) – Proposed fuel efficiency and global warming pollution standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks released today by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would establish the first-ever standards for these vehicles. Because trucks are among the largest fuel consumers in the country, these standards would help reduce U.S. oil dependence, cut global warming pollution, and provide significant economic benefits to truck operators and the public at large, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
“These trucks represent only 4 percent of vehicles on the road, but they consume 20 percent of the fuel,” said Don Anair, a senior analyst in UCS’ Clean Vehicles Program. “These first-ever standards would provide truckers with clean, fuel-saving technology that would save them money at the pump. Meanwhile, all Americans would benefit from cleaner air and less dependence on oil.”
Long-haul tractor trailers—or big-rigs—consume the most fuel of all vehicle categories covered under the proposed standards and also represent the greatest opportunity for fuel savings and pollution reductions. The proposed standards would reduce fuel consumption from long-haul tractor trailers 20 percent by 2017. Unfortunately, the proposal only requires improvements to tractors—which includes the engine, transmission and cab—but does not require upgrades to trailers, which account for one third of potential big-rig fuel savings. According to a UCS analysis, efficiency improvements for both tractors and trailers could reduce fuel consumption 35 percent by 2017.
Last week, UCS released a virtual big-right truck design, called the “Convoy” that demonstrates how clean technology could reduce truck oil consumption. The design, related background information on the new standards, and an economic analysis of oil savings and job creation are available online.
President Obama called for the new truck standards in May and also ordered DOT and EPA to move forward on separate passenger vehicle standards. A joint September DOT and EPA analysis concluded that a standard of 60 miles per gallon by 2025 would save consumers the most money at the pump.
Brendan Bell, Washington Representative for UCS’s Clean Vehicles Program, said the two standards together would transform the U.S. transportation sector. “The Obama administration is delivering on its promise to cut America’s oil dependence,” he said. “We’re finally putting technology and innovation to work creating jobs, saving money at the pump, and cutting carbon pollution. Whether you make trucks, drive trucks, or just drive by them on the highway, these new standards will deliver benefits that make a difference for everyone.”
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
