U.S. EPA and U.S. DOT Finalize Standards for MY 2014-2018 Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have finalized national standards to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve the fuel efficiency of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The standards cover Model Year (MY) 2014 through 2018 on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or greater, and the engines that power them, except those subject to existing GHG emissions and fuel economy standards for MY 2012 through 2016. The standards are tailored to each of three main regulatory subcategories: combination tractors (also known as semi trucks); heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans; and vocational vehicles (such as delivery, refuse, and tow trucks; transit, shuttle, and school buses; and emergency vehicles). The standards provide flexibility, allowing for emissions and/or fuel consumption credits to be averaged, banked, or traded, so that manufacturers have time to make necessary technological improvements and to help reduce the overall costs of the program. EPA and NHTSA estimate that the new standards will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 270 million tons, save about 530 million barrels of oil, and provide $49 billion in net program benefits over the life of these MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles. A second phase of regulations is planned for model years beyond 2018. For more information, refer to the final rule in the Federal Register, the EPA Transportation and Climate Regulations and Standards website, and the DOT Fuel Economy website.