Full Title: Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Author(s): Richard K. Lattanzio
Publisher(s): Congressional Research Service
Publication Date: February 1, 2017
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
On October 25, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration jointly published the second phase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty engines and vehicles through their authorities under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140).
The Phase 2 rule sets emission standards for tractor-trailers, vocational vehicles, and heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans. The rule expands on the Phase 1 standards (promulgated in 2011 for model years [MY] 2014 through 2018) and introduces first-ever controls on trailers (i.e., the part of the vehicle pulled by the tractor). The standards phase in between MY2021 and MY2027 for engines and vehicles and between MY2018 and MY2027 for trailers. The agencies outline several benefits of the rule, including (1) reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and fuel consumption from new on-road vehicles, (2) benefiting consumers and businesses by reducing the costs for transporting goods, and (3) spurring innovation in the clean energy technology sector.