WASHINGTON, D.C. — The US Environmental Protection Agency has quashed any hope of an extension on EPA2010 emissions levels, and not all OEMs are upset by the ruling.

The EPA had been asked to delay implementation of EPA2010 rules by the Owner-Operators’ Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) after a study, sponsored by Navistar, outlined some of the costly repercussions of introducing the new restrictions during an unstable economic environment.

However, the EPA said it will stay on course for a 2010 deadline. Volvo and Mack moved quickly to applaud the EPA for refusing to budge on its timeline, since much work has already gone into developing 2010 solutions.

“EPA has clearly stated that it has no intention of changing the 2010 timetable, and it’s counter-productive and misleading to suggest that the agency might change its mind in the 11^th hour,” said Per Carlsson, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks North America. “Our focus should be on moving forward – making the industry’s transition to 2010 as smooth, efficient and uneventful as possible.  That’s the only way to provide a significant benefit both to customers and the environment.”   

Carlsson said Volvo is prepared for 2010 and that its SCR technology will allow the industry to achieve better fuel economy than today. Volvo also said diesel exhaust fluid availability will not be an issue. Carlsson pointed out a recent industry forum in the US pegged the cost of DEF at US$2.70 per gallon.

Volvo’s sister company, Mack Trucks, also supported the EPA’s decision not to move the deadline for the next round of emissions standards.

“The development and testing of Mack’s SCR solution for 2010 is in advanced stages and we are confident in our engines’ enhanced performance, emission reduction and fuel savings,” said Dennis Slagle, president and CEO.  “We found the recent dialogue around the proposal to delay implementation of 2010 to be an unproductive distraction and often misleading.”