emissions

Balance safety, fuel economy in emissions rules: CTA

TORONTO, ON - The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is asking the federal government to balance safety and the environment in proposed emissions rules which credit the fuel economy gains that can be realized with tires. "Regulating tire selection is a tricky business," says Geoff Wood, the group's vice president - operations. "Tires need to be spec'd for both safety and the environment. No one policy objective should trump the other." Environment and Climate Change Canada recently released its plans for Greenhouse Gas limits that will apply to 2018-29 Model Year equipment, effectively mirroring those unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A tire market survey planned by Transport Canada should help find a balance between tire traction and fuel efficiency when finalizing the emissions regulations, the alliance adds.

Canada’s emission goals take center stage

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Canada's is embracing an "ambitious" climate change objective that by 2030 would eliminate more Greenhouse Gases than come from every vehicle on the road today, according to Jody Proctor, Transport Canada's director - clean air policy analysis. Almost ¼ of the nation's Greenhouse Gas emissions come from transportation, and 80% of that comes from on-road vehicles, she said during a panel discussion at the annual Green Truck Summit. Trucks account for about 30% of that. "Transportation clearly needs to be part of our climate change solution," she told the crowd, stressing that climate change will cost Canadians $21-43 billion per year by 2050.

Think “well to wheel” around emission options

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The trucking industry has to "put on the brakes" when it comes to its thirst for diesel if it hopes to meet targets to slash Greenhouse Gas emissions, according to Wilfried Achenbach, Daimler Trucks North America's senior vice president - engineering and technology. But electric vehicles don't yet offer the answer when the steps to produce electricity are considered. Speaking at the NTEA's annual Green Truck Summit, Achenbach stressed that diesel engines continue to be the industry's "workhorse" because of their high torque and long-life, delivering 10 kwh of energy per kilogram in a format that is easy to refuel and readily available.

Will new U.S. administration scuttle GHG rules?

WASHINGTON, DC -- As the final days of the Obama administration tick away, those opposed to some of the president's environmental initiatives are looking at ways to undermine the intent of the rules, or even to strike them from the books. With Republicans in charge of the House, the Senate and the White House, you could say the stars are uniquely aligned for just this sort of action. President-elect Donald Trump has already made it clear that he opposes and intends to undo some of those rules. Could Phase 2 of the Greenhouse Gas rules be on that list? "This has big potential for those who would like to strike any carbon regulation or fuel efficiency standards from the trucking industry," said American Trucking Associations vice president, energy and environmental counsel Glen Kedzie, in remarks he made during a GHG Phase 2 webinar hosted by ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council on January 5. Kedzie suggested there are three options open to the new administration: a legal challenge, an executive order from the president, or working through the Congressional Review Act to roll back the rule.