Legislative Bulletin - May 21, 2010

President Obama Issues Executive Order for Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions and Fuel Economy

President Obama has issued an executive order today, May 21 directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue greenhouse gas emissions standards and fuel economy standards for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The order will become effective beginning with model year 2014 commercial vehicles. President Obama’s order said that the NHTSA and EPA should aim to issue a final rule on the GHG emissions and fuel economy standards for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles by July 30, 2011.

The executive order cites studies which indicate that tractor trailers are responsible for up to 50% of all GHG emissions from the transportation sector, but GHG emissions can be reduced by up to 20% and fuel economy improved by up to 25% with existing technologies. The order also urges NHTSA and EPA to take into account the market structure of the trucking industry and the unique demands of heavy-duty vehicle applications, seek harmonization with applicable State standards; consider the findings and recommendations published in the National Academy of Science report on medium- and heavy-duty truck regulation; strengthen the industry and enhance job creation in the United States.

President Obama’s executive order references the opportunity to lead the world in development of clean cars and trucks, create jobs, enhance energy security, and improve our environment. The executive order also references a joint NHTSA/EPA rulemaking from April 1, 2010 that regulated GHG emissions and fuel economy for passenger cars and light duty trucks. This order builds off of that to seek improved GHG emissions reductions and fuel economy improvement from medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, while also calling for additional rulemaking for passenger cars and light-duty trucks for model years 2017-2025.

To see a copy of the order from President Obama, please click here. For more information please contact TRALA’s Joe Sculley at jsculley@trala.org or by calling (703) 299-9120.