In the USA, new Environmental Protection Agency heavy duty vehicle emissions standards will help drive the will drive transition to the electrification of transport in the country, according to the Electrification Coalition, writes Noah Barnes
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the long-anticipated GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule). The rule is an important step to accelerating the transition of heavy-duty vehicles in the U.S. away from oil.
These efforts to reduce oil’s monopoly on our nation’s medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are critical. Despite comprising just 10% of on-road vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for 26% of the transportation sector’s petroleum consumption, creating substantial energy security and economic vulnerabilities, in addition to public health concerns.
The EC has advocated for a strong final rule through a targeted digital ad campaign, a letter to the White House and the EPA signed by more than 80 businesses, and a letter to the White House and the EPA signed by 75 mayors in collaboration with Climate Mayors.
In response to the announcement, Ben Prochazka, executive director of the Electrification Coalition, issued the following statement:
“By outlining a reduction in tailpipe emissions through 2032, today’s ruling is an important step towards ending our nation’s dependence on oil for transportation. Despite strong light-duty EV sales growth in recent years, progress in the heavy-duty space has been slow, so this announcement provides much-needed certainty for the heavy-duty market and supports the charging infrastructure necessary to power the electric trucks of tomorrow.
“Heavy-duty electrification strengthens national security by reducing our dependence on global oil markets controlled by bad actors who do not share our democratic values and protects public health, particularly in underserved communities.
“Today’s announcement by the EPA is a keystone element of a comprehensive suite of federal and state policies which will spur generational investments in heavy-duty electrification, creating good American jobs while accelerating us into an electric future. However, there is much more work to be done at the state and local level to accelerate truck electrification, including efforts like Advanced Clean Trucks and expanding charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles.
“Complimented by a recent flurry of federal action, including last week’s update to the EPA’s light- and medium-duty GHG emissions standards, the U.S. Department of Energy announcement of an updated fuel economy formula for EVs, and National Zero Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, we appreciate the Biden-Harris administration’s comprehensive push towards an electrified transportation network.”
Mayors and businesses also reacted positively to the announcement.
Mayor Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh, Pa.:
“The Environmental Protection Agency new GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles will only help cities such as Pittsburgh better safe guard residents and the environment. Meanwhile, the City of Pittsburgh is doing it’s part through smart use of energy and the electrification of city vehicles to lessen emissions into our environment.”
Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte, N.C.:
“I applaud the Biden administration and Michael Regan for finalizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule on Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles. Charlotte advocates for clean air which includes using electric transportation. The Charlotte area is emerging as a hub for EV manufacturing, headquarters and research. Combined with Charlotte’s strong workforce development program and existing industry capabilities, the region supports electric vehicle production. As Mayor of Charlotte, we passed The Sustainable and Resilient Charlotte by 2050 Resolution. This reflects Charlotte’s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to zero-carbon sources for city operations by 2030.”
Mayor Hillary Schieve, Reno, Nev.:
“Major investments by the federal and private sector have helped make electric vehicle manufacturing and production a cornerstone of growth and development in northern Nevada. We commend the EPA for finalizing the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emission Standards and are eager to see the benefits heavy-duty electrification will bring to our region.”
Nate Baguio, Senior VP of Commercial Development, LION Electric, Joliet, Ill.:
“We are at a crossroads of clean energy transportation in the United States, and as a leading manufacturer of all electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, Lion Electric recognizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for implementing the most stringent Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) standards in modern U.S. history. Setting strict GHG guidelines for heavy-duty vehicles is a critical step forward towards improving public health, strengthening the country’s clean energy manufacturing & transportation economy, and safeguarding national security.”
Jesus Rodriguez, Executive Vice President, Ingeteam, Milwaukee, Wis.:
“Ingeteam is ready to meet the charging needs of our electrified future. With our Milwaukee factory and our global reach, we’re committed to supporting the infrastructure markets that the success of today’s EPA rule will require. We’re grateful for the Biden Administration’s leadership in this important endeavor.”
Salim Youssefzadeh, CEO, WattEV, Long Beach, Calif.:
“WattEV is committed to an electrified freight future, and we welcome the EPA’s commitment to increased deployment of zero emissions heavy-duty vehicles. Our corporate mission is to meet the charging needs of these vehicles, and we have led the way in EV infrastructure deployments with an operational charging depot at the Port of Long Beach and two electric truck stops in Bakersfield and San Bernardino opening to the public in April, 2024. We appreciate the White House’s all-of-government approach to reducing the role of oil in our freight industry. With the National Zero Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, and other programs, we’re confident we can meet and exceed the charging needs this rule will require.”
Richard Colley, VP Government & Regulatory Affairs, REE Automotive:
“REE Automotive is committed to electrifying the entire commercial vehicle ecosystem , and welcomes the leadership of the EPA and the Biden Administration in ensuring that the United States is well-positioned to see clean, quiet, fleets deployed around the nation.”
Jake Guerra, CEO, EV Semi-Fleet Corp, Ovideo, Fla.:
“Florida has some of the busiest truck traffic in the SE. Interstate 95 is one of the longest stretches of interstate in Florida, and the number of large cities along its route means there’s often heavy truck traffic. I-75 cuts through the middle of Florida. It is another interstate with heavy truck traffic because of the major cities it connects. I-10 is one of two east-west interstates in Florida. It continues from Florida through much of the southern U.S., making it a popular route for truckers making their way across the country. With such heavy truck traffic, it is favorable that the trucking industry starts to move from diesel to electric. This will allow a more sustainable future for Florida.”
Louise Helton, Vice President, 1 Sun Solar Electric, Las Vegas, Nev.:
“1 Sun Solar Electric applauds the finalization of the EPA’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rule. This rule is poised to boost private investment and job creation in the state while ensuring that clean and cost-effective electric trucks are used in our community.”
Kara Demirjian Huss, Senior Vice President, TCCI Manufacturing, Decatur, Ill.:
“As a dedicated OEM supplier, TCCI Manufacturing applauds the EPA’s latest rule aimed at reducing emissions in the transportation sector—aligning with our core values of sustainability and innovation in creating a zero-emissions future. We are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable solutions that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of the modern transportation industry. As we embrace this new era of electrification, we stand ready to work alongside all stakeholders to ensure increased USMCA content and a seamless transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Miriam Makhyoun, CEO, EQ Research, Cary, N.C.:
“The EPA heavy-duty rule will provide a boost to North Carolina’s manufacturing sector while providing flexibility to manufacturers who get to decide how to comply with the standards, accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure, and improve air quality, particularly in urban areas and communities located near major transportation corridors.”
Pete Marte, Chief Executive Officer, Hannah Solar, Atlanta, Ga.:
“Hannah Solar is glad to help with the process of heavy-duty trucks and vehicles reducing tailpipe emissions. We provide design/build services for Energy Storage Solutions with state-of-the-art battery technologies. As more electric vehicles become available, and the battery technology advances, a vast network of charging stations is imperative to give drivers the peace of mind to make the shift from gas to electric. This shift in how we fuel transportation is a key factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing climate change.”
Louis Mennel, Founder, Carbon Compost, Pittsburgh, Pa.:
“We at Carbon Compost are thrilled to witness the EPA’s finalization of the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Rule. This federal standard reduces harmful emissions in our community and fosters nationwide collaboration, driving our heavy-duty transportation sector to electrification.”
The EC is committed to accelerating the electrification of our nation’s heavy-duty fleet through:
- The Electric Freight Consortium, a forum for collaboration between the EC, shippers, carriers, retailers, and EV supply chain companies that facilitates peer-to-peer collaboration on strategies and action to accelerate freight electrification at scale,
- The Port Electrification Network, an inter-organizational body that facilitates the effective deployment of electric vehicles and equipment at ports by creating a platform for port stakeholders to share successes and challenges,
- And the recent launch of the Electric Freight Dashboard, a tool that tracks data on the current state of freight vehicle electrification in the United States as well as funding available to acquire and deploy electric freight vehicles and their supporting charging infrastructure.
About the Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes policies and actions to facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) on a mass scale to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. ElectrificationCoalition.org
Read DecarbonisationNews.com’s SPECIAL REPORT: Biden administration finalises strongest ever greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles
