The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to its energy bill that would provide incentives to replace older trucks or add retrofits.
House members approved by voice vote April 21 the amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif., sponsored the amendment that would provide $100 million for the program over two years, beginning in fiscal year 2006. Thirty-five percent of trucks on the road are more than 10 years old, Millender-McDonald said.
If the amendment is passed into law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would award competitive grants to public agencies and entities for fleet modernization, while truck owners who participate in voluntary replacement or retrofit programs would receive tax-exempt incentive payments.
The amendment also would offer incentives to train technicians in advanced diesel technology and alternate-fuel engines.
