Since then, the trucking industry has been aggressively hunting for more information about the proposed rule.
On that note, Tuesday was a step forward.
During a technical session Tuesday at the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) Fall Meeting in Orlando, EPA Representative Matt Spears spoke in detail on how Phase II was written and how the EPA plans to introduce its new regulations in the industry, beginning in 2018.
Similar to Phase I, Spears says the regulations featured in Phase II’s proposal are performance-based standards, meaning OEMs can use any combination of technologies they see fit to meet the requirements. Spears lists engine, transmission, drivetrain, aerodynamic devices, low-rolling resistance tires, automatic tire inflation systems and waste heat recovery as just some of the technology that could help an OEM achieve each benchmark.
Phase II’s proposed standards also have been designed with gradual increases in fuel economy and GHG reductions, which Spears says the EPA and NHTSA believe should provide the industry ample time to develop and produce new technology that will meet the standards as they increase over time.
But Phase II is different than its predecessor in other areas.
