At an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hearing on the future of greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards, Alan Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, testified on behalf of the diesel industry.
“Today, manufacturers of commercial trucks, engines and their components produce the cleanest, safest and most fuel efficient technology in the world, and over 95 percent of those vehicles are powered by diesel engines. Advances in diesel engine technology will continue to contribute to the overall efficiency gains of vehicles under this proposed rule. As a result we expect diesel technology to remain the primary power-plant for commercial trucks into the foreseeable future,” Schaeffer said.
According to the Fuels Institute, by 2023 diesel engines will power between 95 and 97 percent of all medium and heavy duty vehicles despite the introduction of alternative fuels and powertrains, including all-electric, fuel cell and continued introduction of natural gas powered vehicles.
“For all parties, the challenge of further increasing fuel efficiency while maintaining or improving environmental, safety and productivity of commercial vehicles is as important as it is complex. To be successful, the final outcome here must build on the success already accomplished in achieving near-zero emissions with today’s new clean diesel technology, and drive continued innovation while ensuring that the end products are highly desired by customers,” continued Schaeffer. “When finalized these rules will join the Clean Power Plan, light-duty vehicle efficiency standards as the third key component of the administration’s climate change plan and are expected to contribute substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions while helping to advance commitments to the international climate convention.”
Witnesses at the EPA hearing in Chicago included environmental, health, industry and science representatives during the first of two national hearings on the Proposed Rulemaking to adopt Phase 2 of national greenhouse gas emission reduction and fuel efficiency requirements for medium and heavy duty trucks. The second hearing is scheduled for August 18th in Los Angeles.
The Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) is a non-profit organization that describes itself as being dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology.
