Upon release of the first-ever greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel-efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, Cummins Inc. affirmed its support for the regulation and announced plans to certify its engines early to meet these standards. The company said it has worked proactively on the regulation with a wide range of stakeholders over the past several years and is already developing the clean and efficient technology that will be needed to comply.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed this regulation in October 2010 after President Obama directed the agencies to coordinate efforts and propose a single national GHG reduction and fuel-efficiency program. The agencies led an open process, and Cummins collaborated with other engine and vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, fleets and environmental organizations to provide input. The result is a workable regulatory structure that accommodates the diverse needs of the commercial vehicle sector, according to the company.
"Environmental regulations can often be difficult for industry, adding cost and complexity. So early on, Cummins set out with the goal of helping the government establish a clear, consistent, challenging and enforceable regulation that recognizes the needs of business and provides incentives to companies that create innovative technologies as well as jobs in this country," said Rich Freeland, Cummins vice president and president – engine business. "This regulation will add real value for our customers as better fuel economy lowers their operating costs while significantly benefitting the environment."
The engine maker noted that it continues to develop technologies that meet stringent criteria emissions (such as those for oxides of nitrogen, or NOx) as well as improve the efficiency of its engines. Last year, the company was awarded nearly $54 million in funding from the U.S. DOE to support systems-level technology development, integration and demonstration for highly efficient advanced-technology powertrains. By burning less fuel in the engine, carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the main GHG controlled under this regulation, is simultaneously reduced. The rule finalized by the EPA and the DOT establishes equivalent CO2 and fuel-efficiency standards for engines in 2014 and 2017.
Cummins’ lineup of North American on-highway engines, from the ISB6.7 to the ISX15, will be certified to meet new onboard diagnostic (OBD) requirements on Jan. 1, 2013. To provide a single product launch and multi-year stability for customers, these products will also comply with the GHG and fuel-efficiency regulations, the company added.
