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US indy truckers sceptical EPA anti-CO2 rule will save on fuel as claimed

THE US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plans new harsh regulations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs in trucking over the objections of truckers.

The cost of tractors that pull the trailers could rise 12 per cent, according to Bloomberg. This will impact truckmakers such as Paccar, Navistar International, Daimler and Volvo, raising costs for their products.

A big part of the greenhouse-gas reductions are expected to come from engine improvements, which is also expected to cut fuel consumption by up to five per cent.

Big companies with big private fleets, like FedEx and PepsiCo will likely benefit through lower fuel costs, say proponents of the EPA rules.

But small companies, represented by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association say the federal government is acting before a proven technology is in place.

"All the promises of rapid returns are predicated upon the hope that the truck will actually work and be reliable," said Scott Grenerth, OOIDA regulatory affairs director.

"They're making predictions and assumptions about technology and are expecting that they will really work and be reliable as promised," said Mr Grenerth.

Instead of expensive mandates, OOIDA believes that the market should drive fuel-efficient technologies.

Mr Grenerth said once a reliable technology is introduced that can reduce fuel costs, a regulation would not be needed.

"Owners would be backed up on the interstate trying to get to the dealership to trade in their old trucks for these great new trucks," he said.