EPA and NHTSA Extend Comment Period for Proposed Phase 2 GHG Requirements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have extended the comment period for the proposed Phase 2 Heavy Duty National Program proposed July 13, 2015, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and fuel consumption for new on-road heavy duty vehicles and engines.

Specifically, the agencies are soliciting additional comment on certain revised test reports, and a revised version of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Model (GEM) used both in developing certain of the proposed standards and in demonstrating compliance with those standards. Additionally, EPA is soliciting further comment on memoranda relating to standard applicability and implementation. These memoranda address potential requirements for selective enforcement audits and confirmatory testing related to greenhouse gas emissions, and applicability of emission standards and certification responsibilities for trailers, glider vehicles, and glider kits.

The Phase 2 rules take effect starting in 2018 for trailers and 2021 for engines and trucks and phase-in over a ten year period.  The rulemaking (Phase 1 rules were finalized in 2011) includes requirements for engines, trailers, and complete trucks and set different levels of stringency for different categories of vehicles (e.g., large pickup trucks, vocational vehicles, transit buses, tractor trailers).

In October 2015, NGVAmerica submitted comments to the EPA and NHTSA supporting the fair treatment of NGVs in the proposed rules.

Comments now must be received on or before April 1, 2016. For a copy of the solicitation, click here.