EPA proposes changes to heavy-duty engine, vehicle standards

Posted March 30, 2022

EPA has published a proposed rule that would reduce air pollution from highway heavy-duty vehicles and engines, including ozone, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases (GHGs). The proposal would change the heavy-duty emission control program—including the standards, test procedures, useful life, warranty, and other requirements— to further reduce the air quality impacts of heavy-duty engines across a range of operating conditions and over a longer period of the operational life of heavy-duty engines.

The proposal also would:

• reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and other pollutants;
• make targeted updates to the existing Heavy-Duty Greenhouse Gas Emissions Phase 2 program; and
• make limited amendments to the regulations that implement EPA’s air pollutant emission standards for other sectors (e.g., light-duty vehicles, marine diesel engines, locomotives, various types of nonroad engines, vehicles, and equipment).

Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by May 13, 2022, at regulations.gov; search for Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2019–0055.

This article was written by Rachel Krubsack of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.