US agencies for environment and safety regulations have laid down standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, envisaging reduction of CO2 emissions by one billion tons, fuel costs by $170bn and oil consumption by 1.8 billion by 2027.
With this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are looking to minimize impact of climate change as well as promote energy security.
The performance standards, borne of three years of research, would be applicable for model years 2021-2027 and would have semi-trucks, large pickup trucks and vans within their purview.
The objectives for reduction spelled out by the agencies match the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by all US householders in a year. The duo has estimated that total cost savings, if attained, would surpass that of the exports made in a year by US from Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
US transportation secretary Anthony Foxx said: "Once upon-a-time, to be pro-environment you had to be anti-big-vehicles. This rule will change that...In fact, these efficiency standards are good for the environment - and the economy. When trucks use less fuel, shipping costs go down. It's good news all around, especially for anyone with an online shopping habit."
It has been estimated that medium- and heavy-duty vehicles at present contribute to 20% of GHG emissions and oil consumption by the transportation segment in the US.
EPA administrator Gina McCarthy said: "We're delivering big time on President (Barack) Obama's call to cut carbon pollution.
"With emission reductions weighing in at 1 billion tons, this proposal will save consumers, businesses and truck owners money; and at the same time spur technology innovation and job-growth, while protecting Americans' health and our environment over the long haul."
Besides, the objectives declared by the agencies also draw from the standards mentioned for light-duty vehicles with a projection of cutting down carbon pollution by six billion tons, save $1.7 trillion and effect a two-fold increase in fuel economy by 2015.
