The federal government released new standards today aimed at increasing fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions from large vehicles like heavy-duty pickup trucks, semis and tractors.
As of April, the transportation sector produced more CO2than any other U.S. economic sector. The new emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation are part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan and are stricter than the original proposal.
The rule covers model years 2021 to 2027. The fuel consumption standards and the carbon dioxide emissions standards are tailored to four different regulatory categories, but under the rule, by 2027, greenhouse gas emissions from medium and large trucks could fall between 9 and 25 percent, depending on the vehicle type.
The EPA says that any cost to the consumer is expected to be paid back quickly, in two to four years, mostly in money saved at the pump.