Sen. Carper Applauds the EPA and NHTSA’s Proposal for Greater Fuel Efficiency Standards for Large Trucks

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Environment & Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, applauded the proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish new fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles made in the 2021-2027 model years.

Sen. Carper has long been a supporter of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and oil consumption through increasing fuel efficiency. In 2007, Sen. Carper played an instrumental role in securing the first increase in 32 years of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards as a part of the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act. Sen. Carper’s negotiations included the first ever application of CAFE standards to medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

“I am thrilled to see this proposal from the EPA and NHTSA, which will help us continue moving toward a clean energy environment through new fuel efficiency standards for our truck fleet,” Sen. Carper said. “These proposed standards on 2021-2027 models of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles will benefit our environment and our economy by cutting back greenhouse gas emissions and lowering fuel costs and shipping prices. I am proud to have helped negotiate the first ever CAFE standards on medium- and heavy-duty trucks back in 2007 and am happy to see that effort continuing. Similar standards set on 2014-2018 models reduced fuel costs and oil consumption by billions, and the new proposal will continue decreasing costs by nearly $170 billion in fuel and lowering oil consumption by approximately 1.8 billion barrels in vehicles sold during this period.

“Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles account for 5 percent of cars on the road but contribute to approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and fuel usage in the transportation sector – which accounts for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the country overall. Reducing the oil consumption and carbon pollution by trucks, buses and other large vehicles is a huge opportunity to reduce against one of the largest contributors to climate change.

“I support the performance standards proposed in partnership by the EPA and NHTSA, which allow manufacturers the time and flexibility needed to implement these policies in a comprehensive and cost-effective manner. I am continually encouraged by the Obama administration’s efforts to lead the way in addressing the threat climate change poses to the future prosperity of our country and our Earth‎.”

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