Support Fuel Economy Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (TLU Action 1.A.2)

Support fuel economy standards for all new vehicles greater than 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to achieve greater CO2 reductions from future vehicles. Also, support programs such as EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership program to increase the fuel economy of existing heavy-duty vehicles. Tractor-trailers consume about two-thirds of all truck fuel consumed in the U.S. today. Tougher fuel economy standards for new trucks would have a significant impact on fuel consumption, but those standards are probably 10 or more years away from implementation. On the other hand, using available technology to improve the fuel economy of existing trucks would have an immediate impact. The current truck fleet can be made more fuel-efficient through aerodynamic retrofits, low-rolling-resistance tires, and idling reduction technology. Actions taken to improve the fuel economy of existing and future trucks would provide both short- and long-term CO2 emission reductions.