Navistar is once again suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because it is at odds with the selective catalytic reduction technology other engine manufacturers have been using to meet 2010 diesel exhaust emissions regulations. The OEM claims that the SCR technology can be easily circumvented, making it do little as a result to protect the environment. Named in the suit is EPA Director Lisa Jackson, who is being accused of not doing her duty to uphold the Clean Air Act and her agency of not doing its part to protect public health. Multiple Continue Reading

On the heels of the California Air Resources Board’s new program aimed at cleaning up drayage vehicles and multiple clean air campaigns directed at ports, a new regional group is will use public and private funds to create “one of the nation’s most generous programs aimed at replacing old, highly polluting trucks.” The Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Replacement Program will combine resources of the four states in the region, along with Continue Reading

The California Air Resources Board granted fleet owners a reprieve, announcing on the date by which all tractor-trailers must have origingally submit phase-in compliance schedules that they were now given an extra 30 days. The new deadline by which owners of fleets of 21 or more trailers must notify CARB of their schedules to be fully compliant with the state’s greenhouse gas reduction regulation is Aug. 1. By opting in to Continue Reading

FedEx continues to expand its eco-friendly fleet, this time with the notable addition of 24 all-electric vehicles, bringing the total number to 43. Already, FedEx Express is operating all-electric vehicles in Los Angeles, London, and Paris. The newest ones will be deployed into New York, Chicago, and Memphis. Along with their introduction, vehicles in use in New York and Chicago will be monitored to gauge their effectiveness. The for-hire Continue Reading

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expanded its SmartWay programs to include a dray-truck initiative to help clean up ports by targeting what are most often the most egregious offenders. Under the terms of the program, carriers commit to track and reduce particulate-matter and nitrogen oxides emissions over a three-year period. Furthermore, they will dedicate the newest or cleaner trucks in Continue Reading

Response to the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Vehicle Project has been such that the incentive program is nearly out of money. The rebates ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 for passenger cars, zero-emissions motorcycles and select commercial electric vehicles are doled out on a first-come, first-served basis, but the number of requests could deplete the agency’s coffers by July. Funding could be renewed at CARB’s July board hearing, but changes to the program are expected. Among CARB’s proposals are tripling the money it makes available for the program, but cutting the Continue Reading

Ontario’s more agressive attempts at curbing greenhouse gas emissions are getting mixed reaction from the province’s trucking association. The latest report from Gord Miller, the provincial environmental commissioner, proposes a controversial “road pricing strategy” that could include a cap-and-trade system or a carbon tax. The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is opposed to such measures, saying trucking would be unfairly targeted to provide a revenue source to support high-speed rail. The OTA does support Miller’s suggestions of incentives for the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles, and greater Continue Reading

The California Air Resources Board is fanning out across the state, sponsoring one-day events to help truck owners familiarize themselves with the agency’s regulations, equipment requirements and funding opportunities. Beginning this weekend, the first of the three events will kick off in Riverside, with stops in San Mateo and Fresno also planned. At each location, mock truck inspections will be held, and classroom training will cover the following regulations: idling, heavy-duty vehicle inspection program, engine labeling, truck and bus regulation, drayage truck regulation, tractor and Continue Reading

After years of trying to reach a satisfactory compromise, the California Dump Truck Owners Association said it has no choice but to sue the California Air Resources Board. Citing a depressed regional economy and a struggling construction industry, the CDTOA says that the state agency has expressed no empathy in the financially devastating effects that CARB’s Truck and Bus Regulation could potentially have. The Continue Reading

With its addition of 48 heavy-duty liquefied natural gas-powered vehicles, United Parcel Service will bring its total alternative fuel fleet size to nearly 2,000. The new trucks will be deployed in Las Vegas and Ontario, California and operate routes between those two cities. The carrier’s investment will be partially Continue Reading