emissions now … and we can do it .”
NORA ’ s President , Michael Devine , offered his vision for the new series . “ Future episodes of ‘ In the Loop with NORA ’ will take a deeper look at research initiatives , equipment considerations , renewable fuels , carbon reduction and technical education . NORA and the entire liquid heating fuels industry have been on an accelerated path to eliminating carbon from home heating . In The Loop with NORA gives NORA the opportunity to share all this good technical & training information in an easy to digest and entertaining conversational format . With availability at NORAweb . org , along with major podcast platforms , ‘ In the Loop with NORA ’ can be listened to almost any where .”
To hear Episode 1 and future episodes , go to www . IntheLoopwithNORA . org or visit NORA . web . org . In the Loop with NORA is also currently available on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify and Amazon Music .
NORA was authorized by Congress in 2000 to generate funding , from within the industry , allowing the liquid fuel industry to provide more efficient and more reliable heat and hot water to consumers . NORA ’ s efforts focus on energy efficiency , environmental responsibility , safety , research and development , and professional education , with particular emphasis on transitioning heating oil and its appliances to a low-carbon source of heat and hot water . For more information on NORA ’ s activities go to NORAweb . org or contact NORA at info @ noraweb . org .
� TRUCKING INDUSTRY RESPONDS TO EPA EMISSION PROPOSALS
American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement on the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ’ s proposed Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles rule :
“ The trucking industry starts at ‘ yes .’ We share the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency and believe any regulation must be practical , achievable , and based on sound science . Our members have a long history of adopting the cleanest emissions technology on the road today and are making the necessary investments to support a decarbonized future .
“ While these standards are directed at manufacturers , it is fleets – the customers and end-users of this equipment – who will ultimately determine their level of success . The Phase 3 standards must take into account the complex challenges and operating conditions facing motor carriers as we manage the transition to a zero-emission future while simultaneously moving more than 72 percent of the economy ’ s freight .
“ As we review the proposed rule , ATA will remain engaged in the regulatory process to ensure the agency arrives at a regulation that has realistic equipment adoption timelines , is technologically feasible , and will not cause additional inflationary pressures if finalized .”
Spear also addressed the agency ’ s decision to reopen its Phase 2 regulation that was finalized in 2016 :
“ We are extremely disappointed that EPA has chosen to reopen the Phase 2 regulation , which had been set for years . To make the plans and investments necessary for a successful transition , our industry needs regulatory certainty — not whimsical changes of mind from year to year .
“ Our industry has always found ways to partner with EPA on regulations that are tough but achievable . If EPA wants us to remain a willing participant , their going back and changing what was already agreed upon is not how to do it .”
American Trucking Associations , a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils , is a national trade association for the trucking industry .
Andrew Boyle , co-president of Massachusetts-based Boyle Transportation and first vice chairman of the American Trucking Associations , told Congress the trucking industry was committed to further reducing emissions but that regulations must be technically achievable , national in scope , and set on a realistic timeline .
Testifying before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee ’ s Clean Air , Climate and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee on April 18 , 2023 , Boyle touted the industry ’ s strides in reducing emissions , citing that today ’ s clean diesel trucks produce 99 % lower emissions than those from the 1980s . Attributing those gains to innovation and achievable national standards , Boyle warned against the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ’ s creation of a state regulatory patchwork in granting a waiver for California ’ s ‘ Advanced Clean Trucks ’ rule , which is heavily predicated on the adoption of electric trucks .
“ While we share the passion for EVs in cars and light duty vehicles , projecting an automotive construct onto trucking industry dynamics is a massive mistake ,” Boyle said . “ Let me be clear : if battery electric trucks had adequate range , there was adequate charging infrastructure , and utilities brought online necessary electricity , we truckers would be delighted . But let me explain our reality .”
Today ’ s clean diesel trucks can spend 15 minutes fueling anywhere in the country and then travel about 1,200 miles before fueling again . In contrast , today ’ s battery electric trucks have a range of about 150- 330 miles and then take up to ten hours to charge , Boyle said .
“ And this is assuming there are chargers where you need them ,” Boyle said . “ We would need far more trucks to haul the same amount of freight , and each of those trucks would cost 2-3x a comparable diesel truck . Converting the US fleet of Class 8 trucks to Battery Electric would require a $ 1 trillion investment , which ultimately would flow to consumers .”
“ We recognize that most people don ’ t understand how the trucking industry works behind the scenes to supply the American public ,” Boyle said . “ But we can ’ t allow unrealistic timelines , a state patchwork , and technically unachievable regulations to set trucking up for failure .
“ Remember , we deliver food , medicine , and baby formula . Failure is not inconvenient ; it ’ s catastrophic ,” he said .
In his written testimony , Boyle identified several key areas where Congress can realize immediate and significant environmental gains , including :
• Investing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to reduce traffic bottlenecks on the National Highway System , which he said wastes 6.87 billion gallons of fuel and pumps 67.3 million metric tons of CO2 into the environment annually ; and
• Repealing the Federal Excise Tax , which adds 12 % to the cost of a new , clean truck . l FON
8 MAY 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com