Feds release new regulations to curb big truck emissions and fuel use

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have adopted new regulations to reduce the carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The new regulations will, according to the White House, cut 1.1 billion tons of carbon pollution, save vehicle owners $170 billion in fuel costs, and reduce oil consumption by as much as 84 billion gallons.

The ambitious regulations are expected to deliver a lot of savings, but it’s worth remembering that these are just predictions and should, accordingly, be taken with a grain of salt.

Heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans will need to be 2.5 percent more efficient annually between 2021 and 2027. Standards for...