WYOMING — Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-WY) voted in support of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s new emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles.
As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heavy-duty vehicles include delivery trucks, refuse haulers, public utility trucks, transit, shuttle, school buses and tractors.
The new rule of regulation, known as “Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas,” aims to control air pollution by revising standards for heavy-duty vehicles in model year 2027 and setting new standards for model years 2028 through 2032. The rule’s new standards cover nitrogen oxides and other air pollutants including particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (CO).
According to a press release from Senator Lummis’ office, the estimated cost to install the new required technology of up to $8,304 per vehicle is “detrimental to the trucking industry people in Wyoming rely on for everyday goods and services.”
Senator Lummis expressed concern in the press release for how rural Wyoming communities depend on trucks for groceries, gas and supplies, noting that a price hike on truckers will lead to a price hike on consumers.
“Families across Wyoming cannot afford higher food prices and more supply chain delays in exchange for Biden’s green dream,” Senator Barrasso also said.
According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), upfront cost value of battery electric trucks and their diesel counterparts is expected to be equalized by the late 2020s or early 2030s for most truck segments; the exception will be long-haul tractor-trucks whose large batteries will continue to be the dominant cost item.
“By 2040, fuel-cell electric trucks will have a similar price to battery-electric and diesel trucks,” ICCT confirms.
The EPA plans to hold a virtual public hearing for the proposed “Phase 3,” scheduled on May 2 and 3. An additional session may be held on May 4 to accommodate the number of testifiers that sign up.
