President Obama has directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement new rules regarding tractor-trailer emissions and fuel economy, in an effort to combat climate change.
Under the new regulations, which are expected to be announced later this week, the fuel economy of heavy duty tractor trailers will be expected to increase by 40%, up to a minimum of 9 miles per gallon by 2027.
The new rules are expected to add between $12,000 to $14,000 to the price of a new tractor-trailer. According to the Star-Tribune, the EPA estimates the increased fuel savings will offset the increased cost of the vehicle within 18 months.
The EPA’s primary reason for the new regulations are the environmental issues presented by big trucks, which produce nearly a quarter of all vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
Christpher Grundler, one of the EPA’s directors, also added that the new regulations are good for the trucking business because they will decrease fuel expenses.