Setting its fuel policy agenda, the American Trucking Assns. (ATA) called for increasing the diesel fuel supply, weighing fuel economy with new emissions technologies, eliminating boutique fuels and endorsing the limited use of up to 5% blends of biodiesel.
Biodiesel, controversial for its high transportation costs outside of soybean-producing regions, has gained support with ATA. “Biodiesel represents an important part of a long-term energy plan designed to increase the nation’s fuel supply and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said ATA president & CEO Bill Graves.
ATA said that recent fuel price increases have been more extreme than necessary because a lack of a single national diesel standard creates regional price disparities and local supply shortages.
Additionally, ATA urges the government to put more emphasis on fuel economy when enacting engine emission standards for commercial trucks. ATA pointed out that the new EPA-compliant 2007 model heavy-duty diesel engines will have lower fuel economy.
