Image

Unwrapping the energy package

Aug. 2, 2005
The new federal energy bill contains a $100-million diesel truck retrofit and fleet modernization program, a broad $1-billion diesel engine retrofit program as well as $94.5 million earmarked for idle-reduction technology related to heavy trucks

The new federal energy bill contains a $100-million diesel truck retrofit and fleet modernization program, a broad $1-billion diesel engine retrofit program as well as $94.5 million earmarked for idle-reduction technology related to heavy trucks.

The reduction of engine idling (Sec. 756) program is among the most significant energy conservation provisions in the bill related to the trucking industry, said Glen Kedzie, environmental council of the American Trucking Assns. The $94.5-million truck component will bolster the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership to deploy auxiliary power units (APUs) and advanced truckstop electrification systems. The federal program will fund half the cost of the equipment.

“The money could potentially go to APUs, ‘super-single’ tires, aprons around trucks and truckstop electrification,” Kedzie told Fleet Owner.

Under the new rule, added weight from idle reduction technologies, such as APUs, will not count toward the maximum gross vehicle weight limit for any heavy-duty vehicle so equipped.

The diesel truck retrofit and fleet modernization program (Sec. 742) commits $100 million to the installation of retrofit technologies on diesel trucks, with preference to ports and major hauling operations. Grant recipients will be required to pay for at least half of the total retrofit costs.

The massive $1-billion diesel emissions reduction (Sec. 791-795) provision will be divided among buses, marine, locomotives, nonroad engines or vehicles, and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Half of the money will be given to public fleets.

“The goal [of the diesel truck retrofit and fleet modernization program] was to get money allocated specifically to fleets entering and leaving ports,” said Kedzie. “The ($1 billion diesel emissions reduction provision) really covers many sectors whereas the [port truck retrofit program] covers fleets specifically.”

The energy bill has been passed by Congress and sent to the President, who is expected to sign it into law.

About the Author

Terrence Nguyen

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...

How to Maximize Fleet Management with Vehicle Bypass

Join us on February 18th to learn how truck weigh station bypass systems boost fleet performance and driver satisfaction.

Optimizing your fleet safety program using AI

Learn how AI supports fleet safety programs with tools for compliance monitoring, driver coaching and incident analysis to reduce risks and improve efficiency.