ATA warns against cap-and-trade

According to the American Trucking Assns., pending cap-and-trade legislation could have a negative impact on the economy and the price of fuel for the trucking industry.

Representing ATA before the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Con-Way Inc. vp of government relations and public affairs Randy Mullett said that federal climate change policy shouldn’t encourage a patchwork of local, state and regional climate change laws that could hinder interstate commerce.

“The trucking industry is concerned over what cap-and-trade legislation will do to the price of fuel we consume,” Mullett said. “Our industry can not absorb rapid increases in fuel costs. The trucking industry is extremely sensitive to how climate change legislation may further escalate fuel prices. ATA is urging Congress to carefully evaluate fuel price impacts that result from climate change legislation.”

ATA has recommended six actions to reduce fuel consumption and protect the environment—reduce the national speed limit to 65 mph and set new truck speed governors to no more than 68 mph; reduce idling; encourage participate in the U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership Program; reduce congestion by improving highways; use more productive truck combinations and support national fuel economy standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks.

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