In brief: EPA grants emission exemptions; FMCSA and NHTSA address safety

Exemptions to California's zero-emission regulations, truck parking, and rewards for reporting vehicle defects.

EPA grants exemptions to California’s zero emission standards

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted exemptions to California’s Advanced Clean Cars II and Heavy-Duty “Omnibus” regulations, allowing the state to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards, even as similar rules are being contested in federal courts. These regulations require that all new vehicles sold in California be zero-emission by 2035, and that trucks significantly reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. Other states can now adopt these standards, with twelve already adopting the rules.

The EPA’s decision comes as a change in administration is anticipated in the White House, potentially leading to the revocation of these exemptions. Under President Trump, the California emissions exemption was revoked but restored by President Biden in 2022.

The exemption for the Heavy-Duty Omnibus regulation has been criticized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which argues that it creates uncertainty in the transportation industry and could harm the economy. The organization also suggests that the EPA should collaborate more closely with regulated industries to achieve more attainable environmental outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Clean Advanced Fleet regulation, which mandates large fleets to acquire zero-emission trucks, has yet to receive the necessary exemption from the EPA. Despite a public hearing in August, many parts of the transportation sector oppose the regulation. If the Biden administration does not grant the exemption, it is uncertain whether a potential Trump administration EPA would approve it, leaving the regulation in limbo.

FMCSA fails to achieve truck parking safety results

On December 17, an advisory committee of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) met for five hours to discuss improving truck parking safety. The committee concluded that while some states are implementing successful solutions, greater involvement from stakeholders, such as state officials, trade groups, and the private sector, is needed to identify best practices. Discussions focused on truck parking as a crucial safety issue and emphasized that drivers need flexibility to meet route demands.

The committee proposed several long-term safety investments, including improved lighting, particularly for female drivers, and creating a “heatmap” to identify high-traffic cargo areas. They also suggested using parking spaces at weigh stations and sports stadiums. However, the committee stated that defining best practices will require more discussions with involved parties.

On December 18, the committee discussed ways to increase seat belt use among truckers after FMCSA reviewed accident data. In 2022, 914 truck driver fatalities were recorded in accidents, with 69% of those drivers not wearing seat belts. The FMCSA aims to reduce these deaths by promoting greater seat belt compliance.

NHTSA approves rewards for whistleblowers reporting vehicle defects

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has approved a rule that allows the Department of Transportation to offer rewards to whistleblowers who report serious vehicle defects that could cause death or injury. This initiative aims to enhance road safety, with NHTSA highlighting the crucial role of whistleblowers in identifying safety issues. Whistleblowers may include employees or contractors of vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, or dealerships.

The monetary reward offered ranges from 10% to 30% of the penalties collected, provided these exceed one million dollars. NHTSA has set up a webpage where potential whistleblowers can learn about the program and the protections available to them. Although the proposed rule received only 14 comments last year, some organizations, such as MEMA and Ford, emphasized the importance of whistleblowers having direct knowledge of the defects and reporting to manufacturers before alerting NHTSA.

Ford reiterated its commitment to product safety, noting that it has a program dedicated to compliance with safety standards and encourages employees to report issues without fear of retaliation. NHTSA’s approach aims to improve vehicle safety while protecting both whistleblowers and the public.