EPA Seeks Small Business Input on 3rd GHG Rules for Trucks, Buses – Fuel Smarts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting small businesses to provide feedback on the agency’s proposed Tier 3 greenhouse gas emissions rules.

EPA seeks “small entity representatives” to participate in the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel. This panel will focus on the agency’s proposed rulemaking to set new greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty engines and trucks that would take effect beginning in the 2030 model year.

The EPA first adopted GHG standards for heavy-duty vehicles in 2015. , and adopted temporary provisions to address impacts on small businesses. Tier 1 standards went into effect in model-year 2014 for heavy-duty vehicles.

In the year In 2016, the EPA adopted the Tier 2 rule, which imposes more stringent CO2 standards as well as limits on hydrofluorocarbons, methane, and nitrous oxide (three other greenhouse gases.) Tier 2 standards go into effect in the 2021 model year. 2 rule also updated the regulatory emissions simulation model to take into account new fuel-efficient technologies and included flexibility for small businesses identified by the SBAR panel for that rulemaking.

This Phase 3 proposal revises the GHG emission limits for heavy-duty vehicles based on the same basic certification and compliance structure as before. The rulemaking changes proposed in Phase 3 are expected to include more stringent vehicle emission standards to be implemented starting in the 2030 model year, based on projections of improved GHG-emission reduction technologies, including technological advances used by engine and vehicle manufacturers. In developing the new standards, the EPA took into account what it calls “the important role of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies in significantly reducing air pollution from the heavy-duty vehicle sector.”

The proposal includes “limited and targeted flexibility for small businesses” as well as small business input requirements.

The panel includes federal representatives from the Small Business Administration, the White House Office of Management and Budget, and the EPA. The panel members will ask a select group of “small entity representatives” to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, government or organization to inform the panel members of the proposed rule’s potential impact on small businesses.

EPA seeks nominations directly from small businesses that may be subject to regulatory requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations, which represent small entities that are solely or at least primarily controlled by trade associations, may also serve as SERs.

In the year They must accept self-nominations by August 29.