Clean Fuel News

Fuel-Efficient Tech Available for Trucks Via Proposed Legislation

Originally posted by Eugene Mulero | August 23, 2021 | Transport Topics | Original Article

Legislation that would establish a program at the U.S. Department of Energy to assist the trucking industry with the adoption of fuel-efficient technologies recently was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), his caucus’ top surface transportation policymaker in the U.S. House of Representatives, recently unveiled the Supporting Trucking Efficiency and Emission Reductions, or STEER, Act. The bill aims to support the trucking industry with purchasing and installing fuel-saving technologies.

Specifically, the legislation would set up a five-year, $500 million voucher program at the U.S. Department of Energy to cover certain costs associated with the adoption of fuel-efficient technologies for commercial motor vehicles.

Under the program, companies applying for a voucher would need to provide an estimated installation cost of emission-reducing active technologies, among other requirements. Technology that would qualify under the program pertains to physical alterations of a Class 8 truck installed as a retrofit. These include aerodynamic, dynamic axle lift control, and other emerging improvements. According to the legislation, “A voucher under the program may be made to an individual, a state or local government, a private entity, a not-for-profit entity, a nonprofit entity or other applicants as deemed appropriate by the secretary.”

Additionally, the secretary of energy would be required to report to Congress on the program’s progress, and provide details about the number of vouchers awarded for emission-reducing active technologies. The bill’s sponsor emphasized its goal is to facilitate improvements of Class 8 fuel efficiency.

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