WASHINGTON, DC (June 19, 2015) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released proposed phase 2 standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that will increase fuel efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions from long-haul trucks—along with larger pick-ups, other trucks, buses, and vocational vehicles. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Kim Glas on the announcement:

 “The BlueGreen Alliance and its 15 labor and environmental partners recognize the importance of the proposed medium- and heavy-duty truck fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction rule released today. America’s economy depends on leadership in building the next generation of clean globally competitive energy and vehicle technology. These new standards can provide a critical opportunity to sustain jobs, further reduce the pollution driving climate change and foreign oil dependence while enhancing the competitiveness of U.S.-manufactured trucks in global markets. 

“We greatly appreciate the thorough and systematic process EPA and NHTSA have undertaken in developing this proposal. It is critical that an effective final rule works for the environment, for the economy, and for the thousands of hard-working American men and women in the heavy truck, component and related industries. The auto industry and autoworkers have been at the forefront in proving that America can lead globally in combating climate change while rebuilding manufacturing and jobs. We are hopeful that, working with the agencies, we will see a final truck rule that continues this trajectory.

“Together, the previous rounds of car and light truck and medium- and heavy-duty truck standards achieve the largest greenhouse gas reductions ever undertaken in the U.S. and one of the largest globally. We look forward to working with all our partners to ensure that we keep on combating climate change by building great trucks.”