U.S. Delays Second-Phase Fuel Economy Rules for Heavy Trucks

A US. plan to promulgate second-stage fuel efficiency standards for commercial trucks won’t move forward until after April 1 so regulators can collect more public comments, Reuters reports.

The decision follows a plea from the United Auto Workers union to reconsider the rule. The union worries that tougher rules could prompt more layoffs and threaten the financial solvency of the truckmaking industry.

Manufacturers currently are implementing first-phases standards that encourage them to use off-the-shelf technologies to improve fuel efficiency for commercial vehicles 20% between 2014 and 2018.

The proposed second-phase measures from the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would require an additional fuel economy improvement of 24% by 2027. Regulators say achieving such gains would require aerodynamic changes, weight reduction, hybrid powertrains and more efficient tires.

Big trucks account for only 4% of the vehicles on America’s roads. But they account for about 25% of on-road fuel use, according to regulators.

The UAW notes the new plan comes as the U.S. commercial truck market continues to shrink. Orders for Class 8 highway trucks plunged 25% in 2015, and analysts say it could fall another 12% this year.