Major Companies Urge EPA to Finalize Strong Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Standards

Strategic Insights -

As world leaders converge on climate crisis solutions at COP28, commercial fleet operators are stepping up pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles. Over 30 major U.S. companies, representing more than $1.1 trillion in annual revenue and owning, leasing, or operating over 2.5 million fleet vehicles, have jointly sent a letter to the EPA, reiterating the need for strong standards to meet national climate and economic goals. These companies, including Siemens, Verizon, Best Buy, and Ferguson, emphasize the technical and economic feasibility of widespread commercial fleet electrification, emphasizing the importance of clear market expectations, public health, and access to clean vehicles for their sustainability and climate goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance, a coalition of 33 major U.S. companies, has sent two letters to the EPA urging the passage of strong heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards.
  • The Alliance represents over $1.1 trillion in annual revenue and owns, leases, or operates more than 2.5 million fleet vehicles in the U.S.
  • Member companies include Siemens, Verizon, Best Buy, and Ferguson.
  • Strong standards are seen as crucial for meeting national climate and economic goals, as well as the companies' own corporate sustainability goals.
  • The growing number of companies committed to transitioning to zero-emission trucks signals operational and financial viability.
  • Studies show that the U.S. grid can accommodate the relatively modest growth in national electricity generation from the transition to zero-emission trucks.
  • The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance plans to procure more than 60,000 zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2026.
  • Alliance members operate more than 300,000 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles across the U.S. and aim to electrify their fleets entirely.

Statistics:

  • Over 30 major U.S. companies are part of the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance.
  • These companies represent more than $1.1 trillion in annual revenue.
  • The Alliance members own, lease, or operate over 2.5 million fleet vehicles in the U.S.
  • The fleet operators plan to procure more than 60,000 zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2026.
  • Alliance members operate more than 300,000 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles across the U.S.
  • Member companies aim to electrify their fleets entirely.
  • The U.S. grid is expected to be able to accommodate the relatively modest growth in national electricity generation from the transition to zero-emission trucks.

Sources:

  • Ceres (2023). "Major Companies Urge EPA to Finalize Strongest Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Standards." News release. Retrieved from