The Federal Government Should More Actively Promote Energy Conservation by Heavy Trucks

Substantial energy savings are possible by improving the fuel efficiency of heavy trucks. Much has been done by industry to achieve savings; however, significant potential remains. The Federal Government can help maximize this potential through the Voluntary Truck and Bus Fuel Economy Program. This voluntary program was created to increase the awareness of conservation opportunities in the trucking industry and was founded on the basis that economic forces in the market place would drive voluntary conservation efforts.

The voluntary approach appears to be working. Within the trucking industry, carriers and manufacturers have sought ways to improve the fuel efficiency of trucks. Manufacturers have made equipment available. Many carriers have taken actions to cut their fuel consumption. As fuel prices rise and supplies tighten, the incentive to act is increased, but industry needs the information on which to base decisions concerning efficiency improvement.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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