RS-BNA-JUN_12_04 Federal - Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines/Emergency Vehicles
06/08/2012
- Content
- Proposed rule of the EPA amends regulations under 40 CFR 85, 86, and 1039 to revise the heavy-duty diesel engine programs to allow engine manufacturers to request EPA approval of modifications to emissions control systems on new and in-use engines sold for use only in emergency vehicles. The rule is intended to enable emergency vehicles, such as dedicated ambulances and fire trucks, to perform mission-critical work without risk that abnormal conditions of the emissions control systems could lead to loss of power, speed, or torque. The rule also adds provisions specifying emission-related maintenance and scheduled maintenance intervals for replenishment of consumable chemical reductant in connection with all motor vehicles and nonroad compression-ignition engines that use selective catalytic reduction technologies. In addition, the rule provides short-term relief from emission control performance inducements for any nonroad compression-ignition engine powered vehicles operating in temporary emergency service. Finally, while the agency is not proposing action at this time, it is requesting comment on the potential for application of alternative power sources and idle reduction technologies, including automatic engine start/stop and hybrids, on emergency vehicles. A direct final rule adopting the emergency vehicle provisions has been issued concurrently. A hearing is scheduled for June 27, 2012, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Comments are due July 27, 2012. Contact: Lauren Steele; EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality; (734-214-4788)