ATA suggests 'carbon control' policy for trucks

Oct. 25, 2010

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) trade group believes that the way to slash carbon emissions is by adopting a carbon emissions control policy.

The ATA's recently published policy states that "carbon emission reductions achieved through national truck fuel economy standards are preferable to government actions that increase fuel prices in an effort to discourage petroleum-based diesel fuel consumption or mandate the use of alternative fuels."

The idea, say ATA officials, is to "minimize disruptions to the transportation of goods and to protect the viability of the trucking industry.

"The ATA's new energy policy outlines a framework for evaluating carbon control initiatives and specifies that an effective carbon control program for the trucking industry must address the following provisions," which include:

* production of cost-effective, verifiable carbon reductions.

* ensuring that revenue generated from motor carriers benefit highway users.

* ensuring that any increased costs are resonable and predictable.

* avoidance of diesel supply disruptions.

* maintenance of a level playing field among freight transportation modes.

The policy was approved by the ATA's board of directors earlier this month. For a look at the federal government's recently announced fuel economy standards for trucks, click here.