Archive

Jun 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Issued a Proposal to Amend Specific Provisions in the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule (40 CFR Part 98)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule (GHGR). EPA indicates that this is being done to improve the quality and collection of data that is relevant to a wide variety of Clean Air Act provisions. The May 22, 2023 supplemental proposal revises the 2022 Data Quality Improvements Proposal where amendments to specific provisions of the GHGR are identified by EPA for improvement, such as where the rule may be modified to reflect the EPA’s current understanding of U.S. GHG emission trends, or to improve data collection and reporting where additional data may be necessary to better understand emissions from specific sectors or inform future policy decisions.

May 2023

Draft EU Regulation on Advanced Driver Distraction Warning Systems Published

On March 24, 2023, the European Commission published a draft Delegated Regulation on Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) systems, which are defined as systems that help the driver to continue to pay attention to the traffic situation and that warn the driver when he or she is distracted. The fitment of ADDW systems is one of the new safety features mandated by EU Regulation 2019/2144, and this draft Delegated Regulation specifies the technical and performance requirements that ADDW systems must comply with, along with the associated assessment procedures and test procedures.

Apr 2023

Updated UN ECE Regulation on Automated Lane Keeping Systems Published

Updated UN ECE Regulation on Automated Lane Keeping Systems Published On March 3, 2023, the 01 Series of Amendments to UN ECE Regulation No. 157 on Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) were formally published. The two key changes introduced by this 01 Series of Amendments are an increase in the maximum speed at which automated lane keeping systems can operate from 60km/h to 130km/h and the introduction of new requirements to allow the type approval of ALKS that incorporate a lane change capability, where the system can execute a lane change manoeuvre without input from the driver.

Mar 2023

Updates to UN ECE Regulation on Advanced Emergency Braking Systems for Heavy Vehicles Published

On February 21, 2023, an 02 Series of Amendments to UN ECE Regulation No. 131 on Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) for heavy vehicles were formally published. The changes introduced by this 02 Series of Amendments are predominantly to reflect the latest state of the art for AEBS and to more closely align the requirements of UN ECE Regulation No. 131 with those specified in UN ECE Regulation No. 152 on AEBS for light vehicles. These changes include the addition of new requirements, including a new test procedure and performance requirements, to cover AEBS which are capable of detecting pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle.

Feb 2023

The EPA Proposes New Rule to Revise 2023 through 2025 Calendar Year Renewable Fuel Standard Program (40 CFR Part 80 and Part 1090)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proposed rulemaking in the December 30, 2022 Federal Register (F.R. Vol. 87 No. 250) - EPA 40 CFR Part 80 and Part 1090 (EPA–HQ–OAR–2021-0427; FRL 8514-01-OAR; Renewable Identification Number [RIN] 2060-AV14), Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and other changes.

Jan 2023

Two New ECE Regulations to Protect Vulnerable Road Users Adopted

At the 188th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) in November, two new UN ECE Regulations were adopted which are intended to assist drivers in avoiding collisions with vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians and cyclists. Proposed new UN ECE Regulation No. 166, covers the driver’s awareness of vulnerable road users in close proximity to the front and lateral sides of M1 and N1 category vehicles, whilst proposed new UN ECE Regulation No. 167, covers direct vision from the driver’s cab of M2, N2, N2 and N3 category vehicles.

Dec 2022

Draft EU Regulation on Euro 7 Emissions Requirements Published

A draft version of the new EU Regulation specifying the Euro 7 emissions requirements that will apply to all M and N category vehicles was published on the European Commission’s "Better Regulation” web site on November 10, 2022 for public consultation. Unsurprisingly, this draft Regulation proposes reductions to the applicable exhaust emissions limits and evaporative emissions limits, and increases in the durability requirements to extend the time periods over which compliance with the emissions requirements must be assured. However, the draft Regulation also proposes the introduction of some more radical measures, such as imposing limits on the particulate emissions from brake and tyre wear, and requirements on the durability of traction batteries of electric vehicles.

Nov 2022

Updates to UN ECE Regulation on Hydrogen Fuel Systems Published

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) Regulation No. 134 on hydrogen fuel systems was originally published in June 2015 and, although its scope covered all motor vehicles of categories M and N, the requirements specified within this Regulation were originally drafted to specifically cover light duty vehicles, such as passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Now that the fitment of hydrogen fuel systems to heavy duty vehicles, such as buses and heavy trucks, is becoming more commonplace, recently published Supplement 1 to the 01 Series of Amendments to UN ECE Regulation No. 134 introduces some alternative provisions into the Regulation to ensure that its requirements adequately cater for heavy duty vehicles.

Oct 2022

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Issued a Request for Information (RFI) Enhancing the Safety of Vulnerable Road Users at Intersections

The DoT is searching for data, information and ideas to make intersections safe for Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) and vehicles. The request focuses on adapting existing and emerging automation technologies to refine and deploy real-time roadway intersection warning and safety systems to progress toward their goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries across the US transportation system. The RFI contains some very specific questions, but DoT is seeking input on any relevant ideas and work that commenters deem helpful.

Sep 2022

Scope of EU Regulations on Heavy Duty Vehicle CO2 Emissions Expanded

To allow for the full implementation and monitoring of the European Union’s policies on the reduction of CO2 emissions from heavy duty vehicles, it will be necessary to determine the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions performance of a wider range of heavy duty vehicles than is currently specified in EU Regulation No. 2017/2400. To address this situation, in August 2022, the European Commission published two new EU Regulations on this topic. EU Regulation No. 2022/1362 is a new Implementing Regulation which introduces requirements on the performance of heavy trailers and semi-trailers with regard to their influence on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the motor vehicles towing those trailers. EU Regulation No. 2022/1379 is an Amending Regulation which expands the scope of (EU) 2017/2400 to include additional vehicle types, additional power train types and other CO2 emissions reducing technologies.