NASHVILLE—In a political environment defined by uncompromising partisanship, leaders of the U.S. trucking industry and the federal government’s environmental watchdog pledged to continue a longstanding “partnership” and work toward shared goals of emissions reduction and economic prosperity.
“This industry is so important—the lifeblood of the American economy,” Michael Regan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator, said to attendees at this week’s American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE). “When we think about what we have to do to tackle health disparities and greenhouse gas pollution … there has been no finer partner than you are.
“There are decades of experience that we have as partners in tackling some of the most complex issues. And I don't believe that we have to choose between protecting the environment, and protecting the economy, and protecting jobs. You all are walking the walk.”
In a brief chat with ATA President and CEO Chris Spear, Regan emphasized his “pragmatic perspective” and ability to “cut through the partisan politics.”
Spear likewise noted ATA has “enjoyed” working with EPA, most recently on first two phases of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan. But he noted that a third phase, to focus on nitrogen oxides, would pose “very challenging” technological problems for equipment manufacturers—with whom Regan met ahead of the discussion.
“I think it's important that I get out from behind the desk in Washington, D.C., and come and have these conversations so that when we do develop a regulation, it is well-informed just as much as it is well intentioned,” Regan said.
Indeed, trucking has “a really good story” to tell, Spear noted, emphasizing that the industry can play “a positive role on climate change.” But, critically, any proposals should reflect the importance of interstate commerce.
“We don't work in just the United States of California,” Spear quipped. “We work in all states—our trucks cross state lines every day, moving the economy. So we love the leadership of the EPA because it gives us that certainty, from a national framework, that's much clearer and easier to comply with for our industry.”
The federal government should provide national leadership and a compliance “baseline,” Regan agreed.
“One of the things that we saw during the last four years is, when the federal government abdicates its responsibilities, states will step in and will start to move forward,” he said. “California has always enjoyed the statutory authority to be able to do so, but now it's time for EPA to step back into that void and look at a 50-state solution—something that's ambitious but that works for the country.”
In regard to ongoing pressure on the supply chain, the Biden administration will focus on “interagency opportunities,” which, for the EPA chief, entails working with fellow cabinet secretaries for the transportation, energy, commerce, and labor departments.
“The reality is that all industries want to deal with one government and not 13 or 14 different cabinet agencies thinking about things differently,” Regan said. “We also have to be judicious in developing regulations that are flexible, that allow for innovation. Let's think about compliance in a way that provides flexibility to an industry that faces an unforeseen event. I think what you're seeing is an EPA that's willing to engage with American industry, and look for those flexibilities for compliance.”
