Update on Trucking Industry Request to EPA Regarding NOx Rule

A coalition of trucking associations—including the American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association, the National Tank Truck Carriers, and 49 state trucking associations—sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on August 13, 2025. They are urging the EPA to delay the implementation of its heavy-duty NOx rule, currently scheduled for the 2027 model year, and push it back to 2031 instead. The groups argue that the industry is already under significant economic strain from inflation and weakened freight demand, and the compliance costs and operational burdens of this rule would only intensify those pressures.

The rule seeks to dramatically reduce emissions—cutting NOx limits by over 80 percent and halving particulate matter limits. It also includes requirements for manufacturers to extend warranties from 100,000 miles to 450,000 miles, and useful-life limits from 435,000 miles to 650,000 miles.

In addition to requesting the delay, the organizations urged the EPA to conduct a full reconsideration of the rule’s key provisions, including stringency levels, warranty obligations, useful-life mandates, and technical requirements. They are asking the EPA to finalize any revisions by the end of 2026 to give manufacturers time to prepare for a 2031 rollout.

Sources: Trucking.org, cdlife.com, thetrucker.com