30 and 0.50 g-hp-hr for the same factors respectively.
The actions taken by the EPA in this regard is justified given the fact that greenhouse gases account for 90 to 99% chance of global warming. Some of the prominent greenhouse gases that contribute to this problem are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and HFCs. In the U.S., emission from heavy-duty vehicles on highways account for 28% of the problem. So, the EPA has to intervene at some point to control these emissions and this is the right way forward. This rule will discourage manufacturers from introducing vehicles that are high on performance, but continue to emit high amounts of greenhouse gases such as nitrogen oxide.
Most manufacturers today have the technology to reduce these emissions and it is a matter of personal choice whether they want to use the technology or not for a cleaner air. Some manufacturers do not prefer to reduce emissions on their own because of the additional cost and hardware that comes with it. Moreover, they fear the performance of the vehicles will reduce and...
By introducing the NCPs, the EPA gives them a chance to phase out their production costs and they also eventually, ensure that the manufacturer adheres to these standards.
The NCPs are expected to offer a win-win situation for everyone involved. It will reduce the emissions on one hand and will make the air cleaner. To reduce global warming and
greenhouse effect, many developed countries in the world are enforcing similar standards and this is the way forward for the U.S. EPA. The Eurozone, China, Japana nd India are looking for ways to reduce their emissions. China and India have already implemented the Euro IV suggestions while Japana and the Eurozone are looking to harmonize on the Euro VI (Corning Vehicle Emissions Review, 2011).
Besides, it also gives a chance for manufacturers to upgrade their technology in a phased manner so that they can comply with the statutory requirements over a period of time. In other words, the EPA is right to enforce NCPs for heavy and medium heavy-duty engines for controlling the emissions of NOX and the penalties are adequate to limit these emissions in the future.
References
Johnson, Tim. (2011). "Vehicle Emissions Review 2011." Corning.
Environmental Protection Agency. (August 2011). "Final Rule making to establish greenhouse gas emissions standards and fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy-duty engines and vehicles." http://epa.gov/otaq/regs/hd-hwy/ncp/420f12001.pdf (Accessed March 9, 2012).
Environmental Protection Agency. (January 31, 2012). "Non-conformance penalties for on-Highway Heavy duty diesel engines." http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-01-31/html/2012-1936.htm (Accessed March 9, 2012).
