American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement today on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle NOx Standards final rule:

"ATA is reviewing the details of this new rule and assessing its impact on our members. While truck engine emission standards are directed at manufacturers, it is the purchasing decisions of fleets that ultimately determine their success or failure.

"Since 1988, the trucking industry has cut NOx emissions by more than 98%—demonstrating our commitment to protecting the environment. Continued progress on this front will depend on standards that are technologically feasible with equipment that is cost-permitting and reliable for fleets.

"ATA remains extremely concerned over the potential growth of state patchworks of NOx emission standards that will create havoc for an industry that operates across local, state, and international boundaries. We hope EPA and the California Air Resources Board will ultimately agree to a uniform, single standard that best achieves our nation’s environmental goals."