EPA Proposes Withdrawal of Glider Kit Provisions

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposal to repeal the provisions relating to glider kits contained in the joint EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rule known as Phase 2, which aims to reduce heavy-truck emissions, while increasing their miles-per-gallon. Specifically, the notice proposes repealing the glider kit provisions due to potential lack of authority on EPA’s part to regulate glider kits. EPA is operating under the notion that the Clean Air Act (CAA) cannot be used to cover glider kits because they are not “new motor vehicles,” “new motor vehicle engines” or “incomplete new motor vehicles.” Criteria EPA challenges is necessary in order to fall under the regulatory umbrella of the CAA.

EPA is accepting comments on the proposal through January 5, 2018. EPA will also hold a public hearing on the proposal on Monday, December 4, in Washington, DC. NRMCA will continue to communicate the industry’s support of the proposed repeal; NRMCA has advocated for it since the inception of the Phase 2 rule.

Click here to review the repeal proposal with the comments and public hearing specifics. Click here for more information on the final Phase 2 rule. You may also contact Kevin Walgenbach.