Energy Group Calls for Truck Productivity Changes, Greater Support for Nat Gas, Autonomous Vehicles
The recommendations were part of a larger plan released here May 19 at the Newseum, aimed at the goal of safeguarding “the security of the United States by significantly reducing our dependence on oil.”
The council is part of the Securing America’s Future Energy advocacy group. CEO Robbie Diamond said that despite lower oil prices in recent years, “now is not the time to take our eye off the ball” when it comes to reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Much of the press briefing and public event included warnings about the major economic harm caused by wild swings in oil prices and ways to reduce oil usage 50% by 2040.
INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK COVERAGE: Via TT's Capitol Agenda
"#Autonomous vehicles are a way to accelerate the end of our oil dependence,” @Securing_Energy CEO Robbie Diamond pic.twitter.com/1zezY1oWTU — Paul Ruiz (@pmruiz) May 19, 2016
The fastest path to meeting that goal is through a series of incentives and technologies to make everything from public transit to freight movements more efficient, said Smith, and a group of business and military speakers.
Specifically in the freight space, the report called for creating incentives of up to $40,000 for advanced fuel vehicle purchases.
Biz & military leaders promote innovation revolution for #EnergySecurity. @Securing_Energy @FedEx @WasteManagement pic.twitter.com/hzhIp9nI1f — Barry Caldwell (@barryhcaldwell) May 19, 2016
“The price amount should be determined, and recalculated on a quarterly basis, using the price differential between diesel and the applicable advanced fuel. The credit should decline by 25% for every 50 cents per gallon difference in fuel price,” the report said.
The report urges Congress to establish a grant system for the installation of compressed natural gas and liquified natural gas along high-priority corridors, passing a two-year extension of the alternative fuel excise tax credit and establish a diesel gallon equivalent standard to create consistency in dispensing natural gas.
Productivity standards, such as approving the use of twin 33-footer trailers, should immediately be approved by Congress, the report said.
The measure was up for consideration last year but was not passed by Congress. During a press briefing, Smith called it “a huge opportunity missed” and said he believed the issue will be approved in the future.
The group, which also expressed support for the Phase 2 greenhouse gas standards, devoted a significant portion of the report to emerging technologies. ESLC called for, in the near-term, the Department of Transportation to quickly develop rules on truck platoons through vehicle-to-vehicle connected trucks.
“Congress and the Department of Transportation should established standards that all states adopt on the National Highway Freight Network to allow truck owners to invest in platooning technology systems,” the report said.
Looking further into the future, the report also strongly touted the role of advanced autonomous vehicles — from driverless cars to autonomous-capable heavy trucks.
“Innovative AVs might offer a solution to the ‘last mile’ problem associated with high cost of delivery from a central depot to the final destination relatively nearby,” the report said.
