EPA Designates Eco-Friendly Mud Flaps
A new aerodynamic mud flap has garnered eco-friendly status by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For demonstrating fuel-saving benefits, the Eco Flaps were recognized by EPA’s SmartWay program under a new “splash guard” device category.
The agency noted tests by the firm, based in Brentwood, Tennessee, showed that one of Eco Flaps’ units mounted on a 53-foot dry van trailer helped save 1.25% more fuel when compared with a traditional mud flap. In addition to addressing fuel costs, the firm said its product helps to reduce drag and is durable. According to a notice by EPA, more than 200,000 tractors and trailers in North America use Eco Flaps.
“We are proud to offer a product that will reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions and help our customers lower costs on fuel and maintenance while benefiting the environment,” said Russell Stubbs, Eco Flaps’ CEO.
SmartWay Partners have saved 170.3 million barrels of oil — the equivalent of eliminating annual energy use in more than 6 million homes and $24.9 billion in fuel costs since 2004, according to EPA.
