Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ATA: New Energy Bill Beneficial, But No Quick Fix

The American Trucking Assns. on Monday said the just-passed energy bill will ease the industry’s financial burden of buying and modernizing equipment to reduce emissions

by Staff
August 8, 2005
ATA: New Energy Bill Beneficial, But No Quick Fix

 

3 min to read


The American Trucking Assns. on Monday said the just-passed energy bill will ease the industry’s financial burden of buying and modernizing equipment to reduce emissions.

Ad Loading...

At the same time, the push for renewable fuels and increased oil refining capacity will help to keep fuel supplies more in-line with demand.
“We are seeing the future with today’s energy prices and now it’s more important than ever that we have a forward-looking energy strategy that will help keep America moving,” said ATA President Bill Graves. “The push toward renewable fuels and investments in new refining capacity serve to prevent high fuel prices from limiting the long-term potential of the economy while also easing the fuel needs of our industry.”
The energy bill mandates that refiners begin incorporating 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuels into the on-road gas and diesel supply over several years. Financial incentives encourage the expanded use of biodiesel, ethanol and hybrid vehicles. The bill makes it easier for the refining industry to expand capacity, a measure that ATA supported in efforts to increase the diesel fuel supply.
The energy bill establishes a Diesel Truck Retrofit and Fleet Modernization Program under which public agencies can compete for $100 million in grants across three years to modernize and retrofit equipment to reduce engine emissions. This measure, originally offered by Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif., authorizes $20 million in 2006, $35 million in 2007 and $45 million in 2008. Additional money will be made available as necessary in 2009 and 2010. Preference will be given to ports and other hauling operations, and participants must match funds by at least 50%.
The bill allocates $94.5 million across three years in grants to deploy idle reduction and energy conservation technologies under EPA’s voluntary SmartWay Transport Partnership. About $19.5 million will be granted in 2006, with 2007 and 2008 funding levels set at $30 million and $45 million, respectively. Grant recipients must match granted funds by at least 50%. ATA is an active participant in this voluntary program.
Between 2007 and 2011, motor carriers will be eligible for retrofit grant money under the Diesel Emissions Reduction provision introduced by Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio. EPA will allocate $200 million annually across the 50 states, which in turn will distribute the funds based on a set formula.
The energy bill clarifies the tire excise tax and requires the Treasury Department to study the amount of tire excise taxes collected annually. That report is due to Congress by July 1, 2007.
The bill will do little to curb the effects rising fuel costs have on the motor carrier industry. In recent months, fleets have, like many businesses, reported that rising fuel costs hit their bottom line, crimping quarterly profits. The trucking industry will spend at least $72 billion on fuel in 2005 – a $10 billion increase over 2004 figures. That follows a $10 billion increase over 2003.
Graves said the U.S. – and the trucking industry – need a steady supply of oil and refined products. As part of a long-term effort to help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, ATA supports environmentally sound exploration of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

More Drivers

Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Illustration showing a driver behind the wheel, DOT offices, and examples of problematic non domiciled CDL
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 18, 2026

DOT Alleges Illinois Issued Illegal Non-Domiciled CDLs

Illinois is the latest state targeted and threatened with the loss of highway funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation in its review of states' non-domiciled CDL issuance procedures. The state is pushing back.

Read More →