Trucks Clips: July 22, 2024

 

 

Kamala Harris

 

AP | With Biden Out Of The Presidential Race, Will The New Candidate Support The Trucking Industry? — “President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, July 21, ending his bid for reelection after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent’s fitness for office. The unprecedented announcement, delivered less than four months before the election, immediately upended a campaign that both political parties view as the most consequential in generations. … Members of the trucking industry will be following the Democratic nomination process with interest. When Trump named Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate last week, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOID) was quick to point out Vance’s history of showing support for the industry. As part of the Biden administration, Harris has voiced general support for the trucking industry as well as support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s goal of zero emissions for heavy trucks. Should she gain the presidential nomination, her final stance on industry issues, as well as the stance of her running mate, will be subject to scrutiny.” [The Trucker, 7/19/24 (=)]

 

Buttigieg Endorses Harris — “Sunday evening, Buttigieg posted on X his endorsement of Harris for president. While Biden has ‘earned his place among the best and most consequential presidents,’ Buttigieg said, he described Harris as the ‘right person to take up the torch, defeat Donald Trump, and succeed Joe Biden as President.’” [Politico, 7/22/24 (=)]

 

Labor Reaction To Biden Stepping Aside — “UAW, in a statement, praised Biden for ‘his incredible term of service, and the leadership he has shown in putting country before self, once again, in passing the torch to a new generation’ and said that Biden ‘made history by joining us on our picket line last September and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the working class throughout his term in office.’ The group said: ‘Vice President Kamala Harris walked the picket line with us in 2019, and along with President Biden has brought work and jobs back to communities like Lordstown, Ohio, and Belvidere, Illinois. That’s the legacy President Biden leaves, and that’s the work we will continue to build on as a union.’” [Politico, 7/22/24 (=)]

 

 

 

U.S. Labor Secretary Visits Blue Bird Facilities Following Historic Union Contract — “Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su made a stop in Fort Valley on Friday to celebrate Blue Bird bus factory workers’ approving their first union-negotiated labor contract. Workers approved the contract in May, about a year after they first voted to be represented by the United Steelworkers union. The contract lasts three years and provides more than 1,500 covered workers with at least a 12% raise, with some of the lowest-paid workers receiving raises of at least 40%. The contract also ensures that the company will contribute to a retirement plan for workers, share profits and improve health and safety in the factory. The Biden administration kept close tabs on the negotiations because the Blue Bird bus factory is one of the auto manufacturers benefiting from increased funding for the clean energy industry. Su was involved in the contract negotiations, she said during Friday’s event. The contract’s signing is a major victory for the Biden administration, which has set its sights on investing in union jobs in the South’s growing clean energy industry. ‘To the Blue Bird workers, you all did it,’ Su said. ‘Who says workers in the South can’t unionize? They haven’t met all of you.’” [The Macon Telegraph, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

Top Labor Department Official Touts Blue Bird Buses, Union Pact — “The acting U.S. secretary of labor came to Blue Bird’s school bus factory in Fort Valley on Friday in a visit that melded support for organized labor with the high-stakes, high-dollar promotion of low-emission energy policy. Julie Su watched as company and union representatives signed the first contract negotiated by Blue Bird with the United Steelworkers Union, a pact that will provide hefty raises to many workers, as well as safety guarantees and expanded retirement benefits.” [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

US Labor Secretary Celebrates New Union For Fort Valley Electric Bus Manufacturers — “The United States Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su and other officials joined the Blue Bird Company’s electric bus manufacturing workers to celebrate their union contract on Friday. According to a release, the union is paving the way to improvements in wages, health and safety for more than 1,500 United Steelworkers employees. On Friday, union workers expressed their gratitude to Secretary Su for her continued support throughout the contract’s development. Last week, Georgia Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff cosponsored an $80 million federal investment to create 428 manufacturing jobs and 250 construction jobs for the Blue Bird Company in Fort Valley. The investment is set to bring a new 600,000 square-foot manufacturing facility that will produce zero-emission electric school buses, ‘with a particular focus on the education and training of its current and future workforce,’ according to Warnock’s office.” [WMBB-TV, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

40% Pay Raises, 401k Benefits And More … Blue Bird Signs Union Contract With Fort Valley Workers — “Employees and management celebrated a historic contract at Blue Bird in Fort Valley on Friday. In 2023, workers wanted to join a union. Some told us they wanted to improve their work environment. At the time, the bus company released a statement saying a union was not in the company’s best interest. Now, both sides have bridged that gap. When you see a yellow school bus you often think of the people who sit inside, not the people who make sure it rolls. ‘We needed a solid work schedule, pay raises on time,’ Delushundra Thomas said. Thomas is an 11-year employee at Blue Bird. Like other workers, she’s a parent first. ‘I know that you have to have a job to sustain your household, but great parents are active,’ she said. Roughly 2,000 employees work for the bus manufacturer. Many support their families, and some are single moms. Being able to support your family is one reason Thomas pushed to unionize through the United Steel Workers.” [WMAZ-TV, 7/19/24 (=)]

 

 

 

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

 

Federal Government CNG Transit Bus Investments Exceed $105 Million — “The Transport Project (TTP) says that over $105 million has been awarded by the Biden administration to compressed natural gas (CNG) transit bus projects across the U.S. Another $238 million went to transit agencies for hydrogen bus and related infrastructure projects. This funding is part of a larger announcement made recently by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low- and No-Emission Grant Award and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities competitive programs for fiscal year 2024.” [NGT News, 7/19/24 (=)]

 

 

 

Clean Fuels Alliance America To Sue EPA — “Clean Fuels Alliance America told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it will sue over the agency’s delay in establishing 2026 biofuel volumes in its Renewable Fuel Standard program that Clean Fuels says will harm businesses across the nation. ‘Biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are beginning to cut production or close their doors as a result of EPA’s miscalculation of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 RFS volumes. That means shipping companies who want to reduce environmental impacts in their supply chain and trucking companies that want to use better, cleaner fuels will have a tougher time finding a near-term, cost-effective, low-carbon solution,’ said Paul Winters, Clean Fuels public affairs and federal communications director. Winters declared that EPA should follow through on its promise and ‘make it a priority to get the RFS on track’ since EPA generally issues a proposed rule by June or July to give sufficient time for public comments and hearings and stakeholder input before issuing a final rule before year’s end.” [Transport Topics, 7/19/24 (-)]

 

 

 

Geely

 

Volvo Launches Heavy-Duty CARB 2024 Omnibus Compliant Engine — “The engine meets CARB NOx and PM standards and has an exhaust aftertreatment system allows individual components to be repaired or replaced. Volvo Trucks North America released an engine that complies with California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2024 Omnibus regulation requirements for low nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions standards. The regulation calls for a 75% reduction in NOx emissions and a 50% reduction in PM from heavy-duty on-road engines for model years 2024 through 2026, compared to current U.S. EPA standards. Volvo says that its CARB 24-compliant engine features an advanced emission control system integrated with a fully serviceable linear exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS). According to Volvo Trucks, each component, including the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Aftertreatment Heater and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), is designed for individual servicing or replacement. The OEM also added a 48-volt alternator to the engine, which supplies power to a 48-volt battery for the heater during startup and low-load situations.” [Fleet Equipment Magazine, 7/19/24 (=)]

 

Honda

 

Honda Reveals Stunning New Concept For Class 8 Semi Truck: 'Honda Has Started To Accelerate' — “The electrification revolution has become an electrification race. With the unveiling of the hydrogen-powered Class 8 semitruck, Honda has entered the competition. Enhancements in electric vehicles are changing how we get around. From new EVs with smart batteries that can transform into e-bikes, mopeds, or motorcycles to the development of metal-air battery technology, there’s a lot happening in the EV space. Now, Honda has unveiled the hydrogen semitruck concept, which debuted at the annual Advanced Clean Transportation Expo earlier this year in Las Vegas, as Electrek explained. Focused on expanding its sustainable transportation fleet to become more economical, the company designed the concept to apply to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The Class 8 semitruck concept comes at an exciting time, as ‘Honda has started to accelerate’ into electrification since Toshihiro Mibe became CEO in April 2021, per the outlet.” [The Cool Down, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

 

 

California

 

FTA Awards $77.5 Million To Metro For Zero-Emission Bus And Charging Infrastructure — “The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that they will award the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) with a $77.5 million FY24 low- or no-emission grant. Metro’s award is the second largest in the country out of 117 projects that the FTA selected for funding from 477 eligible applications. The funds will help the agency purchase dozens of battery electric buses, install new chargers and expand workforce development training at its West Hollywood bus division. The new electric buses will run on multiple lines throughout Los Angeles County and have direct access to Metro rail lines. The project emphasizes environmental and air quality improvements while providing high-quality transit service to Los Angeles County’s residents and visitors, the Federal Transit Administration said. In April Metro released a solicitation for a base buy purchase of 260 battery electric buses (BEB) and 20 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEB). The solicitation includes additional purchase options that will allow for the potential procurement of up to 1,980 BEB and FCEBs.” [The Buzz EV News, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

Idaho

 

Idaho Agencies Narrow Down Potential Sites For Electric Vehicle Charging Stations — “Idaho is one step closer to narrowing down where to place federally-funded electric vehicle charging stations. The Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality announced on Monday potential locations for deploying electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, also referred to as NEVI.” [CleanTechnica, 7/19/24 (=)]

 

Illinois

 

The Center Square | States Force Green Transition In Public Transportation Despite Taxpayer Burden — “Despite a hefty taxpayer price tag, several states are requiring cities to transition their public transportation to emitting zero greenhouse gasses. Since 2022, seven states have passed laws to transition to zero-emission school buses. In Illinois, a law passed last year requiring all transit agencies to purchase zero-emission buses by 2026. Similar legislation was passed in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland and New York. The Chicago Transit Authority reports that the transition will require an extra $1.8 to $3.1 billion taxpayer dollars in order to fund the transition, as opposed to diesel trucks. In order to make that transition, cities will have to invest heavily in green infrastructure, like charging stations and batteries, or staffing electrical engineers. ‘The operating savings from a fully electric fleet is expected to be offset by ongoing capital costs that are reduced compared to the transition period, but continue to be somewhat higher than diesel scenarios even after the transition is complete,’ the CTA’s report said.” [Colorado Politics, 7/19/24 (-)]

 

Michigan

 

Rural School Districts To Receive Extra Funds For Transportation — “Bus drivers across the Upper Peninsula travel the extra miles just to get students to school. Typically, the extra transportation costs come out of the regular per-pupil budget; taking away from classroom resources. The School Finance Research Collaborative did a study back in 2018 that showed rural districts had higher transportation costs, prompting Michigan’s Department of Education (MDE) to start advocating for an extra pool of money to be set aside specifically to address transportation costs. MDE’s Deputy Superintendent for Business, Health, and Library Services, Diane Golzynski said they were finally able to secure that funding last school year. ‘So what we have in the UP is the number of districts that have large amounts of geographical area to cover and a smaller number of students in which they are transporting over that space,’ Golzynski said. ‘What that means in transportation for our rural school districts is the ability to provide additional funding where our districts are spending so much more in order to transport kids from home to school and back.’” [WZMQ-TV, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

Pennsylvania

 

Biden Officials Celebrate Funding For More Electric Vehicles At Mack Trucks — “U.S. Rep. Susan Wild and a senior adviser to President Joe Biden joined Mack Trucks executives and employees Friday to celebrate millions of dollars of federal funding expected to help the Lehigh Valley plant expand its production of electric trucks. Speaking before a room of about 100 Mack Trucks employees, Biden adviser Tom Perez praised Mack for seizing a moment to change America for the better. As the world attempts to shift away from fossil fuels, the auto manufacturer was adapting to address climate change while creating family-sustaining jobs, he said. Last week, the Department of Energy doled out $1.7 billion in matching grants to auto manufacturers to help them convert their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. Volvo, Mack’s parent company, is splitting its $208 million share between the Lehigh Valley plant and facilities in Maryland and Virginia. … The award comes three years after Biden toured the Lehigh Valley plant while he was promoting his Build Back Better plan, which called for spending trillions of dollars on COVID relief, social initiatives, American infrastructure and battling climate change. Some of those efforts eventually passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, including the $1.7 billion in grant money.” [LehighValleyNews.com, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

Mack Trucks Employees Celebrate Major Grant From Inflation Reduction Act — “Mack Trucks employees and officials celebrated the $208 million grant from the Inflation Reduction Act with Congresswoman Susan Wild and others on Friday. Their Macungie plant will add 295 union jobs to transition to eclectic vehicle production. Workers from the Volvo Mack Trucks plant in Macungie joined Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) and Tom Perez, a senior advisor to the White House, to celebrate the $208 million grant Mack Trucks received from President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This funding will help Volvo Mack Trucks transition their plants and employees to producing electric vehicles and create hundreds of union jobs over the next five years. ‘One of the things that made it so easy to advocate is the fact that Mack has a history here,’ Wild told Mack Truck employees. ‘Mack has workers here, they’ve got UAW here. And it was all the pieces that somebody who’s awarding the money in Washington can look at and say, ‘okay, this is a company that has a great chance for success if we give them this.’” [The Keystone, 7/19/24 (+)]

 

Texas

 

Socorro ISD Unveils 25 Electric Buses During Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony — “A school district in El Paso is now on the highway to a greener future, after it unveiled its new fleet of electric school buses on Friday. The Socorro Independent School District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate 25 new electric school buses and charging stations that will hit the road during the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The district said it is the first in the region to introduce electric school buses, as it aims to create a ‘cleaner environment for students, staff and the community.’ ‘It was a big win not only for our district but for the community as a whole and for the environment of the planet,’ said SISD’s Interim Superintendent, James Vasquez. ‘We’re reducing the carbon footprint as we do this.’ In October 2022, the district received $9.875 million through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiative to build charging infrastructure and replace 25 buses.” [KFOX-TV, 7/19/24 (=)]

 

West Texas School District Gets 25 New Electric School Buses — “The Socorro Independent School District celebrated a move toward a greener future when it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to add 25 new electric school buses and charging stations to its fleet. The new buses will begin service in the 2024-2025 school year. The first nine-week school period begins Aug. 5. The Socorro ISD, which is in El Paso County, is the first district in the region to use electric school buses, a news release said. Officials said they will contribute to a cleaner environment for students, staff and the community. The unveiling of the new buses was held at the district’s transportation hub at 12460 Rojas Drive. The news release said Socorro ISD was one of only 13 Texas school districts, and the only one in Region 19, to receive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Funding in October 2022.” [Lonestar Live, 7/19/24 (=)]

 

 

 

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