During the past several months, I’ve been asked to write articles and give presentations discussing changes in emissions standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and fuel efficiency standards set forth by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) that impact fire apparatus.

At a presentation I gave in January, certain members of the audience provided feedback that certain elements were not very clear and the topic was “boring.” It may be a boring topic, but when departments or city councils wonder why the price of a fire apparatus has increased during the past six years, it may be largely attributed to the complex emissions standards. Emissions standards have a very real impact on the price of a fire apparatus and service of the vehicle during its in-service life. Beginning with the forthcoming first round of greenhouse gas emissions standards, the regulations are more complex and apply to more than the engine. Read More.