TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is asking the federal government to balance safety and the environment in proposed emissions rules which credit the fuel economy gains that can be realized with components such as Low Rolling Resistance tires.

“Regulating tire selection is a tricky business,” says Geoff Wood, the group’s vice president – operations. “Tires need to be spec’d for both safety and the environment. No one policy objective should trump the other.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada recently released its plans for Greenhouse Gas limits that will apply to 2018-29 Model Year equipment, effectively mirroring those unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But a tire market survey planned by Transport Canada should help find a balance between tire traction and fuel efficiency when finalizing the emissions regulations, the alliance adds.

The CTA is also asking regulators to expand the definition of heavy linehaul tractors in the emissions rules, to include Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings between 80,000 and 120,000 pounds. The rules as currently proposed offer “less-stringent” standards for tractors above 120,000 pounds — reflecting things like the powertrain needs for the higher payloads.

Canada’s heavier equipment is more efficient than options generally available in the U.S., the alliance stresses.