The trucking industry is responsible for almost all goods received by American consumers. The good that trucking does for American buyers and the economy is unparalleled. But this comes at a cost – large diesel-driven vehicles criss-crossing the highways of the country, releasing carbon into the air.

As the Biden Administration has targeted climate change as a goal to tackle, the government has announced emission standard restrictions for heavy-duty trucks. These measures have created a heated debate, with supporters hailing them as an important step toward lowering emissions and critics raising concerns about their possible effects on the economy.

Let’s look at the debate on both sides.

Proponents of the Regulations

Potential to Reduce Impacts on Climate Change – One of the main reasons in support of Biden’s emission rules for heavy-duty trucks is that they have the potential to considerably lower greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide remains the alleged culprit for climate change, and cleaner air could reduce the effects of this global phenomenon.

United States As a Leader – Although major emitters such as India or China may not be on board, those who favor regulations argue that the United States must be a leader in the fight against climate change. The argument is that the US could lead by example by enacting strict emission regulations, giving the authority to pressure other countries to do the same and jointly decrease emissions on a global scale.

Innovation – Those who want regulations say that these rules will light a fire under the trucking industry to innovate technologically. Regulating carbon dioxide would force trucking companies to come up with cheaper,cleaner engines.

Opponents of the Regulations

The Economy – Those against Biden’s proposed regulations argue that enforcing stronger emission standards will increase the cost of manufacturing heavy-duty trucks. This cost will be ultimately be passed all along down the supply chain, hitting the consumer and harming the economy. It will raise the price of goods in a country that is becoming more unaffordable for many.

Industry Challenges – The trucking sector, which is essential to the nation’s supply system, may have trouble adhering to these rules. Specifically, small trucking companies will find it difficult to pay for the necessary upgrades or new machinery needed to satisfy the criteria. This would lead to consolidation under larger firms, and disruption for the delivery of necessary freight.

Job Losses – Job losses could occur across the industry. Small trucking companies and owner-operators, of course, but also any industry connected to the production and maintenance of heavy-duty trucks.

Conclusion

It will be difficult for politicians to strike a balance between economic stability and climate change mitigation. In the end, the choice made about these restrictions will have a significant impact on the economy, the environment, and the way of life for truck drivers and all Americans.