There's been much discussion over the use of credits relative to meeting 2010 requirements.
There's been much discussion over the use of credits relative to meeting 2010 requirements. One criticism from the competition is that credits allow IC to run "dirtier" engines. In fact, no bus engine manufacturer could have met the 2007 standard for NOx without the flexibility inherent in the credit system that's written into EPA rules. And, when manufacturers like Navistar meet standards early, it helps clean up the environment.
FACT: Navistar is building cleaner engines than required today. Navistar has taken a leadership role by purposely building pre-2010 engines that are cleaner than what is required by the EPA. In doing so, Navistar has built up a bank of credits that provides us with additional time to optimize our MaxxForce Advanced EGR system with operational advantages for our customers because we planned for it.
FACT: The banking and trading of credits provide environmental benefits. Some ask if there is truly a benefit to generating credits if the credits will be used in the future. Well, the truth is that 20 percent of the credits created by building cleaner engines cannot be used, and they represent a net contribution to the environment. This rule was put in place, says the EPA, "as an added assurance that the incentives created by the program will not only have no adverse environmental impact but also provide an environmental benefit." (55 Federal Register 20584)
FACT: Navistar will be 2010 EPA compliant. So how does this work? In 2010, Navistar will be fully compliant at .50 g/bhp/hr (the amount allowed when credits are used). In the future, Navistar will meet the standard .20 g/bhp/hr without credits or additional aftertreatment hardware. Our solution will also be fully compliant with the California Air Resource Board (per California Air Resource Board - Title 13, California Code of Regulations, section 2025 paragraph {49}, and Appendix A {Dec. 11, 2008}) for 2010.
Navistar's Long History of Environmental Leadership
* 1989 - First truck company to offer smokeless diesel engine.
* 1998 - First truck company to receive U.S. EPA approval for 1999 model year engines.
* 2007 - First line production of commercial hybrid vehicles.
* 2007 - First hybrid school bus.
* 2008 - First OEM named by the U.S. EPA as SmartWay transport partner and SmartWay Manufacturer.