OTA Dispatch Issue 3, 2021

4 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch FROM THE PRESIDENT Jana Jarvis OTA President/CEO LIKE MANY OF you, I grew up anticipating the great and wondrous things the future would offer. Flying cars fromThe Jetsons. The chance to “explore strange new worlds” with Captain Kirk— not to mention the ability to transport from point A to point B with the push of a button. Or, maybe we learned from the more cautionary sci-fi tales of I, Robot or The Terminator. We don’t yet have a Rosie the Robot popping out to clean up all our messes, but we do have the Roomba! (Author’s note: For those too young to get these references—try Google!) The trucking industry is no stranger to technology. Given that we’re constantly looking for ways to operate more efficiently and improve the bottom line, technology can often get us there; however, it needs to be commercially viable. A shiny, flashy piece of equipment may look good in a glossy promo piece full of promises, but the reality can be very different. Anything that has a commercial implication cannot be developed in a bubble and backed by disconnected policymakers with no understanding of the real-world application. Unfortunately, this is the scenario that Oregon trucking is facing when it comes to electric vehicles. With Gov. Brown’s environmental executive order and the Department of Environmental Quality’s aping of California’s CARB efforts, the state is pushing to mandate electric trucks in all class categories. Those of us involved in and knowledgeable about this “technology” know that it’s just not there yet, and that’s ignoring the lack of infrastructure to support such a move. The trucking industry, as the ultimate users of electric trucks, should be guiding this process. This state mandated policy fails to recognize that electric trucks are 3–4 times more expensive; have 1/10 the range of diesel trucks and have about 90% of the carrying capacity of diesel-fueled vehicles. This is over and above the conundrum of where all the “fuel” will come from for these vehicles as fossil fuels, even to produce electricity, are off the table. On the surface, it all sounds great—it’s that glossy promo piece. Zero-emissions. No more dirty, diesel-billowing trucks (although that’s already a misrepresentation of today’s vehicles). No more harmful gases being spewed into the environment and damaging the lungs of children everywhere. This is only some of the emotion-driven propaganda that those championing this mandate are using. There is no consideration of cost—to carriers or consumers—and the fact that the technology can’t meet the current demands of the industry is easily dismissed. This is the messaging that we are fighting against. It falls to us to provide a reality check for policymakers. When I say “policymakers” it’s not only legislators. Many of today’s rules, regulations, and mandates circumvent the more traditional routes to “lawmaking.” This means that OTA needs to cover even more ground to maintain a strong presence on all stages. We, as an organization of knowledgeable professionals who will be directly affected by these decisions, need to stay involved in the discussion at all levels. It falls to us to educate decisionmakers about the reality of the mandate they’re pursuing inside their policy bubble. It’s also important to explain that we are not opposed to this coming technology, simply the speed, cost, and methods to force compliance. This current path to dictate the premature adoption To Boldly Go… Combination trucks consumed nearly 100 billion fewer gallons of fuel than passenger vehicles in the U.S. Trucks (Already) Deliver a Cleaner Tomorrow The trucking industry continues to improve energy and environmental efficiency even while increasing the number of miles driven. Here’s some fuel for thought: 9 43% of U.S. commercial trucks are now powered by the newest-generation, near- zero emissions diesel technology. 9 Medium- and heavy-duty trucks contribute just 23% of all transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. and represent only 6% of total U.S. GHG emissions. 9 Combination trucks accounted for just 17% of the total highway transportation fuel consumed. 9 Combination trucks consumed nearly 100 billion fewer gallons of fuel than passenger vehicles in the U.S.