 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the SmartWaySM program in 2004 as a voluntary, public-private partnership with the ground freight industry known as the SmartWay Transport Partnership. The initative was developed as a strategy to reduce fuel consumption and increase energy efficiency within the freight industry, as it is a significant source of air pollution and a major consumer of fossil fuels. The measures promoted under SmartWay not only help reach the environmental goals set forth, but also save money for the participating freight operators.
The success of the SmartWay Transport Partnership led the EPA to grow the initiative beyond the freight sector and into a comprehensive program which addresses transportation-related emissions. EPA SmartWay now includes the following major elements:
- SmartWay Certified Vehicles: Passenger cars and trucks that perform better than average for both criteria pollutant emissions and fuel economy earn EPA's SmartWay designation. This label is an easy way for consumers to identify vehicles that are good for the environment and will also save money on fuel. Consumers can search for these vehicles through EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.
- SmartWay Financing: To help overcome the financial burden of investing in new, fuel-efficient technologies, EPA has established a financing program to assist owners and operators in obtaining assistance in purchasing qualifying tractors, trailers, or aftermarket technologies.
- SmartWay Tractors and Trailers: Many tractor and trailer manufacturers are now making heavy-duty trucks and components that conform to certain specifications established by the EPA that improve fuel economy. This enables trucking companies to purchase new equipment that incorporates fuel-saving technologies or features "off the lot".
- SmartWay Transport: This partnership with the freight industry continues to attract new members including trucking, shipping, and logistics companies, technology manufacturers, trade associations, and other stakeholders. Partner companies are able to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, track their environmental footprint, and enjoy recognition as industry leaders.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) joined the SmartWay Transport Program as an Affiliate in October 2006. In this role, NCTCOG promotes the initiative within the region and provides education and outreach to potential partners and affected industries. Current projects include the following:
- SmartWay Upgrade Kit Demonstration Project: This project will evaluate the effectiveness of advanced technologies in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
- SmartWay for Consumers Outreach [PDF]: Through the AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine Program, NCTCOG is educating participating dealerships about passenger vehicles which have earned the SmartWay designation from EPA.
The following members of the Regional Transportation Council’s Intermodal, Freight, and Safety Subcommittee have already demonstrated a commitment to the goals of the SmartWay Program by joining as SmartWay Partners:
Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Lisa Motor Lines
Texas Department of Transportation
Union Pacific Railroad
United Parcel Service
Companies who are interested in joining the SmartWay Transport Partnership should click here to learn more about becoming a Partner. If you have any questions or comments regarding the SmartWay activities at the NCTCOG, please contact Lori Pampell at 817-695-9232 or at lpampell@nctcog.org.
Click here to be added to a SmartWay e-mail list to get updates and additional information about the program!
For more information, please review the links below:
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