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Fuel-Economy Bill Could Boost Truck Weights
WASHINGTON — Legislation proposed last week could allow federal weight limits for trucks to rise to 97,000 pounds and for the first time set fuel-efficiency standards for trucks.
In addition, the bill — which Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Larry Craig (R-Idaho) introduced in the Senate March 14 — calls for accelerated development of alternative energy sources, including biodiesel, and expanded natural gas and domestic oil production.Heavier trucks on the nation’s roads would mean “fuel savings because those trucks would be more fuel efficient,” said Dorgan spokesman Barry Piatt. “The savings would come from the fact that the trucks are more fuel efficient and because there would be fewer trucks needed.”For the full story, see the March 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.