Regulations/Standards

Message sent: don’t text while driving Although the engineering/technology community has and will have a large impact regarding the problem of driver distraction—with that impact having negative and positive poles—it’s the vastly larger community of typical drivers who will determine whether the problem grows or dissipates. Read full story

Details of proposal to combine fuel-economy and GHG limits released There are more than a few pieces of controversy buried in the Obama administration’s 600-plus-page proposed rule (excluding supporting documents) dictating a uniform U.S. standard for tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases and for fuel economy for MY2012 through 2016. Read full story

Congress looks with favor on fuel-cell funding Last May, the U.S. Department of Energy slashed the federal budget request for hydrogen fuel-cell research in 2010 by $100 million to $68 million. As the DOE changes its posture toward fuel-cell research, Congress considers a move to restore funding. Read full story

SAE recommended practice puts new shine on corrosion testing Offering a range of tests covering a large number of variables, a new SAE recommended practice, J2721, aims to improve the corrosion resistance of parts and assemblies used in medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and buses. Read full story