Rumsey: Alternative Fuels Will Advance Despite Uncertainty
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ANAHEIM, Calif. — Although the trucking industry has faced uncertainty around regulations, incentives and trade policies, the innovation of alternative fuels is poised to move forward, said Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins Inc., during her keynote message at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo and Conference on April 28.
Starting off the first day of the expo, Rumsey went through the current state of the energy transition and the challenges facing the trucking industry. First, she highlighted the progress over the past 25 years in reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency, without compromising power or performance.
“Across the industry, advancements in fuel injection systems, turbochargers, aftertreatment and controls have reduced NOx and particulate emissions by more than 98% here in the United States and 90% globally,” she explained. “To put that into perspective, today it takes 60 Class 8 semis to net what a single semi-truck netted in 1988. We’ve also reduced CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, lowering operating costs for fleets, meaning it’s good for business and for the environment.”
Rumsey noted the industry has been able to achieve that level of improvement while navigating significant challenges, such as major recessions, the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruption.
Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of , took the mainstage to emphasize that together, we must be agile and advocate for what’s necessary to invest in a range of solutions that will power a more efficient and sustainable future. — Advanced Clean Tech News / ACT Expo (@ACTExpo)
She advised the industry to strengthen its businesses while also bolstering American manufacturing, which would create a thriving workforce.
Rumsey said three things will be essential for success: deciding on the right regulations, considering the full life cycle emissions of fuel or power sources, and continuing innovative improvements in technology offerings that both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
“We need to set clear and challenging but also achievable goals that drive innovation and allow the best technologies to compete and help meet the standards they set. We need certainty and time to meet them,” she said. “Regulations that force the adoption of certain technologies may exclude some of the best solutions. And they may also overlook meaningful improvements in today’s technologies.”
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Closing out her keynote, Rumsey noted that in a period of vast uncertainty, the industry should be certain of its shared commitment to a greener world.
“It’s about one, advocating for regulations that foster innovation and investment across a broad range of technologies. Second, developing sustainable technologies that consider the full life-cycle benefit of the fuel or energy source,” she said. “And third, offering our customers the most efficient cost-effective solutions for their business and application needs, while also improving greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency along the way.”
