February 26, 2024 |
Photo – Volkswagen Dump Truck – Courtesy Autoline
Hanna officials decided not to accept a new heavy-duty truck from the state government. The free truck from the state is the same as a gift horse—more trouble than it’s worth.
In 2015, vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen was accused of using software to change the way their diesel engines performed during emissions testing. The software, known as a defeat device, could sense when an emissions test was being performed and alter the way the engine functions to lower the amount of particulates being produced.
The following year, in 2016, Volkswagen was forced to pay over $4 billion in fines and penalties to the federal government. A portion of the payout has been allocated to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, or DEQ, to replace municipalities’ older diesel-powered trucks.
Last month, the Hanna town council debated whether to accept a new public works dump truck from DEQ. The truck would need to be equipped with a modern diesel engine containing a regeneration system. The regen system, as it is called, is designed to remove soot from engine exhaust to comply with federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
The Hanna Town Council was skeptical, saying the regen systems often cause more trouble than they’re worth.
At the February 13th Hanna town council meeting, Mayor Jon Ostling said the town chose not to take DEQ up on their offer of a free dump truck. Mayor Ostling said the requirement of a regeneration system was a deal breaker.
Instead, Mayor Ostling said when the town needs a replacement heavy-duty truck, it’ll go through the General Services Administration. The GSA sells surplus government vehicles, allowing the town to purchase unused heavy equipment for a steep discount.
