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BP is gearing up to leave European competitors in the dust, at least when it comes to spending the oil industry’s enormous cash pile. While Total SA and Equinor ASA signaled last week they still are keeping a tight rein on spending, BP showed Oct, 30 it is prepared to take some risks.

AUSTIN, Texas — With the price of diesel steadily rising, Volvo Trucks is promoting the improved fuel efficiency of its new Xceed package that will be available in January on its 2020 model-year VNL 760 and VNL 860 trucks.

The average price of diesel dropped for the second consecutive week, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Representatives from UPS Inc. and Walmart Inc., two of the country’s largest fleets, said electric vehicles can provide environmental, economic and community benefits, which make efforts to work through challenges surrounding duty cycle, charging infrastructure and cost worthwhile.

UPS Inc. and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Oct. 25 the parcel delivery company will begin a pilot project aimed at reducing congestion downtown and addressing air quality concerns. Delivery drivers will use electric pedal-assist cargo bicycles with a customized modular trailer attached to the back of the bike.

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal officials said Oct. 24 that Chevron Corp. has agreed to pay a nearly $3 million fine and spend $160 million on environmental improvements and upgrading oil refineries to resolve allegations the company violated pollution laws.

A misconduct investigation completed by Tennessee Technological University concluded that university researchers erred when stating in an industry-funded glider kit study that emissions from the trucks are as clean or cleaner than those from newer trucks.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The first oil and gas production wells in federal Arctic waters have been approved by U.S. regulators. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Oct. 24 announced it issued a conditional permit for the Liberty Project, a proposal by a subsidiary of Houston-based Hilcorp for production wells on an artificial island in the Beaufort Sea.

The International Maritime Organization rejected a proposal — supported by both the U.S. and shipping groups — for a phased start to rules that will limit the sulfur content of ship fuels starting in 2020.