EPA Will Attempt to Develop Consistent Anti-Idling Laws
09 March 2005
Building off of its voluntary SmartWay campaign, the EPA is hosting a series of state/industry workshops to develop a model state or local idling law for heavy-duty trucks and buses. To reduce emissions, about half the country has state or local laws limiting the amount of time such a vehicle can idle.
Many of these laws differ from state to state. For example, some state laws limit idling to 3, 5, 10, or 30 minutes, and others exempt a truck from the time limit if the temperature is below 10°, 20°, or 32°.
The EPA will convene representatives from state air pollution control agencies, trucking associations, truck drivers, environmental organizations and health associations with the goal of developing a consensus approach to eliminating these inconsistencies.
Dates are still to be determined. Information about the effort and the program is available on the SmartWay site.
While the horde of Internet-fueled libertarians like to scoff at ideas like this, idling is an important issue. It's a blatant waste of fuel and irresponsibly dumps garbage into the air.
The other day when I pulled into the bank parking lot, a Ford F-250 diesel pickup was enpty, and idling. And when I came out of the bank the truck was still empty, still idling. How rude!
Posted by: Frank Giovinazzi | 09 March 2005 at 06:35 PM
I see those all the time around here in the winter. People who have remote starters and let their cars idle for 10-15 minutes because they can't support the idea that it might be a little cold inside the car for a while.
My neighbor has a huge Dodge Ram pickup - always empty of course, I think he has it just to show off - and he always does this.
Makes me sad.
Posted by: Mikhail Capone | 09 March 2005 at 09:56 PM
Does anyone know if it is policy for police officers to idle their cars at all times? I mean, whenever I see an officer sitting in a parking lot, or going to Dunkin Donuts, or even at a speed trap, they are idling. This is pathetic in my opinion. If the argument is that they need to be able to move into action quickly then I say this...LAST I CHECKED IT TAKES LIKE 3 SECONDS TO START A CAR AND PUT IT INTO GEAR.
Honestly, does anyone know?
Posted by: Chris Eftychiou | 05 May 2005 at 09:29 AM
you know if the truck drivers are to take a 10 hr break to sleep how are we suposed to sleep if it is hot outside or cold what are we suposed to freeze to death in our trucks during this 10 hrs I think the law makers should try to do what we do and see if they can make it I for one am ready to find another job that does not require me to be a slave I thought that was done away with yrs ago but here we are 2005 making drivers sleep in trucks with no heat no A/C for 10 hrs after being up for 14 hrs lets see if all the laws makers will try it at home no heat no A/C I think it is time to shut down then see if they like no food no gas no present for christmas see if they miss us then becuase a lot of us will be looking for other work and not be in trucks anymore
Posted by: Bill | 16 October 2005 at 01:59 PM
Idling Laws?
1. Let's see how much fuel do I waste in a Big Truck
stoping in N.J to pay a $1.05 toll repeatedly?
2. How much fuel do I waste in going to one of only
four rat hole truck stops in Ct.?
3. How much fuel do I waste in puling
mountains in Ma. and CT due to poor road
construction?
4. How much fuel is burned awaiting for NYHP to respond
to being hit by a DUI driver in a two hour wait?
5. How much fuel is wasted because Ct. HP can not clear
a accident scene?
6. Jail me if you must but I aint freezing to death in
my truck. But I request you turn off your electric,
and heat in your office first.
7. Disgusting that our so called government cant think!
Posted by: Billy Whyde | 16 October 2005 at 07:47 PM
I am curious to know how many more fatal accidents would occur if truck drivers had to take a break and sleep in the heat/cold. I would imagine rather than stopping for some well-needed sleep they would continue on their way and be exhausted and put everyone else at risk. I think the anti-idle law is a bad idea and those who are trying to be consious of the environment can find alternate ways to conserve and preserve.
Posted by: Kristine | 15 December 2005 at 05:17 PM