Committee Approves Sen. Browne's "Anti-Idling" Legislation

Parked Trucks Would Be Limited to Five Minutes Per Hour

The Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday (January 29) approved legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne intended to reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor trailers.

Senate Bill 295 would bar commercial diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes during any 60-minute period.

"Diesel powered motor vehicles are major emitters of particulate matter and nitric oxide, which are substantial parts of ground ozone. This is a health concern in many parts of the state. With the new restrictions imposed in this bill, the time these vehicles can idle will be limited. We can help improve the air quality of the state," Senator Browne said.

The legislation, as amended by Transportation Committee Chairman Roger Madigan, provides a specific series of exceptions to the five-minute limit including:

Traffic
Operation of basic equipment to prevent an unsafe situation or when operation is necessary to prevent a health emergency
Maintenance or inspection
Armored vehicles loading or unloading
Mechanical problems requiring extended idling-provided proof is submitted
Passenger buses may idle for 15 minutes in 60 for passenger comfort
Compliance with driver rest periods where no alternative power source exists and when the outside temperature is less than 40 degrees or more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit – This exemption expires May 1, 2010
The diesel motor is 2007 or newer and has a CARB (California Air Resources Board) certification

Any person who violates the provisions of SB 295 could face fines ranging from $50 to $150. Senator Browne said the restriction on idling would help Pennsylvania's environment, while helping reduce Pennsylvania's energy dependence.

"Idling motor vehicles needlessly waste hundreds of millions of gallons of diesel fuel," Senator Browne said. "By enacting this restriction, we will save fossil fuels and make Pennsylvania less energy dependent. This legislation meets many of our goals for the environment and energy independence that we have set in the Senate."

Contact:

Stacey Connors
(717) 787-1349