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EPA Plans to Develop Guidance for States to Adopt Idling Law Model

Release Date: 03/09/2005
Contact Information:


Contact: John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(03/09/05) In an effort to create consistent laws across the country EPA will host the first state/industry workshops to develop a model state or local idling law for heavy-duty trucks and buses. About half the country has state or local laws limiting the amount of time a vehicle can idle. Many of these laws differ from state to state creating an inconsistent patchwork of laws which is confusing to truck drivers and fleets. 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°. EPA will convene representatives from state air pollution control agencies, trucking associations, truck drivers, environmental organizations and health associations. The goal is to develop a consensus approach to eliminating these inconsistencies. The workshops will be held in Washington, D.C. over the next few months. Dates will be announced later. For more information about this effort, or to request participation in the workshops, visit: https://www.epa.gov/smartway .