8/5/03-State lawmakers failed to pass legislation restricting idling before the regular session ended last month.
H5190, sponsored by Rep. Joseph McNamara, D-Warwick, was intended to keep diesel-powered vehicles from idling for long periods of time.
Under the bill, diesel vehicle idling standards would have been implemented, backed up by fines ranging from $75 for a first offense to $500 for a third or subsequent violation.
It called for prohibiting owners or operators of diesel-powered motor vehicles from allowing them to idle for more than five minutes, except under certain specified exceptions.
Exceptions from the idling restriction included a motor vehicle idling "for passenger compartment heating or air conditioning when required to maintain a specific temperature for passenger comfort by federal, state or local agencies; engines undergoing repairs that require idling, " McNamara said.

4/9/03-A Rhode Island lawmaker is pushing legislation to keep diesel-powered vehicles from idling for prolonged periods of time.
Under H5190, introduced by House Deputy Majority Leader Joseph McNamara, D-Warwick, diesel vehicle idling standards would be implemented, backed up by fines ranging from $75 for a first offense to $500 for a third or subsequent violation.
Currently before the House Committee on Corporation, the bill “would prohibit owners or operators of diesel-powered motor vehicles from allowing them to idle for more than five minutes, except under certain specified exceptions,” McNamara said in a statement.
The bill would also prohibit school buses with diesel engines from idling on school property, or at “designated drop-off/pick-up zones.”
Exceptions from the idling restriction would include a motor vehicle idling “for passenger compartment heating or air conditioning when required to maintain a specific temperature for passenger comfort by federal, state or local agencies; engines undergoing repairs that require idling,” McNamara said.
” The bill would also allow diesel-powered engines to idle when the outdoor temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and to idle up to 15 minutes each hour when the outdoor temperature is between 20 and 32 degrees. A diesel-powered vehicle would also be allowed to idle up to 20 minutes from a cold start at the owner’s or operator’s place of business.”
For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.