12/1/06-A bill intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks in the state has died. In most instances, drivers idling their trucks while sleeping or resting would have been exempt from the rule.
Sponsored by Rep. Will Gabig, R-Carlisle, HB3079 remained in the House Transportation Committee last month when lawmakers went home for the year, effectively killing the bill.
The bill applied to locations where diesel-powered vehicles load, unload or park. The restriction would have applied to trucks idling for more than 5 minutes in any 60-minute period. Those same trucks could have idled for up to 20 minutes in any 60-minute period when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 80 degrees.
Exemptions would have included situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters or refrigeration to prevent a safety or health emergency” that is not part of a rest period.
The operation of auxiliary power units, generator sets or “other mobile idle reduction technology” was not included in the restriction.

11/14/06-A bill introduced Monday, Nov. 13, in the House is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks in the state. In most instances, drivers idling their trucks while sleeping or resting would be exempt from the rule.
Sponsored by Rep. Will Gabig, R-Carlisle, HB3079 would apply to locations where diesel-powered vehicles load, unload or park. The restriction would apply to trucks idling for more than 5 minutes in any 60-minute period. Those same trucks could idle for up to 20 minutes in any 60-minute period when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 80 degrees.
Exemptions would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters or refrigeration to prevent a safety or health emergency” that is not part of a rest period.
The operation of auxiliary power units, generator sets or “other mobile idle reduction technology” is not included in the restriction.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.