7/5/06-A bill – S2767 – intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks has died. However, a similar House bill – H7756 – has been sent to Gov. Don Carcieri.

6/21/06-The Senate approved a bill June 21 that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks. It has been sent to the House for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Stephen Alves, D-West Warwick, S2767 would prohibit truck drivers from idling their engines for more than five consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period.
The measure would give the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management until July 1, 2007, to develop regulations to limit idling. The restriction would apply only to diesel engines.
Violators would pay up to $100 fines. Subsequent violations would result in up to $500 fines.
Among the exemptions that would apply are for situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or “when it is necessary to operate defrosting, heating, or cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of the driver or passengers or to operate auxiliary equipment; when it is necessary to bring the engine to the manufacturer's recommended operating temperature or when the engine is undergoing maintenance or inspection.”
The bill also clarifies that auxiliary power units and vehicles delivering fuel or energy products are not included in the restriction.
S2767 is in the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
For bill status, call (401) 222-3580.
A similar House bill – H7756 – is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.