2/22/08-A bill in the House Transportation Committee is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout Pennsylvania is halfway through the statehouse. The Senate previously approved it.
Idling rules already are in place in Allegheny County and the city of Philadelphia.
Sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, SB295 would put in place idling limits statewide. Diesel-powered commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds would be limited to idling for no more than five minutes per hour.
Affected trucks would be exempted from the time limit rule when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 75 degrees. The exception would apply only at locations where trucks are legally permitted to park, including truck terminals, truck stops and rest areas – as long as idle reduction technology is unavailable.
The temperature exemption would expire May 1, 2010. At that time, it is expected that idle reduction technology will be more widely available.
Violators would face $50 fines. Repeat offenders would face up to $150 fines.
Exceptions to the rule also would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners or cargo refrigeration equipment.” Installation of equipment to prevent a safety or health emergency that is not part of a rest period also would be exempted.
In addition, idling restrictions would not apply to trucks equipped with 2007 or newer diesel motors with certification from the California Air Resources Board.
For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.

2/7/08-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout Pennsylvania is halfway through the statehouse. It now moves to the House for further consideration.
Idling rules already are in place in Allegheny County and the city of Philadelphia.
Sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, SB295 would put in place idling limits statewide. Diesel-powered commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds would be limited to idling for no more than five minutes per hour.
Affected trucks would be exempted from the time limit rule when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 75 degrees. The exception only would apply at locations where trucks are legally permitted to park, including truck terminals, truck stops and rest areas – as long as idle reduction technology is unavailable.
The temperature exemption would expire May 1, 2010. At that time, it is expected that idle reduction technology will be more widely available.
Violators would face $50 fines. Repeat offenders would face up to $150 fines.
Exceptions to the rule also would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners or cargo refrigeration equipment.” Installation of equipment to prevent a safety or health emergency that is not part of a rest period also would be exempted.
In addition, idling restrictions would not apply to trucks equipped with 2007 or newer diesel motors with certification from the California Air Resources Board.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the House. For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.