10/13/08-Gov. Ed Rendell has signed into law a bill that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout the state. It takes effect Feb. 9, 2009.
The new law, previously SB295, imposes idling limits statewide. Diesel-powered vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds will be limited to idling for no more than five minutes per hour. Violators would face fines between $150 and $300.
Affected trucks will be exempted from the time limit rule when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 75 degrees. The exception applies 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.
While loading or unloading, idling is allowed for up to 15 minutes in a 60-minute period, when necessary.
The temperature exemption expires May 1, 2010. At that time, it is expected that idle reduction technology will be more widely available.
A provision added to the bill clarifies who is responsible for paying fines. Vehicle owners as well as operators are responsible. In addition, owners or operators of locations where vehicles load and unload will also face fines for violations.
Exceptions to the rule also includes 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.”
In addition, idling restrictions will not apply to trucks that exhibit a label issued by the California Air Resources Board that shows the vehicle’s engine meets the optional NOx idling emission standard.
One other provision increases the maximum gross vehicle, axle, tandem or bridge formula weight limits for trucks equipped with idle reduction technology. It authorizes affected trucks to weigh up to an additional 400 pounds.

9/24/08-The House Transportation Committee voted to approve a bill that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout the state.
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 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. Violators would face $300 fines.
While loading or unloading, a provision added to the bill would allow idling for up to 15 minutes in a 60-minute period, when necessary.
The temperature exemption would expire May 1, 2010. At that time, it is expected that idle reduction technology will be more widely available.
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 that exhibit a label issued by the California Air Resources Board that shows the vehicle’s engine meets the optional NOx idling emission standard.
One other provision added to the measure would increase the maximum gross vehicle, axle, tandem or bridge formula weight limits for trucks equipped with idle reduction technology. It would authorize affected trucks to weigh up to an additional 400 pounds.
The bill now moves to the House Appropriations Committee before it is cleared for consideration before the full House. It then could head back to the Senate for final approval before going to Gov. Ed Rendell’s desk.
For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.

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.