5/10/10-A bill has died that included a provision that was intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout the state.
SB450 included a provision that was intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout the state.
The idling provision was part of Gov. Jim Doyle’s Clean Energy Jobs Act. The legislative package was designed to implement the recommendations of the governor’s Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s economy through several key measures.
Putting limits on truck idling was part of that plan. Idling would have been restricted to no more than five minutes per hour.
Violators would have faced up to $40 tickets. Repeat offenses within one year could have resulted in fines between $100 and $500. Subsequent offenses within one year could have resulted in fines between $500 and $1,000.
Unlimited idling would have been allowed when temperatures are colder than 10 degrees, or hotter than 90 degrees.
Certain trucks would have been completely exempt from the proposed idling restrictions. Affected trucks would have been required to comply with federal emissions standards for engine model year 2007 or newer.
Other exceptions to the restriction included situations when it is necessary to power equipment needed for loading or unloading, when vehicles are stuck in traffic or when the medical needs of the operator of a passenger require equipment that is powered from the truck’s primary propulsion engine. In addition, the idling prohibition would not have applied when idling of trucks is necessary for service or repair.
The bill also required the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to study ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the idling of other kinds of engines.
An identical Assembly bill – AB649 – met the same fate.

1/18/10-A bill in the Senate Clean Energy Committee includes a provision that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout the state.
The idling provision is part of Gov. Jim Doyle’s Clean Energy Jobs Act. The legislative package is designed to implement the recommendations of the governor’s Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s economy through several key measures.
Putting limits on truck idling is part of that plan. Idling would be restricted to no more than five minutes per hour.
Violators would face up to $40 tickets. Repeat offenses within one year could result in fines between $100 and $500. Subsequent offenses within one year could result in fines between $500 and $1,000.
Unlimited idling would be allowed when temperatures are colder than 10 degrees, or hotter than 90 degrees.
Certain trucks would be completely exempt from the proposed idling restrictions. Affected trucks must comply with federal emissions standards for engine model year 2007 or newer.
Other exceptions to the restriction would include situations when it is necessary to power equipment needed for loading or unloading, when vehicles are stuck in traffic or when the medical needs of the operator of a passenger require equipment that is powered from the truck’s primary propulsion engine. In addition, the idling prohibition would not apply when idling of trucks is necessary for service or repair.
SB450 also would require the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to study ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the idling of other kinds of engines.
For bill status, call 608-266-0341. In Wisconsin, call 800-362-9472.
An identical Assembly bill – AB649 – is in the Assembly Clean Energy Jobs Committee.