The Senate Transportation Committee this week approved Senate Bill 295 (Browne-R-Lehigh) to reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor trailers.

The bill would bar commercial diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes during any 60-minute period.

"Diesel powered motor vehicles are major emitters of particulate matter and nitric oxide, which are substantial parts of ground ozone. This is a health concern in many parts of the state. With the new restrictions imposed in this bill, the time these vehicles can idle will be limited. We can help improve the air quality of the state," Sen. Browne said.

The legislation, as amended by Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Madigan (R-Bradford), provides a specific series of exceptions to the five-minute limit including: traffic, operation of basic equipment to prevent an unsafe situation or when operation is necessary to prevent a health emergency, maintenance or inspection, armored vehicles loading or unloading and mechanical problems requiring extended idling-provided proof is submitted.

In addition, passenger buses may idle for 15 minutes in 60 for passenger comfort, to comply with driver rest periods where no alternative power source exists and when the outside temperature is less than 40 degrees or more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit (which expires May 1, 2010) and if the diesel motor is 2007 or newer and has a CARB (California Air Resources Board) certification

Any person who violates the provisions of SB 295 could face fines ranging from $50 to $150. Senator Browne said the restriction on idling would help Pennsylvania's environment, while helping reduce Pennsylvania's energy dependence.

"Idling motor vehicles needlessly waste hundreds of millions of gallons of diesel fuel," Sen. Browne said. "By enacting this restriction, we will save fossil fuels and make Pennsylvania less energy dependent. This legislation meets many of our goals for the environment and energy independence that we have set in the Senate."

2/1/2008