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For Immediate
Release
2/6/08
Contact:
Lesley Crozier
(717) 787-1349
 
Senate Approves Sen. Browne
"Anti-Idling" Legislation
Parked trucks would be
limited to five minutes per hour
The Senate today (February 6) unanimously approved
legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne intended to
reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor
trailers. Senate Bill 295 would bar commercial diesel
vehicles from idling for more than five minutes during any
60-minute period.
"I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for
approving this bill. Idling motor vehicles needlessly waste
hundreds of millions of gallons of diesel fuel," Senator
Browne said. "By enacting this restriction, we will save
fossil fuels and make Pennsylvania less energy dependent. In
many regards, this legislation meets a number of our goals
for the environment and energy independence that we have set
in the Senate."
The legislation 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
- Mechanical problems requiring extended idling-provided
proof is submitted
- Passenger buses may idle for 15 minutes in 60 for
passenger comfort
- Compliance 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 – This
exemption expires May 1, 2010
- 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 noted that Pennsylvania's future depends
upon the actions taken today and by enacting restrictions on
idling, the Commonwealth has taken a very important step to
improve the overall environment.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for
consideration.
Additional Information:
Environment and
Energy
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