Proposed idling-reduction regulation aims to reduce pollution, conserve fuel
The Trucker News Services
1/14/2008
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Environmental Quality Board has scheduled three public hearings and will accept comments on a proposed statewide idling reduction regulation that is expected to improve air quality and save millions of gallons of diesel fuel.
The rule, which was published in the Pa. Bulletin on Saturday, is primarily aimed at long-haul truckers, many of whom idle their vehicles during federally mandated rest periods to heat, cool and provide other amenities to their bunks and cabs. It will also affect many delivery trucks, school buses, transit buses and motor coaches.
In most cases, the proposed regulation would limit idling by commercial diesel-powered vehicles to five minutes per hour. It was approved for public comment by the Environmental Quality Board, or EQB, on Oct. 16, 2007.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) estimates that an engine idling for more than 15 minutes — otherwise known as long-duration idling — amounts to about 22.3 million hours a year in Pennsylvania, approximately 95 percent of which is due to truck travel rest periods. If each of the 13,000 long-haul trucks that idle in Pennsylvania each day used alternative means to provide power during rest periods, fuel use would be cut by more than 20 million gallons per year.
Diesel powered vehicles emit nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both of which contribute to ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. Ozone and fine particulate matter are pollutants that can cause or exacerbate breathing problems, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
DEP estimates that once this rule is implemented fully in 2010, it will reduce annual NOx emissions by about 1,610 tons, VOCs by about 45 tons, and particulate matter by about 30 tons.
Several exemptions are included in the proposal, including idling by a vehicle with a sleeper compartment in order to run heating or air conditioning when the temperature is below 40 degrees or above 75 degrees outside. This exemption applies only if stationary idle reduction technology is not available where the truck is parked, and expires on May 1, 2010.
Vehicles are also exempt if the idling is needed for active loading or unloading of passengers or property; to operate work-related mechanical or electrical operations other than propulsion; and for maintenance, repairs, inspections and safety-related purposes. Passenger and school buses are included in this proposed regulation, but will be permitted to idle for up to 15 minutes during a 60-minute period to provide heat or cooling when non-driver passengers are on board.
Written comments, suggestions or objections can be sent, beginning Jan. 12, to the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477, or by express mail to Rachel Carson State Office Building, 16th Floor, 400 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301.
Comments must be received by March 17, and cannot be faxed. Comments may also be submitted electronically from Jan. 12 to March 17 by completing and submitting the online form at www.depweb.state.pa.us/RegComments.
The three public hearings convened by the Environmental Quality Board will be held:
• Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown
• Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m., at the Rachel Carson State Office Building, Room 105, 400 Market St., Harrisburg, and
• Friday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m., at the Department of Environmental Protection's Southwest Regional Office, Waterfront A and B Conference Room, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh.
For more information visit www.depweb.state.pa.us/, keyword: Diesel Idling.
