| Abstract |
In May, 2004, at the National Idle Reduction Planning Conference in Albany, New York, representatives from the trucking industry identified the inconsistent pattern and design of state and local vehicle idle restriction laws as a barrier to greater implementation of idle reduction technologies. According to the trucking industry, the patchwork of state and local idling laws and the impracticality of the provisions of these laws make knowledge, understanding, and ultimately compliance an issue for truck drivers and owners. Approximately 15 states and dozens of local jurisdictions have idling laws. In response to their concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a series of five public workshops. The goal of the workshops was twofold: (1) Develop a model state idling law for states to consider adopting that would foster greater compliance through common understanding of the requirements and ease of implementation; and (2) Raise awareness among the trucking industry, states, and environmental groups about each other's needs. For example, states and environmental groups want diesel emission reductions, and truck drivers want to rest comfortably and drive safely. |
