Bill Puts Cap on Commercial Truck Idling

Senate Bill 295, also known as the as the Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act, will put a limit on how long commercial trucks can idle at one time. The measure designates that trucks can only idle for five minutes of every hour. State Senator Patrick Browne, the legislation's primary sponsor, says the act is a result of local concerns about the impact of idling on air quality. He says residents in a neighborhood near a truck depot were suffering from poor air quality from unnecessary idling. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and local law enforcement agencies have the power to enforce the law. Those found in violation can be charged with a summary offense and face fines between 150 to 300 dollars. There are a significant number of exceptions to the bill, however. Trucks can idle for longer than five minutes for the purposes of climate control, refrigeration, inspection, and repair. The measure takes effect on February 6, 2009.