by Citation News Editor
14. July 2010
Operators of heavy-duty trucks in North Carolina must reduce unnecessary idling to help improve air quality, under a new rule that took effect this week.
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopted the rule in July 2009, but its effective date was delayed until the end of the 2010 session of the General Assembly. The EMC adopted the rule as part of the state’s efforts to reduce air pollution in order to meet more stringent federal air quality standards. The rule applies to on-road gasoline and diesel-powered motor vehicles with a loaded weight greater than 10,000 pounds.
Under the rule, operators should not idle their vehicles more than five consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period except for instances dealing with safety, health and economic concerns. For example, trucks and buses can idle if necessary to perform essential functions such as refrigerating, hoisting, loading and responding to emergencies. The rule also exempts farm and military trucks.
“Exhaust from idling trucks is a significant source of air pollution that we can’t ignore,” said Sheila Holman, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality (DAQ). “The idle rule will help improve air quality while conserving large amounts of fuel.”
The Environmental Protection Agency adopted more stringent standards for ozone in 2008 and particle pollution in 2006. The agency is expected to adopt an even stricter ozone standard in August. Many of North Carolina’s counties currently are not meeting the 2008 ozone standard, and that number is likely to increase when the EPA strengthens the standard. The EPA is expected to designate a number of counties as non-attainment for ozone, and such areas could face tougher restrictions on industry.
Although complying with the idle rule may involve some costs or inconveniences for truckers, the DAQ says those costs should be more than offset by fuel savings, in addition to the improvements in air quality. The DAQ estimates the idle rule will save up to 9 million gallons of fuel per year overall.
Many truckers idle their trucks to provide power for air conditioners, refrigerators and other equipment while stopping to rest. However, truckers can avoid such idling by resting at truck stops that provide electricity and other services or by installing auxiliary power units, or APUs, to provide their own electricity. The DAQ is offering rebates to some truckers who install APUs in their vehicles. For information on the APU rebates, visit www.ncair.org/motor/Rebates.
In addition to the idle rule, the DAQ has started a public awareness effort to reduce unnecessary idling voluntarily for cars and trucks. As part of that effort, the agency is distributing free signs that urge drivers to reduce idling at schools and other areas. More information about the idle reduction program can be found at www.ncair.org/motor/idle.
