EPA Encourages Idle Reduction

The report, “Guidance for Quantifying and Using Long Duration Truck Idling Emission Reductions in State Implementation Plans and Transportation Conformity,” offers details on how to measure reductions in air pollution, which also lead to fuel savings, by employing idle reduction activities.

These measurements will become increasingly important in light of new hours of services rules which many in the industry anticipate will lead to increased idle time by drivers adhering to the new rules.

It also lays out the reasons why idle reduction is important:

1- Reductions in the emissions of toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, and trace metals such as nickel.
2 - Reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide.
3 - Reductions in fuel consumption, decreased maintenance costs, and longer engine life which results in cost savings to the truck owner.
4 - Reductions in noise levels.
5 - Decreased dependency on oil imports.
6 - Local communities near truck stops, rest areas, and other areas where long duration idling occurs, some of which are comprised of low income and minority populations, may benefit from the reduced pollution and noise levels as will truck drivers and truck stop employees.

The report is available at: http://gulliver.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=2293

The EPA put out an accompanying report about locomotive idling.