ATA supports idle-reduction tax proposal

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) endorsed the proposed tax credit for purchasing idling reduction equipment for commercial vehicles introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Kay Granger, R-TX, as part of industrywide efforts to reduce air pollution and fuel consumption. ATA also called for additional members of Congress to co-sponsor her bill, H R 4672.

Known as the Idle Reduction Tax Act of 2006, the bill proposes a 25% tax credit, up to $1,000 for each idling reduction device purchased by fleets. The purchased equipment is designed to service essential truck functions, including heat or air-conditioning, that normally are powered by the truck's main engine while it is stationary. The credit would be available to all trucking companies.

The proposed tax credit comes as the trucking industry prepares to introduce new trucks into their fleets with lower-emission engines mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency beginning in 2007. These new engines will result in unprecedented emission reductions of particulate matter and smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions by 90% to 95%, respectively. Financial incentives under Granger's bill will advance the integration of idling reduction devices into fleet operations and result in the trucking industry curbing diesel emissions even further.