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Long-duration truck idling consumes over 1.2 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually. The average truck consumes .80 gallons of diesel fuel per hour when idling (not to mention that studies have shown maintenance on trucks increases on average $1.13 per day as a result of reduced oil change and overhaul intervals). All trucking fleets improve their bottom-line by reducing idling.
ATA was successful in having language included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that would afford fleets and other users of diesel monies for the purchase and installation of clean diesel technologies such as idling-reduction equipment. Congress has appropriated nearly $50 million in FY 2008 to begin implementation of this 5-year program. The Act also includes language that allows for a vehicle weight exemption of up to 400 pounds to offset the weight of installing idling reduction equipment.
Unfortunately the Federal Highway Administration has failed to recognize this national exemption and as a result, ATA is working with Congress to recognize the exemption nationally. ATA continues its work to secure financial incentives and obtain a waiver of federal excise taxes on purchases of idling reduction equipment. ATA has developed a driver pocket that shows anti-idling restrictions on a state-by-state basis. ATA continues to work with fleets and California state officials to minimize the impacts of new, severe idling restrictions that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2008. Finally EPA unveiled its Model State Idling Law in May of 2006 for entities to consider adopting if they choose to regulate idling. ATA and other stakeholders helped craft the model law. A copy of the model law can be viewed at: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/documents/420s06001.pdf.
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