The American Trucking Associations and several of its affiliates support the Diesel Idle Reduction Campaign headed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), in partnership with the District Department of the Environment, District Department of Transportation and Maryland Department of the Environment.
The official launch of the campaign took place July 13 at COG headquarters near Union Station in Washington DC. Campaign aims include reducing discretionary idling, improving public health and protecting the environment, align with the goals of ATA’s Sustainability Initiative.
ATA launched its six-prong campaign in 2008, with one goal being the reduction of both discretionary and non-discretionary idling. Discretionary idling, the type being targeted by COG’s campaign, occurs when drivers leave engines running during their rest periods to provide heat or air conditioning for the sleeper compartment, keep the engine warm during cold weather, and provide electrical power for their appliances. Non-discretionary idling, which can be reduced by improvements to our national highway system that alleviate bottlenecks, occurs when vehicles are stuck in congested traffic.
“When truck and bus drivers turn off their engines when they’re not needed, they do more than avoid fines and cut fuel costs,” said Glen Kedzie, ATA vice-president and environmental affairs Counsel. “They take an important and easy step toward improving air quality.”
Other components of the ATA sustainability plan include:
• Federal laws requiring trucks to have speed governors set at 65 mph or below, and a national speed limit of 65 mph for all vehicles.
• Allowing more productive truck weights and combinations, which safely improve fuel economy.
• Expansion of the EPA SmartWaySM Transportation program, which works to reduce greenhouse gases and save fuel.
• Reducing idling by updating the interstate system and reducing traffic congestion.
• Developing fuel economy standards for commercial vehicles.
ATA affiliates actively supporting COG’s idle reduction campaign include the Truckload Carriers Association, Maryland Motor Truck Association and Virginia Trucking Association.