Fines on idling autos proposed

The panel’s recommendations include penalties and regular enforcement of regulations against trucks, buses and passenger cars that keep the engine running without moving for more than five minutes at a time, except when stuck in traffic.

The recommendation is one of several emerging as the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Climate Change Steering Committee seeks new methods to limit the release of auto-related greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is the kind of doable action that we can take that will help us meet short-term and intermediate goals for the region,” said David Snyder, a Falls Church City Council member on the committee. “We are emphasizing local government activities … which can be done at a relatively low cost.”

The committee also recommends more walking and bicycling, greater telecommuting, denser development near transportation centers and asking the federal government for stronger fuel economy standards.

The Council of Governments is an advisory group composed of elected officials who brainstorm solutions for the region’s challenges, but has no rule-setting or enforcement powers.

While counties would grant exceptions for emergency vehicles, and penalties would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, the proposal is one of the ways to remind drivers to turn off their cars when they are not moving, officials say.

“It's a simple fix to address vehicle emissions issues throughout the region,” said Nancy Floreen, the committee chairwoman and a Montgomery County Council member.

“Air quality is a problem where there are a zillion small sources, so in order to make a difference, you have to go after the small sources,” said Stuart Freudberg, director of environmental programs for the council of governments. “It’s a small but significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gases in air quality that can be coupled with other small contributions.”

dgenz@dcexaminer.com