WASHINGTON (Map, News) - A Washington-area panel is recommending that local governments fine vehicles that idle in an effort to combat air pollution in the region.

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

Comments from Examiner Readers

8:32 AM MST on Thu., May. 8, 2008 re: "Fines on idling autos proposed"

Mike Licht said:
Re: Fines on idling autos proposed: The District of Columbia already has an Excessive Engine Idling penalty of $500 under Title 2O of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations section(20 DCMR 900.1) and 18 DCMR 2601.2. Once a company is convicted of a violation, the fine on subsequent idling tickets will be double the amount of the previous fine. "The primary offenders of the engine idling regulations in the District are tour buses, construction trucks, taxi cabs, and solid waste transfer trucks." An EPA field study showed half the vehicles in violation were in federally-patrolled areas, where the regs were not enforced.

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

5:58 AM MST on Tue., Feb. 5, 2008 re: "Wisconsin DNR issues air quality alert for 14 counties"

Examiner Reader said:
What are the particulars. Are they from factories/industry? Does it cause a burning sensation in your eyes as well? Several people have complained of this yesterday. I know that the Adirondacks has acid rain from industries from the west i.e., WI perhaps even cancer causing in the future? Is any of this valid?

21 agree | 19 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate