12/14/07-The Senate has put on hold until next year consideration of a bill that is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout the state.
Sponsored by Rep. Will Gabig, R-Carlisle, HB1113 remained in the House Transportation Committee when lawmakers started wrapping up the 2007 regular session. It can be brought back for consideration there during the session that begins Jan. 1.
The bill would apply to all locations where diesel-powered vehicles load, unload or park. The restriction would apply to trucks idling for more than 5 minutes in any 60-minute period. Those same trucks could idle for up to 20 minutes in any 60-minute period when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 80 degrees.
Exemptions would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters or refrigeration to prevent a safety or health emergency” that is not part of a rest period.
The operation of auxiliary power units, generator sets or “other mobile idle reduction technology” is not included in the restriction.

6/19/07-A bill in the House Transportation Committee is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout in the state. Idling rules already are in place in Allegheny County and the city of Philadelphia.
Sponsored by Rep. Will Gabig, R-Carlisle, HB1113 would apply to all locations where diesel-powered vehicles load, unload or park. The restriction would apply to trucks idling for more than 5 minutes in any 60-minute period. Those same trucks could idle for up to 20 minutes in any 60-minute period when temperatures are lower than 40 degrees or higher than 80 degrees.
Exemptions would include situations when vehicles are stuck in traffic, required by law enforcement to stop or when idling is necessary “to operate defrosters, heaters or refrigeration to prevent a safety or health emergency” that is not part of a rest period.
The operation of auxiliary power units, generator sets or “other mobile idle reduction technology” is not included in the restriction.
For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.