Tennessee environmental officials are scheduled to meet in Nashville Dec. 10 to discuss such topics as lowering the interstate speed limit for large trucks in the state as a way for counties to meet federal air quality standards. The meeting is open to the public.

The state Air Pollution Control Board is recommending a series of changes, including making the maximum speed for semis 55 mph, down from 70 mph, to reduce the amount of ozone-causing compounds going into the air.

The resolution also suggests banning truck drivers from idling engines for long periods and requiring companies with government contracts to use clean engine technology and fuel additives for heavy-duty equipment.

The board is trying to bring Tennessee counties into compliance with federal air quality rules that take effect in 2005.

Failure to meet the new standards by 2007 could result in an end to industrial expansion and large cuts in federal highway funding for the area.

The board’s suggestions need study, especially the lower speed limit for trucks, State Rep. Phillip Pinion, D-Union City, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, recently told The Tennessean.

“I think it’s something we need to look at, but we don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water and impose something on truckers until we know for sure that it would be of help,” Pinion said. “Trucks move this country.”

Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said, “By lowering truck speed limits, all they would really do is create a safety issue where previously none existed. That is not an acceptable trade off.”

The board will meet at 8:30 a.m. EST Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Life and Casualty Tower, 17^th Floor, 401 Church Street, Nashville, TN. For more information, contact Amanda Sluss, director of public information, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, at (615) 532-0288.

-by Keith Goble, staff writer

Keith Goble can be reached at keith_goble@landlinemag.com.