Press Releases
March 13th, 2009: DEP Press Release
DEP to Fund Anti-Idling Law Education
Excerpt: "Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger today awarded grants to three regional air quality organizations to help the trucking industry comply with Pennsylvania’s anti-idling law, which took effect on Feb. 6."
February 4th, 2009
New Diesel Vehicle Idling Restrictions will Keep Air Cleaner, Reduce Fuel Consumption
Press Release
Harrisburg– Pennsylvanians — particularly those vulnerable to air pollution such as children and the elderly — will breathe easier, thanks to a new measure taking effect today that limits engine idling by heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
Governor Edward G. Rendell signed the Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act (Act 124) on Oct. 9. The law restricts heavy-duty diesel vehicles from idling more than five minutes per hour. Truck and bus drivers often idle their engines during rest periods to heat or cool their sleeper compartment, to keep the engine warm during cold weather, and to provide electrical power for their appliances. Acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger added that the new restrictions will save the owners of these vehicles billions of dollars a year while also reducing Pennsylvania's dependence on foreign oil.
November 19th, 2008
Partnership Launches Air Particulate Monitor Data in Real Time
Press Release (PDF)
Carlisle, PA, November 19, 2008 – The Clean Air Partnership of Cumberland County today
unveiled its Met One BAM-1020, an EPA-certified air quality monitor, to provide data in realtime
on an ongoing basis for PM 2.5 fine particulate. The ceremonial launch was held today at
The Sentinel building, 457 E. North St., where the BAM-1020 is housed.
Clean Air Board Applauds Anti-Idling Legislation
Press Release (Word Document)
Excerpt:
Harrisburg , PA , October 9, 2008 – The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation to limit idling by large diesel trucks and buses yesterday. The legislation, Senate Bill 295, would limit idling by large trucks and buses to five minutes in a hour, with certain operational exceptions. Motor homes, farm vehicles, and off-road vehicles are excluded from this legislation. The legislation comes after the Clean Air Board of Central Pennsylvania conducted a two year campaign to enact laws and regulations to limit diesel engine idling. CAB worked with Senator Pat Vance on this legislation. CAB's president, Rev. Jennifer McKenna , thanked the legislators for their work, noting “We applaud their efforts. We believe this law will help protect the health of the public, particularly those who suffer from respiratory problems.”
September 23rd, 2008
Local Organizations Form Green Partnership
Press Release (Word Document)
Excerpt:
Carlisle, PA, September 23rd, 2008 -- THE CLEAN AIR BOARD OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA (CAB), THE SENTINEL AND THE CARLISLE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (CRMC) have formed a partnership to protect the health of residents living, working, studying and playing in the Greater Carlisle area by providing them with information that will allow them to make informed decisions.
September 16th, 2008
Clean Air Board Applauds EQB Action to Adopt Idling Regulations
Press Release (Word Document)
Excerpt:
Harrisburg, PA, September 16, 2008 – Today the state Environmental Quality Board (EQB) adopted a final regulation to limit idling by large diesel trucks and buses. The regulation comes in response to a petition filed by the Clean Air Board of Central Pennsylvania (CAB) in October 2006. CAB’s president, Rev. Jennifer McKenna, thanked the Board members for their action, noting “We applaud this landmark action. We believe a sensible regulation limiting idling emissions from diesel vehicles will protect the health of all Pennsylvanians, particularly those who suffer from respiratory problems.”
March 5th, 2008
2008 CABBIE Award Winners Announced
Press Release (PDF)
February 13th, 2008:
CAB Urges Approval of Idling Regulations (PDF)
January 11th, 2008
Department of Environmental Protection
Idling Reduction Regulation to be Published in PA Bulletin;3 Public Hearings Scheduled (PDF Format)
Excerpt:
HARRISBURG – The Environmental Quality Board has scheduled three public hearings and will accept comments on a proposed statewide idling reduction regulation that is expected to improve air quality and save millions of gallons of diesel fuel.
The rule, which will be published in the Pa. Bulletin on Saturday, is primarily aimed at long-haul truckers, many of whom idle their vehicles during federally mandated rest periods to heat, cool and provide other amenities to their bunks and cabs. It will also affect many delivery trucks, school buses, transit buses and motor coaches.
In most cases, the proposed regulation would limit idling by commercial diesel-powered vehicles to five minutes per hour. It was approved for public comment by the Environmental Quality Board, or EQB, on Oct. 16.
DEP estimates that an engine idling for more than 15 minutes—otherwise known as long-duration idling—amounts to about 22.3 million hours a year in Pennsylvania, approximately 95 percent of which is due to truck travel rest periods. If each of the 13,000 long-haul trucks that idle in Pennsylvania each day used alternative means to provide power during rest periods, fuel use would be cut by more than 20 million gallons per year.
Diesel powered vehicles emit nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both of which contribute to ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. Ozone and fine particulate matter are pollutants that can cause or exacerbate breathing problems, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
November 21st, 2007
Portable PM2.5 Monitor Has Arrived
October 16th, 2007: CAB Press Release
Clean Air Board Applauds EQB Action to Propose Idling Regulations
Excerpt: Harrisburg, PA (October 16, 2007) – Today, the state Environmental Quality Board (EQB) proposed a regulation to limit idling by commercial diesel trucks and buses. The proposed regulation comes in response to a petition filed by the Clean Air Board of Central Pennsylvania in October 2006. Clean Air Board president, Rev. Jennifer McKenna, thanked the Board members for their action, noting “We applaud the Environmental Quality Board’s action. We believe a regulation limiting prolonged idling by diesel vehicles will protect the health of all Pennsylvanians, including young children and the elderly who suffer from respiratory problems.” The EQB action authorizes publication of the proposed regulation, public hearings, and a public comment period. A final vote will be taken by the EQB after public comments have been received.
October 16th, 2007: DEP Press Release
August 31st, 2007
CAB Testimony at EPA Ozone Hearings
March 17th, 2007
CAB Announces WInner in Clean Air Art Contest
March 5th, 2007
DEP Announces Site for Air Monitor to Record Particulate Emissions in Carlisle Area