New Technologies Cut Idling Truck, Locomotive Emissions

WASHINGTON, DC, January 21, 2004 (ENS) - Each year, idling trucks and locomotives consume 1.2 billion gallons of diesel fuel and emit more than 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, according to an estimate by the U.S. Environmental Proection Agency (EPA).

The Argonne National Laboratory's Center for Transportation Research estimates that heavy vehicle idling wastes over $2 billion worth of diesel fuel every year and also contributes to air pollution, noise, and engine wear.

To curb health and environmental impacts associated with long duration idling, the EPA Friday released two guidance documents that create incentives for using technologies to prevent idling or reduce air emissions from idling.

The documents do not substitute for state or local provisions, nor are they regulations themselves. They do not impose binding, enforceable requirements on any party.

Big rigs fuel at a truck stop. (Photo courtesy EPA)

A companion guidance explains how these emissions reductions may be used to meet certain requirements under EPA's New Source Review permitting program.

Pulled off the nation's highways, big rigs idle overnight while their drivers sleep to heat and cool the cab and driver, mask noises, keep the fuel warm in winter, avoid cold starting, and for personal safety.

Switch yard locomotives idle to maintain locomotive engine oil and fuel warmth during cold weather.

But the EPA says reduced idling decreases maintenance costs and engine wear, diminishes particulate matter and toxic air emissions, and creates less noise for nearby residents.

Instead of letting their engines idle, truck operators might consider using separate devices for cab heating and cooling and engine block warming. Already on the market are devices such as direct-fired burners for cab and engine-block heating, thermal storage devices for heating and cooling, and auxiliary power units for heating, cooling and electrical power.

Staff member from the Argonne National Laboratory's Center for Transportation Research examines a prototype locomotive auxiliary power unit. (Photo courtesy CTR)

These measures can reduce locomotive emissions of toxic air pollutants such as formaldehyde, and trace metals such as nickel. They can also reduce emissions of the climate warming gas carbon dioxide.

Local communities near switch yards, some of which are inhabited by low income and minority populations, may benefit from the reduced pollution and noise levels as will locomotive operators and switch yard staff, the EPA guidance says.

Copies of the guidance documents and information about EPA's anti-idling program are available online at the EPA's new voluntary freight energy conservation program SmartWay Transport website at: http://www.epa.gov/smartway

The EPA points to recent successful pilot projects in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and California that have demonstrated the effectiveness of idle reduction technologies in reducing emissions of oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, and air toxics, reducing noise levels, and conserving fuel.

State or municipal idling regulations have been identified in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

To help truck drivers reduce idling and comply with local regulations, The American Transportation Research Institute and the American Trucking Associations' Environmental Affairs Department have produced a summary of information about idling rules throughout the United States. The summary is designed to be printed, folded and kept by drivers in their trucks. It can be obtained free of charge online at: http://www.atri-online.org/.

Big rigs lined up at a truck stop in Colorado (ENS File Photo)

"This can be an excellent resource for motor carriers and truck drivers operating in these states," said Rebecca Brewster, president and chief operating officer of ATRI. "We've made the information concise but still comprehensive."

To focus attention on idling issues, the EPA, together with the federal energy and transportation departments, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority are sponsoring the first national stakeholder meeting.

The National Idling Reduction Conference, scheduled for May 17 to 19 in Albany, New York will bring together trucking and transit companies; railroad, truck, bus, off-road, and locomotive equipment manufacturers; local, state, and federal agencies; national laboratories; and universities to interact with peers on the technical, regulatory, and institutional aspects of heavy vehicle idling.

One focus of the conference will be to protect children from toxics emitted by idling school buses. Most of the 24 million U.S. children who ride a bus to and from school ride a diesel bus. Over 40 chemicals in diesel exhaust are considered toxic air contaminants by at least one state, California. Exhaust from school buses idling in line enters the buses through open windows and doors and can also enter school ventilation systems, polluting the air inside buses and schools.

The National Idling Reduction Conference is expected to produce an action plan of possible solutions to accelerate market adoption of existing and new idling reduction technologies that will be consistent with regulations nationwide.

A followup event is planned for November 2004 to discuss the working groups’ progress toward implementing conference recommendations and to plan additional action.