LINKS
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LINKS
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These Links offer sources on vehicle idling and idling related information with an emphasis on air quality, the number one concern of unnecessary vehicle idling.
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Environmental Protection Agency: Diesel Exhaust in New England - Idling |
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EPA Compilation of State, County, and Local Anti-Idling Regulations pdf, April 2006
A comprehensive document of all idling ordinances in the US. Note that there is currently no update available that includes state idling laws enacted since April 2006, such as those of Vermont's school bus law and Rhode Island's all diesel vehicles law. (Note that the site is not updated to include enacted state laws in Vermont and Rhode Island). |
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Environmental Protection Agency: Clean School Bus USA
This EPA site states that unnecessary school bus idling pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Three school bus engine manufacturers, Caterpillar, IC Corporation and Cummins, caution against idling in excess of five minutes. The site also gives details on implementation of an idling reduction program for schools or school districts. |
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Vermont Dept. of Environmental Protection: Diesel Exhaust from School Buses in Vermont
The Air Polution Control Division of the Vermont DEC provides comprehensive information on school bus idling in Vermont including facts on how it harms and what governments need to do to regulate and restrict it. |
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MedPage Today Report: Diesel Fumes Change Brain Activity
March 10, 2008: Michael Smith, North American Correspondent, MedPage Today, reports that in a small crossover study performed in The Netherlands, researchers recorded marked changes in brain wave activity when volunteers were exposed to diesel fumes compared with exposure to filtered air. While further research is needed, this study suggests that pollution by diesel fumes is not just a question of noxious odors, but may also have effects on the brain. |
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Natural Resources, Canada, Vehicle Idling Campaign resource
A complete resource of information, facts, documents and graphics to enable anyone to run their own idling campaign. |
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10% Challenge, Burlington, VT
The 10% Challenge is a voluntary program to raise public awareness about global climate change and to encourage households and businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10 percent. It is a great resource for information about and participation in saving energy for homes and businesses, recycling and composting, and alternative transportation.The 10% Challenge is also a no-idle campaign resource with information and literature to start one's own campaign. |
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American Lung Association of Massachusetts
The American Lung Association of Massachusetts has comprehensive information about the health effects of idling as part of their "Idle-Free Massachusetts" awareness campaign. The national American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The ALA funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. They are strong warriors in the fight against outdoor air pollution and its effect on our health. American Lung Association of Vermont, Williston, VT |
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Rick Gregg, Clean Air-Cool Planet Champion
Rick Gregg, of the Lenox (MA) Environmental Committee and Chairman of the Massachusetts Idle-Free campaign, initiated an idle-free campaign in his local community of Lenox, MA. It is model for any small town to small city to go by and is indeed being adapted in other Massachusetts towns and beyond. Rick was recognized as a 2004 Champion of Clean Air-Cool Planet, a group in the Northeast dedicated to finding and promoting solutions to Global Warming. |
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ICTA: Report on In-Car Air Pollution pdf
In 2000, the International Center for Technology Assessment (ICTA) compiled a report on the assessment of the air quality inside automobile passenger compartments. The report finds that air pollution levels may reach higher concentrations inside cars than out. Part of the report summary states: "Elevated in-car pollution concentrations particularly endanger children, the elderly, and people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.While it receives little attention, in-car air pollution may pose one of the greatest modern threats to human health." |
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Truck Idling management solution: the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) pdf
While actually a promotion of Cummins, Inc., manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicle engines, this 2007 document contains comprehensive information on APUs, a viable solution to extended idling of heavy-duty diesel trucks for both local and long-haul trucking. Also included is a compendium of idling regulations in the U.S. and Canada. |
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Burlington Free Press feature "No Idle Matter" January 8, 2006, by Tim Johnson
A no-holds-barred, very comprehensive and captivating article about unnecessary idling of cars, trucks and school buses in Chittenden County, the state of Vermont and beyond. From first hand accounts, to sourced information of its harm, to enforcement, to encountering resistance, all aspects are covered. |
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Post Oil Solutions, Brattleboro No Idling Campaign
In collaboration with Paul Cameron and the Brattleboro Climate Protection project, Post Oil Solutions has been involved in a no-idling campaign for the greater Brattleboro area. Their model regional effort thus far has led to the enactment of a resolution by the Brattleboro selectboard to restrict idling (see Media & News and Local Efforts pages: April 17, 2007). |
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AIRNow: Air Quality News site
Vermont's greenhouse gas emissions, on a per captia basis, are nearly double the national average. This implicates vehicle exhaust--including idling--which negatively affects Vermont's air quality. While generally good, there is a concern of air quality in town centers, especially in Chittenden County, which has increasingly strayed into the Moderate and even Unhealthy catagories. AIRNow provides daily air quality conditions and forecasts, including Particles and Ozone readings, both nationally and locally. |
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AUTO STOP-START SYSTEM: Virtually all vehicles can be idle-free in traffic
Imagine a conventional vehicle coming to a stop at a stoplight and stalling out--by design--and then restarting when pressing the accelerator, just as a hybrid does now. This is the Auto Stop-Start system. Is it some future solution to idling in traffic? No, it is available today and currently utilized on two 2007 European models: the BMW 1-Series and the Peugeot/Citroen C2 and C3 Superminis. And according to a July 2007 Automotive News report, Mercedes plans on launching its own version of stop-start technology throughout its entire lineup, starting with the A- and B-Class. This technology is quite simple, employing a reversible alternator that acts as a standard alternator one minute (driven by the engine to charge the battery) but, when required, then acts as a starter motor, driven by the battery to re-start the engine. There are other versions of the system under development. The benefits to be reaped are obvious: significant improvement in air quality and reduction of millions of tons of carbon emissions. Please join Idle-Free VT in encouraging Sen. Bernie Sanders to work with members of the Senate Environment Committee (chaired by Sen. Barbara Boxer--CA) to push automobile manufacturers to adopt this system for U.S. vehicles. |
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Japan For Sustainability: Idling restrictions spreading in Japan
Japan is a leader in being proactive when it comes to the issues of energy consumption and global warming. Not only have many cities instituted strict idle-reduction ordinances, but the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has set up a subsidy system to promote vehicles with "idling-stop" devices installed. This technology needs to be explored worldwide. |
