NOTE: Idle-Free VT would like to know whenever there is Vermont media coverage or other activities on the issue of idling, in the form of newspaper opinions, op-eds, letters to the editor and news, and any other media coverage (broadcast, etc.) throughout the state. Please contact here.
2008
APRIL: INTERVIEW WITH WAYNE MICHAUD, DIRECTOR OF IDLE-FREE VT FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT RESEARCH PROJECT BY KRISTI K. AMEDEN
CCV student Kristi K. Ameden conducted an email interview with Wayne Michaud about the Idle-Free VT campaign and idling in general.
MARCH/APRIL ISSUE: LIVIN' MAGAZINE: "CAR IDLING DEBATED" (note: a large file)
Livin' (The Vermont Way) Magazine is a four color glossy bimonthly publication out of Colchester. The editor invited Wayne Michaud of Idle-Free VT and Mitch Smith, a freelance writer, to present differing viewpoints on vehicle idling in their ongoing "Town Meeting" debate series.
MARCH 27: BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "BUS OPERATOR CHALLENGES BUS IDLING RULES"
The general manager of a school bus transit company in Milton, VT unsuccessfully challenged Vermont's school bus idling law in a session with the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. The basis of his complaint was that buses needed more than the five minute idling limit (with exceptions) to warm up due to supposed mechanical and safety reasons.
MARCH 27: STOWE REPORTER EDITORIAL: "CUT THE IGNITION'
The Stowe Reporter published an outstanding editorial that brings together all the advantages of avoiding wasteful idling including our health, reduced carbon emissions, less fuel waste that not only saves us money as individuals, but as a nation enhances our security by being less reliant on dubious friends in the Middle East and Venezuela, and the advantages to business and recreational interests in touting Stowe as a green communtiy.
MARCH 27: STOWE REPORTER: "ILDING CARS TARGET OF STOWE EFFORT'
The Stowe Energy and Climate Action Network, a group of 15-20 people, in one of several initiatives, is educating members of the Stowe community to shut off their vehicle engines when parked. They are distributing pink notices (placing under windshield wipers of cars idling while parked) that say, "THANK YOU FOR NOT IDLING WHEN PARKED" along with a few bulleted points.
JANUARY 23: LETTERS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT RE: VERMONT'S UNATTENDED MOTOR VEHICLES LAW
David Polow of Hyde Park, Idle-Free VT Lamoille County Coordinator and advisor to the campaign, wrote letters to every Vermont sheriff's dept. and most local law enforcement agencies concerning the lack of enforcing Vermont's unattended motor vehicles law. Anyone who allows their vehicle to idle unattended while going into a convenience store, post office, etc., is in violation of this law. Letter written to the Vermont State Police. Most law enforcement agencies did not respond. A represenative of the Vermont State Police did respond. He was sympathetic to the concerns but stated that in general, higher priorites prevented them from enforcement. A Burlington police representative also responded, claiming that they do enforce this law occasionally as well as the city's idling ordinance. It is hoped that awareness was raised in the law enforcement sector.
JANUARY 11: NO-IDLE TOWN MEETING ARTICLE PETITIONS
Robert Walker of the Sustainable Energy Resource Group (SERG) notified Town Energy Committee Organizers of a town meeting article petition to be placed on the town warning that is being circulated by the Thetford Energy Committee calling on the town to pass a no-idling resolution (not an ordinance, but that could later lead to signs posted in town and a policy for town vehicles). He suggested that they could feel free to adopt this for their own town. With a deadline approx. 40 days before town meeting and the need to get 5% of voter checklist signatures, time was short to achieve much. But this is the first step for what can be a great local awareness raising tool for 2009 town meetings. Kudos to Bob for this idea. A sample petition. See the LOCAL EFFORTS page for carrying this initiative forward for 2009 town meetings.
2007
DECEMBER 28-30 and BEYOND: "PETESTOCK": IDLE-FREE VT CARD TABLE DISPLAY
Pete Sutherland is a musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist (and more) with the Vermont folk-influenced repertory company, Roots. He and friends perform three pre-New Year's concerts known as "Petestock" in Norwich, Montpelier and Vergennes. Pete is keen on an educational component of the idling issue for his folk crowd and is featuring a card table type display of Idle-Free VT materials (brochures, info cards, bumper stickers and a small poster display) as part of an ongoing tour.
DECEMBER 12, 2007: JOURNAL OPINION: "SCHOOLS PREPARED FOR IDLING BAN"
Amanda Neubelt, a reporter for the Journal Opinion of Bradford writes a comprehensive piece about how Bradford area schools are adapting to the new Vermont school bus idling law, the cost, health and environmental benefits of the law, and how other Vermont schools are or have been addressing this issue. Also touched on is how diesel exhaust adversely affects students,
NOVEMBER 15: ADDISON INDEPENDENT: " MIDDLEBURY MULLS IDLE-FREE POLICY"
Coverage of the efforts of MAGWAC--Middlebury Area Global Warming Action Committee--as it seeks to lessen carbon emissions in Middlebury which certainly has its fair share of traffic congestion. A component of this initiative is to restrict vehicle idling. This is a great example of the steps that need to be taken to achieve success on a local basis. MAGWAC is seeking advice from Idle-Free VT and emulating other successful local efforts (Brattleboro, Lenox, MA) in order to avoid "reinventing the wheel".
NOVEMBER 15: MEDIA BLITZ:
With unnecessary idling increasing as winter encroaches, Wayne Michaud submits a timely op-ed featuring the essential facts of unnecessary idling to 10 Vermont newspapers in an effort to get the message out to as many people as possible. The ones who have published it: Burlington Free Press, Rutland Herald, and Addison Independent
NOVEMBER: VERMONT BUSINESS MAGAZINE:
Thanks to a donation to the Idle-Free VT campaign, an ad is placed in the November issue of Vermont Business Magazine as part of Idle-Free VT's Business Idle-Free effort.
AUGUST 28: BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: " AUTOMAKERS SHOULD ADOPT AUTO STOP-START"
This letter to the editor by Wayne Michaud describes the Auto-Stop-Start system for vehicles to make them idle-free. Currently utilized on some European models, this system allows vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines to automatically turn off at stoplights and restart when pressing the accelerator, just as hybrids do now. Readers are encouraged to contact Sen. Bernie Sanders to push automakers to adopt this system for U.S vehicles.
AUGUST 3: TIMES ARGUS COMMENTARY: " CURBING VEHICLE IDLING SAVES MONEY, HELPS AIR"
The Times Argus (Montpelier) publishes a commentary on idling submitted by Wayne Michaud. As part of the Idle-Free VT Business Idle-Free initiative, it emphasizes the concern of idling in the business community, both fleet operated businesses, and non-fleet businesses and institutions whose patrons tend to idle on the premises. It also points out the positive models of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Vermont State Employees Credit Union who have implemented idle-reduction policies.
JUNE 26: APPEARANCE ON VPR'S SWITCHBOARD: AUTO STOP-START SYSTEM
Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders is Vermont Public Radio's Switchboard program guest this evening. One of the featured discussions is the recently passed increased CAFE standard. Wayne Michaud calls in to talk about a related issue that touches on vehicle fuel efficiency, the Auto Stop-Start system. This technology allows most conventional vehicle engines to shut off and restart at traffic stops, much like hybrids. The resulting benefits of equipping vehicles with this system are pointed out: gas savings, lowered carbon emissions and health benefits. Wayne asks Bernie to work with Barbara Boxer, Environment Committee Chairman, to push automakers to adopt this system. Bernie is enthusiatic in his response. Wayne follows up with an email to Senator Sanders. At least two European car models are already equipped with the Auto Stop-Start system.
JUNE 21: ADDISON INDEPENDENT: STORY ABOUT THE ENACTMENT OF ACT 48
As a result of a statewide press release about Vermont enacting a school bus idling law, Cyrus Levesque, a Staff Writer for the Addison Independent interviews Wayne Michaud and Sen. Claire Ayer (who sponsored the legislation) for a story that features Vermont's recently enacted law, and some of the individuals and organizations involved in its passage. He also provides background on the Idle-Free VT campaign.
JUNE 18: "MY TURN" OP-ED IN BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: " AVOID SUMMERTIME IDLING; IT'S THE LAW"
The Burlington Free Press publishes a "My Turn" on idling submitted by Wayne Michaud.
JUNE 7: "DEERFIELD VALLEY NEWS: STORY ABOUT THE ENACTMENT OF ACT 48
As a result of a statewide press release about Vermont enacting a school bus idling law, Mke Eldred, Senior Staff Reporter for the Deerfield Valley News, a West Dover based weekly publication, interviews Wayne Michaud and writes a story about the just enacted law, along with some background on the Idle-Free VT campaign.
MAY 30: BUSINESS IDLE-FREE LAUNCHED
Wayne Michaud, Idle-Free VT director visits David Polow, Idle-Free VT advisor of Hyde Park to launch the Business Idle-Free campaign. Wayne signs more than two hundred letters that are then mailed to Vermont businesses that operate fleets, and other businesses and institutions whose patrons use their vehicles in the course of being served by the businesses. A big "thank you" to David who funded the printing and mailing of these letters and to his daughter, Hannah, who volunteered many hours organizing and drafting the letters. A statewide press release is sent on June 1. Also involved in this campaign are Tom Piper and Jim Flint, Idle-Free VT advisors, who are offering advice and will assist in follow up.
MAY 26: (REPORT EXCERPTED FROM) BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "GOVERNOR JOINS STUDENTS IN JERICHO TO SIGN BUS IDLING LAW"
In a signing ceremony at Browns River Middle School in Jericho, whose student testimony in support of school bus idling legislation was so instrumental, Governor Jim Douglas signs S.13 into law. It is now called ACT 48--An Act Relating to the Idling of Motor Vehicle Engines on School Property.
|
MAY 9: VTRANS ENERGY WORKSHOP NATIONAL LIFE BUILDING, MONTPELIER
Gina Campoli, Environmental Policy Manager of the Vermont Dept. of Transportation (VTrans) invites Wayne Michaud, Idle-Free VT director, to participate in the annual enerty workshop for VTrans employees from around the state who are involved in the agency's energy conservation efforts. Included is a roundtable discussion on "Idling - Myths and Truths" with Wayne joining Ken Valentine, VTrans fleet director, and David Love of the ANR's Air Quality Division. Wayne gives a presentation of "Idling 101" while Ken and David discuss the more technical aspects of diesel idling. It is an informative give and take with the general consensus that more could be done to reduce idling in the VTrans fleet.
MAY 7: BURLINGTON SAYS, "DON'T IDLE HERE" by Courtney Lamdin
Courtney Lamdin, a Journalism major at St. Michael's College, submits her final journalism project about Burlington's No-Idle campaign. It is a well-crafted, thorough piece, compiled through interviews, on vehicle idling in Burlington. It addresses the dilemma, activism--featuring the work of the Burlington Legacy Project, and the slow steps toward awareness and solutions.
APRIL 25: SEVEN DAYS: "NO IDLING MATTER"
Seven Days publishes a letter to the editor submitted by Jim Flint, Idle-Free VT advisor, as a response to Seven Days columnist Peter Freyne's belittling of the harm of idling as Burlington announced a no-idle campaign.
APRIL 20: BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "STUDENTS CHEER HOUSE VOTE ON BUS IDLING BAN"
The students from the Browns River Middle School in Jericho are at the Statehouse again, this time to see to it that the S.13 school bus idling bill passes in its amended (stronger language) form in a full House floor session with two readings and debate.
APRIL 18: "MY TURN" OP-ED IN BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "NO GOOD REASON TO LET VEHICLES IDLE"
The Burlington Free Press publishes another "My Turn" on idling submitted by Wayne Michaud. In a continuing effort to raise awareness, it is pointed out that idling wastes fuel, causes engine component damage, is against the law (Vermont's unattended motor vehicle law), affects our health and affects our planet (global climate change).
APRIL 17: BRATTLEBORO SELECTBOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES NO-IDLING RESOLUTION (two page pdf)
Thanks to the students from the Compass School of Westminster Station (Windham County), with support from Paul Cameron, executive director of Brattleboro Climate Protection and Tim Stevenson, Post Oil Solutions, Brattleboro, the Brattleboro Selectboard unanimously approves a no-idling resolution. Although not an ordinance and therefore non-binding, this is an important educational component for Brattleboro. Here is a writeup in the Bratteboro Reformer: "Board: Turn off engines"
APRIL 14: STEP IT UP NATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION--MIDDLEBURY EVENT
In just one of over 1,400 locations in all 50 states, 350 climate activists gather on the Middlebury green with drumming; a walk over the footbridge for a big group photo; informational environmental faire with music, speakers, petitions, information (including Idle-Free VT), kids activities, and ways to reduce personal carbon footprints. The Student Weekly of Middlebury College covered the event. See page 3 for writeup on idling and the Idle-Free VT campaign.
APRIL 10: WPTZ CHANNEL 5 NEWS--REPORT ON IDLING
WPTZ Channel 5 News at 5:00 has a report on school bus idling and features an interview in Bristol with Wayne Michaud, Director of Idle-Free VT with a 20 second segment about the negative impacts of idling (fuel waste, needless engine wear-and-tear, health effects and impact on global climate change).
APRIL 10: BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "BURLINGTON ANNOUNCES NO-IDLING CAMPAIGN"
In a news conference in front of City Hall, Mayor Bob Kiss, Police Chief Tom Tremblay and other city department heads urge residents to join public employees in creating "an idle-free Burlington", amid the rising public concern over greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
APRIL 6: BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "STUDENTS HONORED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS"
Students from the Browns River Middle School in Jericho, who in February 2007 testified before the House Natural Resource and Energy Committee for school bus idling restrictions, are recognized for their efforts in sustainability by the Environmental Protection Agency who announce funding for the installation of advanced pollution control equipment on school buses.
APRIL 2: IDLE-FREE VT RADIO PSAS ON WLVB
Thanks to arrangements by David Polow, Idle-Free VT Lamoille County Advisor, Wayne Michaud, Idle-Free VT Director voices two one minute public service announcements about idling at the studio of WLVB Vermont Country 93.9FM in Morrisville. An additional psa is to be voiced by ACT race car driver Eric Williams about engine component damage caused by idling. All psas are to be broadcast during Boston Red Sox baseball games. These psas may also be distributed and broadcast on other radio stations.
|
|
Hi, this is Wayne Michaud of Idle-Free VT. Here's something worth thinking about. When it comes to making a stop at a convenience store or post office, leaving a vehicle idling while going inside is a harmful and wasteful practice. How about turning off the engine for that three to 10 minute wait? Don't worry, in winter it'll stay warm. And in summer, rather than letting it run with the air conditioning on, how about just opening the windows instead? By avoiding the harm and waste caused by unnecessary idling we'll improve our health, keep exhaust emissions out of the atmosphere, save fuel, and avoid needless engine wear-and-tear. So let's get into the habit of shutting off our vehicles when parked. To learn more ways to reduce idling, visit www dot idle free vt dot org. |
MARCH 20: CHAMPLAIN VALLEY AGENCY ON AGING (CVAA), Winooski
Wayne Michaud, Idle-Free VT Director joins with CVAA's Mary West, Assistant Nutrition Director and Jean Markey-Duncan, Nutrition Program Assistant to raise awareness about idling in the CVAA Meals On Wheels program. Idle-Free VT brochures are being circulated by the Meals On Wheels coordinators to make the wonderful volunteers aware of idling in the course of meal delivery.
MARCH 9: BRATTLEBORO REFORMER: "STUDENTS TURNED OFF BY IDLING CARS"
Concerned about sustainability, global warming and health, students, from the Compass School of Westminster Station (Windham County)--with support from Tim Stevenson, Post Oil Solutions, Brattleboro and Paul Cameron, executive director of Brattleboro Climate Protection--are raising awareness of idling in the Brattleboro area. They are gathering petition signatures to be presented to the Brattleboro Selectboard to consider an ordinance to restrict idling. They have also created radio spots about idling that are airing on local stations.
FEBRUARY 28: LETTER FROM GOVERNOR JIM DOUGLAS
Governor Jim Douglas replies to a letter from Wayne Michaud, Idle-Free VT Director and indicates that climate change is a high priority in his administration and will be working closely with legislative leaders for solutions to this challenge. He states his awareness of the idling bills that have been introduced in the legislature and the progress thus far of S.13. Gov. Douglas concludes by stating that he sees this bill as a positive step in addressing climate change and will watch its progress with interest.
FEBRUARY 27: BENNINGTON BANNER "SUPPORT IDLE-FREE CAMPAIGN"
The Bennington Banner publishes a letter to the editor that is an edited version of an open letter to Governor Douglas. It encourages the Governor to include idling legislation and education as part of his administration's growing commitment to the climate change issue.
FEBRUARY 9: BURLINGTON FREE PRESS : "STUDENTS DEMAND BUS IDLING LAW"
CHANNEL 3 WCAX TV NEWS: "STUDENTS TAKE IDEA TO STATE HOUSE"
On February 8, seven students from the Browns River Middle School of Jericho testify at the Statehouse for H.58: school bus idling law. Their passionate and knowledgeable testimony make quite an impression on the legislators, the news media, and even those in opposition of the law. Coverage also appears in Associated Press feeds in the Bratteboro Reformer, Times Argus, and even the Boston Globe.
FEBRUARY 7: MEETING WITH MONTPELIER MAYOR
Jim Flint, Idle-Free VT advisor, meet with Montpelier Mayor Mary Hooper, together with their Planning Dept. head and Cheryl King Fisher of the New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF). They are very interested in a city-wide No-Idling Campaign. Deb Sachs of the Alliance for Climate Action and the 10% Challenge met with the same group on Feb. 6.
JANUARY 23: VPIRG STATEWIDE GLOBAL WARMING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN--MIDDLEBURY MEETING-IDLE-FREE VT COSPONSOR
Before an audience of 17 at the Middlebury Unitarian Universalist Society, VPIRG kicks off a statewide campaign on global warming, presenting its problems and how Vermont can achieve some solutions. Idle-Free VT is invited as a cosponsor of the Middlebury event. Wayne Michaud speaks about idling in general and its impact on global warming with the simple solution of getting people to shut off their engines when not in traffic.
JANUARY 12: BURLINGTON FREE PRESS OPINION PAGE
Thanks to long time Burlington idling activist and Idle-Free VT advisor Jim Flint, and the Free Press editorial staff, the idling issue dominates today's Free Press Opinion page like never before with two idling pieces: "No time for idling" and "Getting busy on the idling issue"! In additon, Dave Polow of Hyde Park and Idle-Free VT Lamoille County coordinator, has a letter to the editor about idling. This is exactly what is needed to not only raise awareness of idling with the general public, but to elevate the status of this issue, which will help get a law enacted.
JANUARY 2: APPEARANCE ON VPR'S SWITCHBOARD
Wayne Michaud emphasizes the part idling plays in the greenhouse gas emissions picture and that legislators need to enact an idle-reduction law, in a call-in to Vermont Public Radio's Switchboard program this evening: The Upcoming Legislative Session.
2006
END OF 2006: IDLE-FREE VT WEBSITE VISITS: 2400+
Since it's inception in July, Idle-Free VT's website has had in excess of 2400 visits, with increased traffic in each month.
DECEMBER 8: "MY TURN" OP-ED IN BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "ANTI-IDLING LAW WOULD HELP STATE"
The Burlington Free Press publishes a second "My Turn" on idling submitted by Wayne Michaud. While again educating people on idling and how it relates to the larger issue of air quality, an emphasis is placed on legislative action as Senate and House idling bills are being resubmitted in the 2007 session. A sidebar question was added prompting readers to submit their opinions of a Vermont state idle-restriction law: "What is your experience? How would an anti-idling law hurt or benefit you as a traveler? Let us know at letters@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com."
DECEMBER 6: RUTLAND HERALD COMMENTARY: "IDLING CAR IS HARMFUL, WASTEFUL"
The Rutland Herald publishes a commentary by Wayne Michaud that focuses on winter idling in particular. The 30 second cold weather warm up procedure is stated in detail. Readers with doubts are encouraged to search the Natural Resources Canada Idle-Free Zone web site for the myths and realities of idling.
OCTOBER 17: IDLE-FREE VT RADIO PSAS ON WDEV AND WLVB
Thanks to David Polow, Idle-Free VT Lamoille County coordinator, and Roger Hill of WDEV Radio Vermont 550AM and 96.1FM, two 30 second Public Service Announcements that mention the Idle-Free VT campaign and the problems of unnecessary idling, are now airing to thousands of Vermonters! These PSAs also being aired on WLBV Vermont Country 93.9FM.
SEPTEMBER 18: AMERICAN LUNG ASSOC. OF VT ADVOCACY COMMITTEE DISCUSSION OF 2007 PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA
Robert Clifford Uerz, M. Ed., Contract Lobbyist for ALA VT invites Wayne Michaud to become an ALA VT Advocacy Committee member and to participate in a conference call discussion with the advocacy committee to adopt recommendations for the ALA-VT Board to consider. Also participating are Michelle Carner, Chair, Advocacy Comm., Kent Booraem, ALA-VT Board Member, and Ellen Ceppetelli, RNC, MS, ALA-VT Board Member (and National ALA Secretary). Items discussed are Tobacco (control efforts, settlement fund use, and elimination of smoking in healthcare facilities), and Air Pollution (wood burning furnace emissions, supporting idling legislation and aggressive support to prevent the International Paper test tire burn).
UPDATE: In early December, the ALA-VT Board adopts all of the recommendations.
SEPTEMBER 12: "MY TURN" OP-ED IN BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: "LET'S KICK THE IDLING HABIT"
The Burlington Free Press publishes an op-ed submitted by Wayne Michaud as a response to a Free Press editorial advocating solutions to auto emissions. The response lauds these goals, but suggests that one way to get lower emissions that not only is cost-free, but can actually save money, is to avoid unnecessary idling. Problems and solutions for idling are featured. The Idle-Free VT campaign and petition drive (with need of volunteers) is mentioned in the bio.
AUGUST 19: PRESS RELEASE SENT
A press release about the Idle-Free VT campaign and petition drive is sent to 33 state media outlets including newspapers, the Vermont Associated Press bureau, and Vermont Public Radio.
JULY 13: APPEARANCE ON VPR'S SWITCHBOARD
In the first media appearance for Idle-Free VT, campaign coordinator Wayne Michaud briefly introduces the campaign and its goals in a call-in to Vermont Public Radio's Switchboard program this evening: Air Quality in Vermont.
