Idle Reduction
Idle reduction technologies and initiatives are valuable tools in reducing petroleum consumption and pollutant emissions, and can also result in significant cost savings for vehicle operators. There are various means to reduce vehicle idling: eliminating unnecessary idling; using of automatic shut-down and start-up systems, diesel fuel fired heaters, auxiliary power units and generators; and developing electrified parking sites at truck stops and rest areas.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, trucks in the United States consume more than 800 million gallons of diesel, without even moving. The vast majority is consumed by long-haul tractor trailers whose operators are mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation to rest for 10 hours after driving for 11 hours. The daily rest period of several hours per truck adds up to approximately 1,830 hours of idling per year for each truck. The truck engines are idled for a variety of reasons, including heating or cooling, preventing start-up problems, or operating electrical equipment.
National Clean Cities Program strategies:
The National Clean Cities Program will focus on educating truckers and others in the industry about idle reduction opportunities and will support the use of truckstop electrification and other idle reduction technologies as ways to curb petroleum use. Program strategies include:
- Providing education about available idle reduction technologies.
- Holding workshops for niche market fleets to teach them the benefits of idle reduction, including cost savings in fuel and maintenance.
- Developing outreach documents detailing idle reduction technology options, costs, and benefits.
- Making State Energy Program grants available for idle reduction projects.
- Establishing and tracking national and regional idle reduction goals and impacts.
Clean Cities also plans to encourage coalitions to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in key transportation corridors to develop projects. The program hopes to work with DOT and EPA on a multiyear plan and partner with the U.S. Department of Energy's 21st Century Truck Program to disseminate technology updates.
Visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Idle Reduction website for more information on idle reduction technologies, available equipment, and links to additional resources.
Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition strategies:
The following strategies will guide the work of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition in this area:
- Work to obtain commitments from Coalition members to support and implement idle reduction programs and seek media recognition.
- Interface with existing idle reduction programs, such as those of EPA and the state Department of Ecology. Share information and provide mutual assistance in education efforts.
- Work with partners to develop education materials. Education should include information on cost savings from limiting vehicle idling and the use of maximum speed limiters and other equipment. Provide information via website, handouts and at workshops. Link to idle reduction programs of others.
- Support and coordinate with efforts to create an electrified truck stop system along the
Interstate 5 corridor to reduce overnight diesel truck idling.
- Explore options for state and local legislation and policies to limit vehicle idling.
Stayed tuned for additional information as the Coalition further develops and implements its local idling reduction strategies. In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Energy's Idle Reduction website provides substantial information on idle reduction technologies, available equipment, and links to additional resources. For questions or assistance with project implementation, please contact the Coalition.
Additional Resources:
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