R 314

2018 -- S 2963 Enacted 06/19/2018

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION OF A STRONG VEHICLE ANTI-IDLING POLICY IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski

Date Introduced: June 07, 2018

WHEREAS, Motor vehicle exhaust is the largest source of air pollution in Rhode Island,

and idling vehicles emit higher concentrations of harmful pollutants than moving vehicles; and

WHEREAS, Vehicle exhaust is hazardous to human health. Studies have linked pollution

from vehicles to increased rates of cancer, lung and heart disease, asthma and allergies, urban

smog and climate change; and

WHEREAS, Collectively, cars and trucks account for nearly one-fifth of all United States

emissions and emissions from vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, and are a

significant cause of climate change; and

WHEREAS, Numerous traffic studies have found links between exposure to fine

particles and health effects including increased incidents of asthma, allergies, and other breathing

disorders, and premature death; and

WHEREAS, Vehicle idling often occurs in locations such as school grounds, parking

lots, distribution centers, strip malls, construction sites and business centers where residents are

exposed to concentrated sources of air pollutant emissions; and

WHEREAS, Asthma is a significant public health concern in Rhode Island, especially

among children and the elderly; and

WHEREAS, Fine particulate matter in exhaust is particularly harmful to children and

seniors. Tiny particles can lodge deep within human lungs, where they can trigger asthma attacks

and stunt lung growth in children, and contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and

heart attacks in seniors; and

WHEREAS, Petroleum-based gasoline and diesel fuel are non-renewable fuels and

should be used wisely and not wasted; and

WHEREAS, Vehicle idling wastes money by burning fuel, creates the need for more

frequent oil and oil filter changes, and speeds engine wear; and

WHEREAS, Reducing air emissions and conserving fuel can be accomplished by

restricting the unnecessary operation of engines; and

WHEREAS, Even on the coldest winter days, modern engines need no more than five

minutes to warm up; and

WHEREAS, Current state law prohibits the idling of diesel vehicles for more than five

minutes per hour and studies have shown that an anti-idling policy for gasoline and diesel

vehicles will save fuel, prolong engine life and improve air quality; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby supports the adoption of a strong vehicle anti-idling policy to:

1. Encourage motor vehicle drivers to turn off their engines immediately at schools and

off-site school related events to minimize exposure of students and others to unnecessary harmful

emissions;

2. Maintain state vehicles to eliminate any visible exhaust and comply with the annual

inspection requirement for those vehicles; and avoid idling unnecessarily on and off worksites;

3. Promote the widespread use of emission controls in state construction contracts;

4. Support education of the public about the health, environmental and economic impacts

of idling and the benefits of turning a vehicle off;

5. Designate Idle Free Zones throughout Rhode Island including places such as libraries,

parking lots, drive-through lines and medical facilities; and

6. Enforce the anti-idling law in title 31 chapter 16.1 of the Rhode Island General Laws

for diesel engines; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Governor Gina Raimondo, and the Director of

the Rhode Island Department of Revenue.

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LC005886

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