Pennsylvania Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel and Idle Reduction Grants
The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provides matching grants of up to 50%, for up to a maximum of $7,500, to enable a Pennsylvania small business to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Pennsylvania trucking companies and independent truckers may use the funding to purchase auxiliary power units. All work under this grant program must be accomplished after applications are approved. Funding is contingent upon annual legislative appropriations. The grant program is current closed for new applications; the program is expected to reopen should funds become available.
Idle Reduction Loans
The Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA) Loan Program provides low interest rate loans to small businesses undertaking projects in Pennsylvania that reduce waste, pollution, or energy use, including the purchase of truck auxiliary power units. Loans are available for funding up to 75% of the total eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $100,000. The loan interest rate is a 2% fixed rate and has a maximum term of 10 years.
State Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Weight Exemption
A vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross weight and axle weight limits by up to 400 pounds to compensate for the additional weight of the added idle reduction technology. (Reference Title 35 Pennsylvania Statutes 4604)
Idle Reduction Requirement
Diesel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more are not allowed to idle for more than five minutes in any continuous 60 minute period. Certain exceptions apply, including vehicles complying with manufacturer specifications and vehicles meeting California Air Resources Board nitrogen oxide idling emission standards. An exemption is also allowed for sleeper berth climate control during rest or sleep periods when outside ambient air temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 75 degrees Fahrenheit; this exemption expires May 1, 2010. (Reference Title 35 Pennsylvania Statutes 4603)
Idle Reduction Requirement - Allegheny County
The Allegheny County Board of Health limits idling of heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles are not allowed to idle for more than five minutes; violators may be fined up to $500 for repeat offenses. The Board of Health plans to expand restrictions to construction equipment, locomotives and marine vessels. The County also has a school bus idle reduction regulation in place. (Reference Allegheny County Ordinance Number 16782, and Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article XXI, Sections 2105.91-92)
Idle Reduction Requirement - Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia prohibits the idling of any heavy-duty diesel motor vehicle for more than two minutes. Vehicles may idle for up to five minutes if the ambient outside air temperature is less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or for up to 20 minutes if the ambient outside air temperature is less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Violators are subject to a penalty of up to $300. (Reference City of Philadelphia Air Management Regulation IX)
