Vermont Incentives and Laws for Idle Reduction
The list below contains summaries of all Vermont incentives and laws related to Idle Reduction.
Laws and Regulations
State Agency Energy Plan Transportation Requirements
The Vermont Agency of Administration developed and oversees the implementation of the State Agency Energy Plan (Plan). The Agency of Administration must modify the Plan as necessary and re-adopt it on or before January 15 of each fifth year. As specified in the 2010 Plan, the Vermont Agency of Transportation must continue to use 5% biodiesel (B5) in its fleet of heavy-duty vehicles. The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services must continue to use hybrid electric vehicles and Partial Zero Emission Vehicles in its fleet, while adjusting purchases based on annual fleet selection monitoring and available vehicle technology. All state agencies must investigate the use of additional alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, as well as the necessary fueling infrastructure, such as incorporating electric vehicle supply equipment at appropriate state facilities.
The Plan specifies the responsibilities of the Climate Neutral Working Group (Working Group). All state government agencies, offices, and departments must purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles available in each vehicle class according to specifications set by the Working Group. The Working Group must consider vehicles that meet high fuel economy standards and emit reduced levels of greenhouse gases, criteria pollutants, and hazardous air contaminants. Additionally, the Working Group must expand education and tracking related to anti-idling campaigns for state fleet vehicles and private sector vehicles operating on state owned property, and conduct a survey to determine the level of government employee participating in carpooling, vanpooling, and other commuting options.
(Reference Vermont Statutes Title 3, Chapter 45, Section 2291, and Executive Order 14-03, 2003)
Idle Reduction Requirement
School bus operators must turn off the bus engine immediately after arriving at a student loading and unloading area located on school grounds, and may not start the engine until the bus is ready to leave the school grounds. In addition, operators may not idle the engine for more than five minutes in a 60 minute period on school grounds. Exceptions include periods when the engine is necessary to operate special equipment for disabled persons; to address safety, traffic, health, or emergency concerns; or to service the vehicle. (Reference Vermont State Board of Education Rules and Practices 6001 through 6005, and Vermont Statutes Title 23, Chapter 13, Section 1282f)
