New state rules have truckers sweating

New rules for truck drivers are causing some to break out in a sweat. The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission now requires that operators of heavy-duty trucks refrain from idling their engines. 

            According to a press release, the rule applies to on-road gasoline and diesel-powered motor vehicles with a loaded weight greater than 10,000 pounds. Under the rule, operators should not idle their vehicles more than five consecutive minutes in any 60-minute period except for instances dealing with safety, health and economic concerns. 

            The EMC said the new rule comes in cooperation with the state’s efforts to reduce air pollution in order to meet more stringent federal air quality standards. The rule applies to on-road gasoline and diesel-powered motor vehicles with a loaded weight greater than 10,000 pounds.

            Trucks and buses can idle if necessary to perform essential functions such as refrigerating, hoisting, loading and responding to emergencies. Safety and health concerns, however, do not include the need for air conditioning. The rule does make exemptions for farm and military trucks.

            Truckers who spoke with The McDowell News on Thursday said the government is just blowing smoke.

            Robert Jerrells, a North Carolina truck driver, said the only way he can deal with the new rules is to ignore them.

            "When you're trying to sleep and it's 100 degrees, you're gonna idle," he stated. "I'd like to see any of them try to sleep in the cab with the engine shut off."

            He said he was encountering the same requirements nationwide.

            "All the states are trying to do that," he said. "They can write me a ticket if they want to -- that's all I can do."

            Joyce Burton was passing through McDowell from Texas. She said the rule was clearly devised by people who have never driven or ridden in big rigs.

              "I think that's crazy," she started. "It's completely crazy. You can die out there in the hot sun."

            The EMC points out that some truck stops have power connections, so truckers can plug in their rigs and not have to idle the engine to keep warm or cool. And, the release points out, a truck can have more than one source of power installed.

            The state Division of Air quality is offering rebates, however; up to $2,500 for trucks that have an auxiliary power unit (APU) installed, or up to $5,000 after the purchase of a new, 2010-compliant tractor. A company can receive up to two new truck rebates or up to three APU rebates.                  

            The rebates are funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act but are available only until September 30. 

            Burton said that sounds nice but doesn't help truckers who drive for a company.

            "If they would make the trucking companies install them, that's one thing," she said. She doubted most employers would be interested in spending a lot of money to help drivers avoid an occasional ticket. 

            Jerrells said the new rules are just another in a series of outrages.

            "One day all the truck drivers are going to pull together," he said, "and then nobody's gonna get their food or toilet paper and then we'll see about all this."

            The EMC, however, said the new rules are vital to environmental concerns.

            “Exhaust from idling trucks is a significant source of air pollution that we can’t ignore,” said Sheila Holman, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality. “The idle rule will help improve air quality while conserving large amounts of fuel.”

            The Division of Air Quality estimates the rule will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, the primary cause of ozone in North Carolina, by up to 1,300 tons per year. In comparison, two coal-fired power plant units in the Asheville area emitted 485 tons of NOx in 2007, an agency statement read.

            Although complying with the idle rule may involve some costs or inconveniences for truckers, according to the EMC statement, those costs should be more than offset by fuel savings, in addition to the improvements in air quality. The Division of Air Quality estimates the idle rule will save up to 9 million gallons of fuel per year overall. The rule also could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas, by as much as 100,000 tons per year.

            Information about APU rebates can be found at this page on the division’s website: http://www.ncair.org/motor/Rebates/.

            In addition to the idle rule, the state Division of Air Quality started a public awareness effort to reduce unnecessary idling voluntarily for cars and trucks. As part of that effort, the state agency is distributing free signs that urge drivers to reduce idling at schools and other areas. More information about the idle reduction program can be found at the following link on the division’s website, www.ncair.org/motor/idle.