Pennsylvania Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel and Idle Reduction Grants
The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provides 50% matching grants, 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. In the past, Pennsylvania trucking companies and independent truckers have used the funding to purchase auxiliary power units. Funding is contingent upon annual legislative appropriations. The grant program funding limit has been reached, and new applications are not currently being accepted. If funds become available, the program is expected to reopen in July 2008.
Idle Reduction Loans
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Small Business Anti-Idling Initiative provides funding to help independent truckers and small trucking companies purchase anti-idling technology. Participants must qualify as small businesses (with a fleet size of less than 50 trucks) and be located in Pennsylvania or Delaware. Program financing is available to help owners purchase and install auxiliary power units (APUs) that provide both heating and cooling; the maximum amount of funding available per applicant is $3,000. Disbursements will be made to awardees after the following tasks are completed: 1) submission of baseline data and installation of APU, 2) submission of a six month data report, and 3) submission of a 12 month data report. The initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association. For more information see the Mid-Atlantic Regional Small Business Anti-Idling Initiative Web site.
Idle Reduction Incentives
The Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account Loan Program provides low interest loans to small businesses undertaking projects in Pennsylvania that reduce waste, pollution or energy use. Loans are available for funding up to 75% of total eligible project cost, up to a maximum of $100,000. The loan interest rate is a 2% fixed rate and has a maximum term of 10 years. Loans can be used for projects such as the purchase of truck auxiliary power units.
State Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Requirement - Allegheny County
The Allegheny County Board of Health limits idling of heavy-duty diesel vehicles. If idling 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 County
Bus or truck idling is restricted for longer than five minutes while parking, stopping, or standing at any terminal point along an established route. Fines for violations of up to $300 will be assessed for violation. (Reference The Philadelphia Code and Charter, Miscellaneous Regulations and Penalties Section 12-1127(2))
