Vermont Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives

State Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

Contingent on guidelines set by the State Board of Education, school bus operators may not leave engines running, or idle the engine, while waiting for children to board or exit the bus, and may not start the engine until ready to leave the school premises. State Board of Education rules may allow idling when defrosting, heating, or cooling the bus is necessary for the health and safety of the driver and passengers. (Reference Senate Bill 13, 2007, and Vermont Statutes Title 23, Chapter 13, Section 1282f)

State Agency Energy Plan Transportation Requirements

The Secretary of Administration is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of a State Agency Energy Plan for State Government. The plan, adopted in July 2005, must be modified as necessary and readopted by the Secretary on or before January 15 of each fifth year after 2005. The plan encourages the investigation of the environmental and economic feasibility of replacing the use of conventional diesel fuel with appropriate biodiesel blends. Additionally, all vehicles purchased for inclusion in the Vermont State Fleet must be among the most fuel efficient and lowest emission vehicle models in each class. This includes a purchasing preference for appropriate advanced technology vehicles including hybrid electric vehicles. Furthermore, the Secretary, in coordination with the Agency of Natural Resources, Agency of Transportation, and Department of Buildings and General Services, will expand education and tracking of vehicle engine anti-idling campaigns pertaining to state fleet vehicles and private sector vehicles operating on state-owned property. (Reference Vermont Statutes Title 3, Chapter 45, Section 2291)