SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Legislature has approved a law prohibiting commercial trucks from idling in front of schools and other areas.
The Oregonian reports a bill approved by the House in April was approved by the Senate this week, sending it to Gov. John Kitzhaber, who asked for the legislation on behalf of the Department of Environmental Quality.
Long-haul truckers often keep engines running on big rigs during stops, especially in cold weather, but it can be bad for air quality.
Supporters of the bill back a single statewide standard so drivers don’t have to worry about different rules in different places. And they say it can save about 19 million gallons of fuel a year.
