Idling Reduction

From Energy.gov:

Are you looking for resources to start an anti-idling program at your child's school? Now that school is back in session, parents concerned about emissions from idling school buses and the associated cost of wasted fuel have many places to find materials to launch a campaign.

A good place to start is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8's website, "Idle Free Schools." This site explains what goes into a well thought-out program and where to find materials. In addition, it includes links to other successful programs. In designing a program, be aware of any state or local restrictions on school-bus idling. (Clean Cities' IdleBase spreadsheet is a valuable resource on idling laws and ordinances.)

The cost of fuel wasted by idling school buses is another reason to reduce idling. The chart below shows the savings possible with the reduced idling of just one bus. (The chart reflects fuel savings alone; it does not include savings on maintenance costs due to reduced engine-on time.)



If your time and financial resources don't allow you to undertake a full-blown idling-reduction program, you can find a whole host of idling reduction signs by searching "school bus idling reduction."

Finally, keep in mind that it's not just idling school buses that affect air quality near schools. Those dropping off and picking up students can help keep the air clean by not idling while stationary.

Please let us know about any efforts you undertake.



Terry M. Levinson, Editor
Allegheny Science & Technology
tlevinson@alleghenyst.com