Cleaner Air Turn Off

 

With the soot air pollution warnings we are having, we all need to do our part for cleaner air.

One of the sources of air pollution we can do something about right now is unnecessary diesel truck idling, such as at loading docks.  That's why I am pleased to report that nearly 110,000 pounds of CO2 will be prevented from entering the atmosphere yearly thanks to Metcalfe's Sentry at Hilldale Mall.

We had a press conference on Metcalf's loading dock recently, and co-owner Tim Metcalfe pledged to eliminate diesel truck idling during deliveries to his store. I worked with neighbors and mall operators to make this a reality.

Last year, I introduced Ordinance Amendment 19 to ban unnecessary idling of diesel vehicles. It will limit diesel trucks to five minutes of idle time for every hour they sit in the same spot. This ordinance, intended for unincorporated areas of Dane County, might pave the way for additional anti-idling laws state-wide, as called for in the Governor's Global Warming Task Force.

Not only do I hope to save some fuel and cut back on pollution by stopping unnecessary idling, the health benefits for the whole city are amazing. Studies show that premature deaths from air pollution outnumber murders. It's local leadership like anti-idling rule at Hilldale that will greatly help to improve Madison and Dane County's air and safety.

State leaders are considering a statewide ban on unnecessary idling as part of the Global Warming bill. For now it's up to local business owners such as Metcalfe's Sentry to bring Madison towards energy independence. I hope Metcalfe's leading by example will cause people to realize not only does it make sense environmentally to have an anti-idling program, it also makes sense economically.

You can do your part by turning off your car if you are parked for longer than 30 seconds.

Together we can have cleaner air and a safer community.