An Act To Establish "Clean Air - No Idling" Zones
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2116 is enacted to read:
§ 2116. Clean air - no idling zones
1. Establishment of zones. The following areas are designated as clean air - no idling zones:
A. Areas within 100 feet of Maine State Ferry Service loading areas;
B. Areas within 100 feet of state-controlled drawbridges; and
C. Areas within 100 feet of a public building that are designated as areas where smoking is prohibited.
2. Prohibition. An operator of a vehicle may not allow that vehicle's engine to idle for more than 5 consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion and the vehicle is in a clean air - no idling zone.
3. Exceptions. Subsection 2 does not apply to the following vehicles:
A. On-duty emergency vehicles; and
B. Vehicles with refrigeration units requiring engine power.
4. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $1,000 may be imposed.
5. Signs. The department shall install signs at each clean air - no idling zone that clearly indicate that idling is not permitted within the zone.
6. Marketing and education. The department, with assistance and input from the affected community, shall undertake a marketing and education campaign to promote compliance with this section.
SUMMARY
This bill establishes "clean air - no idling zones" to protect public health and the environment by reducing tailpipe emissions and to conserve fuel by restricting the unnecessary operation of motor vehicle engines.