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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.