Successes


New Law Reduces Idling and Diesel Emissions
from Diesel-Engine Vehicles

Governor Rod Blagojevich signed House Bill 4782 into law in the spring of 2006. This law prohibits stationary diesel vehicles of more than 8,000 pounds from idling for more than 10 minutes in the Chicagoland area and in the St. Louis Metro-East Region.

The Respiratory Association of Metropolitan Chicago supported the bill which was sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines) and Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston).

"Prohibiting unnecessary idling is a key part of reducing harmful diesel emissions. Not only does turning off the engine protect our lung health, it improves fuel efficiency and saves vehicle operators money," said Ashley Collins, Environmental Health Associate at the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

Violators can be fined $50 for a first offense and $150 for a second or subsequent offense within any 12-month period. Illinois State Police and local police departments are charged with enforcing the new law so individuals who observe bus or truck violations are urged to contact either police agency.

"Asthma and other lung diseases are reaching epidemic proportions in many regions of Illinois," said Rep. Nekritz. "This law will reduce the exposure of children with asthma to emissions coming from diesel vehicles such as school buses."

Gov. Blagojevich praised our efforts and that of the Illinois Environmental Council, the Sierra Club, and the Illinois Trucking Association for their support of the bill.

Public Act 94-0845 became effective July 1, 2006.

Thank you for your support and helping to improve air quality in Illinois!

For more information, view a tip sheet on the no-idling law for large diesel vehicle drivers.

Clean School Bus Program

RHAMC has partnered with IEPA to fund several Clean School Bus projects. The following schools and school bus contractors participate in the Clean School Bus Program:

  • Cicero School District #99
  • Dolton School District #148
  • Harvey School District #152
  • West Harvey-Dixmoor District #147
  • Proviso School District #209
  • Fremont School Distict #79

RHAMC is also partnering with the US EPA to retrofit over 40 school buses in the Chicagoland area.

The RHAMC has compiled fact sheets on the effects of diesel fuel. For a printable version of the fact sheets, review our downloadable materials.