Politics & Government

Idling Policy For County Vehicles Meant To Curb Emissions

Under the policy, employees should limit unnecessary idling of vehicles, such as while waiting for passengers or managing paperwork.

Pierce County aims to do its part to improve air quality.

The county has ordered a policy that prohibits excessive idling of any of its vehicles, except for when vehicles are assisting law enforcement or during hot or cold weather conditions.

That's approximately 1,000 vehicles, including heavy equipment cars and mowing equipment, according to Ryan Dicks, sustainability manager for Pierce County.

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County Executive Pat McCarthy says Pierce County employees must use their best judgment to help reduce the amount of time that they spend idling their vehicles. Pierce County's air quality exceeds federal standards, and vehicles constitute approximately 30 percent of the emission source.

"It will take a coordinated effort to bring our air quality into compliance, and policies like this will help," she said.

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Other benefits of reducing vehicle idling include fuel savings, longer engine life, longer time between oil and filter changes, less noise and a healthier work environment around loading docks, work bays, etc.

The Fuel Reduction Policy also requires that all Pierce County fleet purchases ensure they have the "right sized" vehicle for the mission. Studies show that more affordable cars with better gas mileage can save Pierce County significant money over the life of the vehicle.

"Once employees understand the reasons not to idle, I am confident they will move forward quickly with this fuel-saving measure," said Alan Kies, equipment manager for Pierce County Public Works and Utilities. "If we can give employees the most efficient vehicles and they operate them in a safe and sound way, we will do a lot to clean our air and water and save money."

Improving air quality is one of six major goals of Pierce County's 2015 Sustainability Plan. More details, including the new policy as well as a report that outlines progress made toward the goals, are available here.


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