[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2089-E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IDLING REDUCTION TAX CREDIT ACT OF 2009

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, each year, long-duration idling of 
truck engines consumes over 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel and emits 
11 million tons of carbon dioxide, 200,000 tons of oxides of nitrogen, 
and 5,000 tons of particulate matter into the air. Also, idling can 
increase engine maintenance costs, shorten engine life, adversely 
affect driver well-being, and create elevated noise levels. Some 
surveys show that trucks idle anywhere from 6-8 hours a day for as many 
as 250 to 300 days each year.
  This legislation provides an important incentive to protect our 
environment, reduce fuel consumption, and ease the burden of compliance 
on the trucking community.
  The Idling Reduction Tax Credit Act of 2009 provides a 50% credit for 
the purchase of an idling reduction unit, capped at $3,000. These units 
are part of the Environmental Protection Agency's ``Smartway'' program, 
which is geared toward improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse 
gas and air pollutant emissions, and improving energy security for our 
transportation system.
  According to the EPA, idling reduction units can reduce fuel 
consumption by 8% each year and generate additional air quality savings 
by eliminating up to 2,400 hours of idling time each year. 
Unfortunately, these units can cost up to $8,500. While there are loan 
programs available for some truckers to help defray this cost, most are 
unable to take advantage of those programs. The Idling Reduction Tax 
Credit Act would make the federal government a full partner in this 
effort. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this 
important legislation.
    

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