WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Board of Legislators. November 10, 2008: The County Board unanimously approved legislation prohibiting motor vehicles from idling more than three minutes in Westchester County in order to improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse gases.
“Tackling climate change is about more than complex treaties and trading systems,” said County Legislator Tom Abinanti (D, I, WF-Greenburgh), Environment & Energy Committee Chair and the sponsor of the legislation. “We also need simple yet effective local actions to chip away at our carbon footprint.”
The new law broadens the county’s current vehicle idling law that applies only to diesel vehicles. Extending the law’s reach beyond diesel vehicles will further reduce smog-causing emissions from cars, trucks, and SUVs. “This is a big step to help make Westchester’s air cleaner,” said County Legislator Bill Burton, Legislation Committee Chair (D, I – Ossining).
In response to concerns raised by emergency responders, the legislation exempts police, fire or emergency providers while performing their duties.
Idling restrictions already exist in some Westchester municipalities, underscoring the priority they place on reducing emissions and improving air quality. The new county law enables all law enforcement officials throughout the county to enforce its provisions.
The new law will take effect early next year. “With today’s auto technology, idling uses more gas and is worse for motor vehicles than turning them off and on,“ said Abinanti.
