Local efforts or campaigns are a very essential way to raise awareness about unnecessary vehicle idling. These efforts can include a municipality, spearheaded by the town's energy coordinator or committee, or local or regional organization. The focus can be about idling specifically or as a component of a larger effort dealing with issues of transportation or energy conservation in a town or community. An effort, for instance, may seek to have a town's governmental authority pass or enact a town-wide resolution, policy or ordinance, and/or to work with a school board to adopt an idling policy for vehicles other than school buses as part of Vermont's state law on school bus idling on school property. For more information on schools, see the SCHOOLS page.
ATTENTION: VERMONT TOWN ENERGY COORDINATORS and/or COMMUNITY GROUPS
(WITH ENVIRONMENTAL, ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABILITY OR PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY AGENDA)
Vermont Idle Free Fleets Program Available to Communities
The American Lung Association in Vermont launched a pilot program Vermont Idle-Free Fleets (VIFF) in 2010 to encourage Chittenden and Rutland County businesses with fleets to adopt an idling reduction policy. Building on the success of the pilot, the ALA is now offering the program statewide. The ALA invites town energy committees and other community groups working on local environmental and public health policy to apply for this FREE turnkey program to help reduce toxic emissions from unnecessary vehicle idling. The goal of VIFF is to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles, but communities can expand to reduce gasoline vehicle emissions in addition to diesel emissions. VIFF will offer the following to groups at no cost:
• Training and ongoing technical support: program recruitment, community outreach and presentation delivery.
• VIFF comprehensive toolkit: PowerPoint presentation that can be customized for your community, fact sheets, model policies, posters, templates for press releases, letters to the editor, and company newsletters. Materials will be provided to groups in hard copies and electronically.
• Signage that groups can distribute to facilities, towns and businesses to post no idling policies once adopted.
• Recognition of success of group and companies/businesses/communities that adopt idling reduction policies through website, press releases and certificates.
For more information, interested groups should contact Amy Sayre, 802-876-6860 or idlefreefleetsvt2@lungne.org
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Adopting a NO IDLING RESOLUTION or ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY
ATTENTION: TOWN ENERGY COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS (AND LOCAL CAMPAIGNS & INDIVIDUALS)
ADOPTING A NO IDLING RESOLUTION OR ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY FOR YOUR TOWN IS A LOW-HANGING FRUIT WAY TO CONSERVE ENERGY, HELP PREVENT RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, CUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND SAVE THE TOWN AND TAXPAYERS MONEY
(read the full idling facts here or see energy conservation policies listed below).
A No Idling Resolution or Energy Conservation Policy is usually not an ordinance, but a voluntary, awareness raising measure that can include signs posted in strategic locations as well as literature handouts and notification of policy. The process toward approval of a Resolution or Policy most often goes through a town selectboard or a city administration. Read below in year 2007 how a local campaign's efforts went through a step by step process that led to the Town of Middlebury selectboard approving their No Idling Resolution. Here's a generic No Idling Resolution to use as a guidline. Language can be added specific to your town. For Energy Conservation Policy language, read below for Shelburne's (2010) and Richmond's (2007).
TOWN MEETING DAY 2012: Interested groups or individuals can petition the selectboard of a town to place a no-idling article petition on the warning for the annual town meeting. Here's a Town Meetng Day Article Petition template for no idling. This can result in approval of a No Idling Resolution (see above). Language can be added specific to your town, for example, to include the town’s municipal fleet. Print and post around your town to gather signatures. Petition requirements: Petitions to place items on the ballot must be submitted early. Vermont law requires the selectboard to place petitioned articles on the ballot with the petition containing signatures of 5% of the voters and received by the Selectboard at least 40 days prior to Town Meeting. 17 V.S.A.§2642(a).
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NO IDLING SIGNS Available
Town Energy Coordinators/Committees, business owners or others interested in high quality, metal No Idling signs for one or more strategic locations in your town, parking lot or drive-thru: signs (generic or custom made) can be ordered through the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Vermont Offender Work Programs.
Contact: Dennis Poulin, 2559 Glen Road, Newport, VT 05855 Phone (Toll Free): 866-729-8715 Email: dennis.poulin@ahs.state.vt.us
Or, the Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU) signs used for their drive up ATM locations are available as a downloadable template (permission granted by VSECU) to create your own paper or metal sign.
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LISTING OF LOCAL IDLING REDUCTION EFFORTS
ONGOING
ORANGE COUNTY: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESOURCE GROUP (SERG)
SERG, directed by Bob Walker and located in Thetford, VT, promotes energy conservation, efficiency and renewables through the formation of town energy committees to help residents, businesses and the municipalities reduce energy consumption, save money, increase the sustainable use of renewables, strengthen the local economy and improve the environment.
Among SERG initiatives is idling reduction eduation. Bob Walker is an Idle-Free VT campaign Advisor. He helped organize a no idling workshop presentation by Idle-Free VT at the 2008 VECAN Conference on Energy and Climate Change, Randolph Center. Bob has encourged petitioning town meetings as a format to get town no idling resolutions approved. Locally with SERG's assistance, the Thetford Energy Committee has purchased and installed no idling signs at strategic locations (see below).
RUTLAND COUNTY: SUSTAINABLE RUTLAND
 Sustainable Rutland is committed to promoting environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability throughout the Rutland region.
Among Sustainable Rutland's initiatives is Idle Free Rutland: Educational campaign to encourage citizens to reduce idling of their vehicles. Also, working with municipal department heads, local schools, and health institutions to create idle-free zones. Ultimately, working toward a citywide no-idling ordinance.
Partners: Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland Public Schools, City of Rutland
NORTHEAST KINGDOM
ONE PERSON'S EFFORTS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Virginia "Ginny" Elliott is from E. Burke, Caledonia County in Vermont's pristine Northeast Kingdom. Ginny has a strong interest in educating a bout energy, especially energy conservation. She works with the Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP). Most of her efforts in energy education are concentrated from St. Johnsbury north to towns in Essex and Orleans counties near the Canadian border. As to the negative impact of unnecessary idling, while being aware of it long before learning about Idle-Free VT, she has been a faithful advocate of the campaign, lending legitimacy to it's "statewide" claim. Ginny is a passionate networker, making good use of the 10% Challenge "Turn it Off" information cards that Idle-Free VT has kept her supplied with. She hands them out to motorists (as well as a few truckers) she has observed idling excessively, in appropriate places where people congregate as well as at town meeting. She does much more than that though:
• Talks to businesses in St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville with drive-through window service suggesting they join institutions like Merchants Bank and Vermont State Employees Credit Union in erecting signs that ask patrons not to idle while they wait for service at the window
• Makes presentations on energy in area school classrooms and includes discussion about the effects of unnecessary idling
• Suggests to school administrators that they urge parents picking up students not to idle
• Circulates petitions in support of H.97
• Passes the word on idling reduction to friends who in turn do the same
The director of VEEP gave Ginny approval to mention and promote Idle-Free VT in her work with them. She will also be able to pass on what she has learned to other energy educators around the state.
UPPER VALLEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT
Idling Awareness & Reduction Toolkit
Roger Lohr of Hanover, New Hampshire created the online Idling Awareness & Reduction Toolkit. Funded by the Sierra Clubs of the Upper Valley, New Hampshire and Vermont, this comprehensive and thorough toolkit includes sections on: Planning An Idling Awareness & Reduction Campaign, Where Does Excessive Idling Occur?, Primer – What Are The Facts?, Research, Laws & Resolutions, Materials & PowerPoint Presentation, Stickers, Posters & Signage, Marketing Tools & Press Release Templates, Intervention & Pledge Concepts, Awareness & Reduction At Schools, Awareness & Reduction In Businesses, and Working With Towns.
MENDON
MARCH 28, 2011: HIGHWAY DEPT. ADOPTS IDLING REDUCTION POLICY
The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with Bill Ellis, Road Foreman, and Sara Tully, Town Administrator, to help in the process of selectboard approval of policy adoption.
JERICHO
FEBRUARY 17, 2011: HIGHWAY DEPT. & TOWN ANTI-IDLING RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with Kenny Barkyoumb, Jericho Highway Dept. Road Commissioner, and Todd Odit, Town Administrator, to help in the process of selectboard approval of policy adoption. The Jericho Energy Task Force spearheaded the effort to get selectboard approval of the Town anti-idling resolution.
In support of the new resolution, the Jericho Energy Task Force sponsored an anti-idling poster contest at Browns River Middle School. There are plans to place the winning entry, from Julie Parker’s fifth grade class, at businesses and other locations around town.
WINOOSKI
FEBRUARY 15, 2011: DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS ADOPTS IDLING REDUCTION POLICY
The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with Jay Nadeau, Water Superintendent, Steve *Palmer, City Engineer, and Katherine R. Decarreau, City Manager, to help with policy adoption.
PITTSFORD
FEBRUARY 2, 2011: HIGHWAY DEPT. ADOPTS IDLING REDUCTION POLICY
The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with Shawn Erickson, Highway Foreman, and John Haverstock, Town Manager, to help in the process of selectboard approval of policy adoption.
COLCHESTER
JANUARY 27, 2011: DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS ADOPTS IDLING REDUCTION POLICY
The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with Brian Tuttle, Operations Manager, to help with policy adoption.
2010
SHELBURNE
DECEMBER 14, 2010: TOWN ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY ADOPTED
On December 14, 2010, the Town of Shelburne adopted an Energy Conservation Policy. The purposes of this policy are to: save taxpayer dollars by reducing town operating costs; promote investments in long-term energy and dollar savings; reduce pollution; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.. Each Town department shall continually monitor and evaluate their energy usage in their respective buildings and vehicles and identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption. The policy includes an idling reduction program, stating the benefits in reducing idling include: an improvement in local air quality and, therefore, the health of our employees and citizens; a reduction in fuel consumption; a decrease in required maintenance and engine wear, and; a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. There is a town customer component (encourage customers to shut off their vehicles while conducting business at town facilties) and town employee component (Vehicle operators of Town vehicles shall limit idling as spelled out in the policy. No idling signs will be installed. The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with Bernie Gagnon, Director of Public Works, and Paul Bohne, Town Manager, to help in the process of selectboard approval of policy adoption.
MILTON
NOVEMBER 1, 2010: DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS ADOPTS IDLING REDUCTION POLICY
The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with David Antone, Highway Supervisor, and Brian M. Palaia, Town Manager, to help with policy adoption.
THETFORD
NOVEMBER 2010
SERG and the Thetford Energy Committee approached several businesses and the town library about installing signs; they were pretty much all receptive. Signs were purchased from the AHS Dept. of Corrections (see above) and installed at 5 or 6 different businesses and the library. A townwide resolution was rejected in favor of sign installation and an eventual consideration to adopt a town fleet idling reduction policy.
WILLISTON
OCTOBER 20, 2010: DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS & RECREATION ADOPTS IDLING REDUCTION POLICY
The Amercian Lung Association's Vermont Idle-Free Fleets program worked with Bruce K. Hoar, Director of Public Works, to help with policy adoption.
2009
DECEMBER 31, 2009: BURLINGTON ADOPTS CHANGES TO NO-IDLING LAW
 In a change that coincides with no-idling regulations in many other cities around the country, effective Dec. 31, 2009,  Burlington reduced the maximum allowed idling when parked time from five to three minutes (with exemptions). Since 2006, The Burlingtion Legacy Project has worked in conjunction with a diverse committee of citizens, businesses, law enforcement officials and other stakeholders to advance the City’s no-idling efforts. Most recent efforts led to the updated ordinance by the Department of Public Works Commission. Changes to the existing ordinance were brought forth by a growing concern for public health – particularly the health of Burlington’s youngest citizens – and Burlington’s overall air quality. Besides reducing the allowed idling time, the April 1 to Nov. 1 season exemption was eliminated, making the ordinance effective year-round. The new ordinance also notes that a violation is the same civil penalty as for metered parking violations.
Legacy's latest no-idling effort involves working with a school-coordinator on outreach and education about idling in the school community.
DUMMERSTON
SEPTEMBER 9, 2009: TOWN ANTI-IDLING RESOLUTION ADOPTED
The Town of Dummerston Selectboard, on recommendation of the Dummerston Energy Committee (DEC), unanimously adopted an Anti-Idling Resolution. This non-binding resolution seeks to save energy, protect the environment and the health of Town residents. No person, town employee or third party contractor shall allow any motor vehicle to idle for more than two (2) minutes, with certain exceptions. The resolution calls for no idling signs to be installed and information literature distributed in appropriate Town locations when available.
2008
STOWE
MARCH 27, 2008: STOWE REPORTER, "IDLING CARS TARGET OF STOWE EFFORT'
Stowe CAN--the StowEnergy and Climate Action Network--in one of several of their energy and climate change related initiatives--educates members of the Stowe community in shutting off their vehicle engines when parked. They distribute pink notices (placing under windshield wipers of cars idling while parked) that say, "THANK YOU FOR NOT IDLING WHEN PARKED" along with bulleted points.
PLAINFIELD
MARCH 4, 2008: TOWN NO IDLING RESOLUTION ADOPTED
Robert Atchinson, Plainfield Energy Commissioner, encouraged by the action taken by SERG (Sustainable Energy Resources Group) to encourage the placing of no idling resolutions on town meeting warnings, took the initiative to introduce a resolution to restrict vehicle idling at the Plainfield town meeting. Comments were generally positive and the resolution passed unanimously on a voice vote. While non-binding, the Selectboard has given permission for this information to be posted in the public venues of Plainfield. Congratulations, Bob!
NEWFANE
JANUARY 3, 2008: TOWN ANTI-IDLINGRESOLUTION ADOPTED
After reviewing Selectboard member Dan Dewalt's draft of an anti-idling resolution, the selectboard of Newfane voted unanimously to adopt it. It includes a one minute idling maximum with exceptions. Town employees are bound to it (although it is a non-binding resolution). No-idle signs will be installed at appropriate locations when available.
2007
MIDDLEBURY
DECEMBER 11, 2007: TOWN IDLE-FREE RESOLUTION ADOPTED
MAGWAC--Middlebury Area Global Warming Action Coalition is an ad hoc citizens group, led by coordinator Laura Asermily, that seeks to lessen carbon emissions in Middlebury which certainly has its share of vehicular congestion. A component of this initiative is to restrict vehicle idling. Their proposed idle-restriction policy is the same one that Idle-Free VT advocates as an all motor vehicle idling policy. On December 11, 2007, the Middlebury Selectboard unnanimously passed an idle-free resolution as recommended by MAGWAC. As part of the educational effort of this resolution, no-idle signs will be posted at strategic locations throughout the town. This is the full Middlebury No Idling Campaign Story. Report in the Addison Independent before passage: "Middlebury to mull car idling policy". December 18, 2007 news report on WCAX-TV channel 3 news about Middlebury's idling resolution, "No Idle Task".
RICHMOND
NOVEMBER 19, 2007: TOWN ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY ADOPTED
On November 19, 2007, the Town of Richmond adopted an Energy Conservation Policy. The goals of this policy are to save taxpayer dollars by reducing town operating costs, promote investments in long-term energy and dollar savings, reduce pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each town department will monitor and evaluate their energy useage in their respective buildings and vehicles. Idle reduction is a component of this policy. To encourage customers not to idle, signs will be posted at Town facilities, other public areas and at street intersections. Town employees will abide by a specific idling limitation procedure.
PUTNEY
JUNE, 2007: TOWN NO IDLING RESOLUTION ADOPTED
Through the efforts of PEC (Putney Energy Committee), led by Chairperson Daniel Hoviss, the Town of Putney Selectboard approved a no idling resolution that limits idling to two minutes, effective June 2007. PEC has designed several signs and will be deploying signs around town and at the schools. PEC, an ad-hoc organization of volunteers, was formed in Sept of 2006 by Town of Putney Energy Coordinator Daniel Hoviss with assistance from Bob Walker of SERG (Sustainable Energy Resource Group). Their goal is to diminish the effect of climate change by saving energy and reducing our energy usage through conservation and the replacement of non-renewable with renewable energy sources.
BRATTLEBORO
APRIL 17, 2007: TOWN NO IDLING RESOLUTION ADOPTED
In an effort led by Paul Cameron, executive director of Brattleboro Climate Protection, with support from Tim Stevenson, Post Oil Solutions, Brattleboro and students of the Compass School of Westminster Station (Windham County), the Brattleboro Selectboard unanimously approved a no idling resolution on April 17, 2007. Although not an ordinance and therefore non-binding, this is an important educational component (including posting of no-idle signs like this one at Brattleboro Union High School) for Brattleboro. Report in the Bratteboro Reformer: "Board: turn off engines".
BURLINGTON
APRIL 10, 2007: REAPPLICATION OF EXISTING CITY IDLING ORDINANCE
In an April 10, 2007 news conference in front of City Hall, Mayor Bob Kiss, Police Chief Tom Tremblay and other city department heads urged residents to join public employees in creating "an idle-free Burlington", by dusting off a long existing but unenforced idling ordinance, amid the rising public concern over greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. More important than the ordinance itself is the companion educational component spearheaded by the Burlington Legacy Project. This effort includes the posting of many idling signs all over the city. Report in the Burlington Free Press: "Burlington announces no-idling campaign".
Idle-Free VT wants to hear about and list your local campaign!
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