§ 23-23-29.1 - Findings of fact.
SECTION 23-23-29.1
§ 23-23-29.1 Findings of fact. – The general assembly hereby finds as follows:
(1) Motor vehicle exhaust is the largest source of airpollution in Rhode Island, and idling vehicles emit higher concentrations ofharmful pollutants than moving vehicles;
(2) Vehicle exhaust is hazardous to human health. Studieshave linked pollution from vehicles to increased rates of cancer, lung andheart disease, asthma and allergies, urban smog and climate change;
(3) Fine particulate matter in diesel exhaust is particularlyharmful to children and seniors. Tiny particles can lodge deep within humanlungs, where they can trigger asthma attacks and stunt lung growth in children,and contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and heart attacks inseniors;
(4) Asthma is reaching epidemic proportions in Rhode Island.More than one hundred thousand (100,000) people in Rhode Island have beendiagnosed with asthma, including one out of every ten (10) children. Asthma isthe most common chronic disease in children and responsible for the most schoolabsences in Rhode Island;
(5) Vehicle idling waste money. On average, an idling truckburns one gallon of fuel per hour. A locomotive or other heavy duty engine mayburn anywhere from three (3) to eleven (11) gallons per hour;
(6) Excessive idling creates the need for more frequent oiland oil filter changes, and speeds engine wear, reducing the amount of timebefore an engine needs to be rebuilt;
(7) Even on the coldest winter days, modern engines need nomore than five (5) minutes to warm up; and
(8) To date, other states including Connecticut andMassachusetts have passed laws that limit the amount of time vehicles arepermitted to idle.