Grant request to reduce truck idling

Truck drivers who idle their engines may be eligible for a state grant aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.

HF877, sponsored by Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park), would require the Pollution Control Agency to apply for a federal Environmental Protection Agency grant, available under the State Clean Diesel Grant Program. The program is one of the competitive grant programs included in the federal stimulus package.

Minnesota would request $1 million so that local companies could buy and install auxiliary power units for their truck fleets. Local grants would be awarded that cover 50 percent of the purchase and installation of the units, which are portable systems that deliver heating, cooling and electricity to the cab without requiring the truck engine to run. Many truck cabs have sleeping compartments for drivers, who idle the engines to heat or cool the compartment.

Amber Backhaus, a lobbyist for the Minnesota Trucking Association, said 77 million gallons of fuel are annually emitted by idling truck engines in Minnesota. The association estimates that the units, which cost between $1,500 and $10,000, could reduce fuel emissions by 80 percent. Transit companies could apply for funding for up to half of their fleet, and no more than 20 percent of the money Minnesota receives could go to the same company. Twenty-five percent of Minnesota’s appropriation would be reserved for companies that own 20 or fewer trucks.

The House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee approved the bill March 19 and referred it to the House Finance Committee for a recommended referral to the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division. Its companion, SF1203, sponsored by Sen. Paul Koering (R-Fort Ripley), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.