Wayne County Commission calls for action to stop excess engine idling
Published on February 16, 2024
Wayne County Commissioners today called for action to limit engine idling by trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles citing its impact on air pollution, especially in areas of the county already suffering from high asthma rates.
"This is a major health issue and a major cause of air pollution," Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) said.
While encouraging the state to adopt restrictions on engine idling, commissioners also called on commercial drivers to voluntarily turn off their engines during pick-ups, deliveries and other activities when idling is common. In addition to releasing harmful chemicals and gases, commissioners said idling releases particle soot into the air, damaging the ozone layer and contributing to climate change.
It also makes it harder for residents to breathe.
"I've heard countless times from my constituents about this problem and it is time to take it seriously," said Commissioner Monique Baker McCormick (D-Detroit), who sponsored the resolution with Commissioner Tim Killen (D-Detroit). Diesel engines are a particular threat, Commissioner Killen said.
"We have to do everything we can to improve air quality in our county," he said, noting the American Lung Association last year gave Wayne County an F for air and particle pollution.
The resolution is being sent of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as well as local officials and members of the Michigan Legislature.
A copy of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION
By Commissioners Baker McCormick and Killeen
WHEREAS, diesel trucks, buses and other commercial motor vehicles that idle are not only a nuisance to residents, but also create dangerous and serious public health and environmental risks; and
WHEREAS, idling occurs when a vehicle's engine is running while the vehicle is not in motion; and
WHEREAS, vehicle idling is usually concentrated in locations such as school grounds, parking lots, distribution centers, airports, train stations, loading docks, strip malls, construction sites and business centers where people gather; and
WHEREAS, idling a vehicle releases harmful chemicals, gases and particle pollution "soot" into the air, contributing to ozone regional haze and global climate change; and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Department of Energy, "idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more emissions that contribute to smog and climate change than stopping and restarting your engine does"; and
WHEREAS, exhaust from motor vehicles contributes to air pollution by releasing nitric oxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), black carbon and other particulate matter (PM2.5) into the air; and
WHEREAS, pollutants released during idling have been linked to the increased incidences of asthma, allergies, lung and heart disease, and cancer; and
WHEREAS, the American Lung Association's 2023 "State of the Air Report" revealed that Wayne County received an "F" grade for ozone air pollution and particle pollution. "Particle pollution is deadly and a growing threat to public health and communities around the country" and have been linked to "decreased lung function and heart attacks;" and
WHEREAS, in a 2022 report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Detroit was named the worst city in the United States for people with asthma;
And
WHEREAS, the prevalence of asthma in adults in Wayne County is 12 percent higher than the rest of the state. Adults in Detroit have a 46 percent higher rate of suffering from asthma and four times the rate of asthma hospitalizations than Michigan's adult population overall; and
WHEREAS, the Wayne County Commission is concerned for the health and welfare of residents who are exposed to excessive motor vehicle exhaust, which raises the risk of asthma, lung cancer and decreased cognitive function; and
WHEREAS, the Wayne County Commission is committed to decreasing the carbon footprint within the county and adverse effects it has on our planet, and protecting and promoting the health of our residents.
Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on this 15th day of February, 2024 that the Wayne County Commission strongly encourages the adoption of legislation that would limit idling by commercial motor vehicles, which is aimed at reducing exposure to toxic pollutants and improving the respiratory health of residents; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission supports continued anti-idling initiatives by governmental agencies, schools, businesses and other organizations that seek to reduce the carbon footprint of motor vehicles and air pollution overall; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission encourages drivers of diesel-powered motor vehicles to turn off their engines immediately at frequent idling locations, such as school grounds, parking lots, distribution centers, airports, train stations, loading docks, drive-throughs, strip malls, construction sites and business centers; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission supports the maintenance of municipal vehicles to eliminate any exhaust and to comply with the annual inspection requirement for those vehicles; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission supports the transition of municipal vehicles to electric vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint of the county; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission encourages the inclusion of municipal vehicles in anti-idling initiatives, except in emergency and public safety situations where idling may be necessary, such as the idling of an ambulance, road maintenance vehicles or law enforcement vehicle; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission supports broad educational initiatives to inform the public about the health, environmental and economic impacts of idling and ways to reduce idling; and be it further
RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution shall be provided to all Mayors, Supervisors and legislative bodies in Wayne County; the Michigan Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee; the Michigan House of Representatives Health and Human Services Subcommittee; the Michigan House of Representatives Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee; the Michigan Department of Transportation; Governor Gretchen Whitmer; and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.
Wayne County Commission calls for action to stop excess engine idling(PDF, 214KB)