The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported this week that activists have asked the Illinois state legislature in Springfield to rein in truck idling.

Bill HB2347, introduced Tuesday in the General Assembly, would make exceptions for certain types of trucks and extreme weather. For the most part, however, truckers would have to shut down once parked.
A synopsis of the bill on the legislature’s web site reads: “Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a vehicle using diesel fuel with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of more than 8,000 pounds may not have its engine idling for more than 3 minutes within any 60 minute period. Creates exemptions. Provides that a violation is a petty offense punishable by a fine of $100 for a first offense and $500 for a second or subsequent offense within any 12 month period. Provides that the provision applies on highways and elsewhere throughout the State.”
The bill has been assigned Environment & Energy Committee, which scheduled a hearing for Thursday.