Idle-Free VT Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that raises awareness of unnecessary vehicle idling (idling when parked) in Vermont.

News & Updates

Latest news about Idle-Free VT and vehicle idling in Vermont

• Vermont Idle-Free Schools project update

• School idling restriction policy at new WRVSU

• Idle-Free VT GHG/GGE reductions impact

• ACTION: Bill H.666: No idling signage on state property

• School bus idling rule reminder issued by AOE

• Fleet idling reduction certification program

• Idle-Free VT director Wayne Michaud to move to California

Vermont Idle-Free Schools project update

 

Vermont Idle-Free Schools is a High Meadows Fund & Vermont Community Foundation supported Idle-Free VT Inc. project that is raising awareness of unnecessary vehicle idling in Vermont schools, statewide for 2015-16, following a successful project for 2014-15. The cornerstones of this project are Idle-Free Schools campaigns, and Idle-Free from the Startpresentations. The project is also working with school superintendents to increase the number of schools adopting official no-idling guidelines for vehicles other than school buses.

 

Idle-Free Schools

These long term, student-led school idling study and measuring campaigns include initial observation and data collection of idling vehicles at school pick up areas in the fall, schools announcing support for the campaigns in winter, driver contact events in March, and final data collection in the spring (to determine a difference).

 

Following last year’s campaigns in which six participating schools combined to reduce idling by 32%, this year eight schools are signed on: Essex Middle School, Hunt Middle School, Lyndon Town School, Main Street Middle School, Randolph Union High School, Shelburne Community School, Stowe Middle School, and Twinfield Union School. Details here.

 

Idle-Free from the Start

Idle-Free from the Start presentations include a PowerPoint and videos on the negative impacts of idling (health, energy, carbon, economic), when idling can be necessary, plus an overview of green/eco-driving practices. Also included are handouts and a “quick quiz” for students, and a no idling sign for the school.

 

Last year, these guest-lecturing presentations were given mostly in driver education classes. We have expanded this year’s offering of our 60 presentations before more than 1,000 students to include high school science, math, STEM, health, and environmental science/club teachers. And, we are using two Vermont colleges students — from Green Mountain College and UVM — as paid interns to give half of the presentations. Details here.

 

School idling restriction policy at new WRVSU

 

In July 2016, the new White River Valley Supervisory Union (WRVSU) will result from a merger between the existing Windsor Northwest (WNWSU) and Orange Windsor (OWSU) unions. WRVSU will be comprised of nine schools. OWSU superintendent Bruce Labs will become the WRVSU superintendent. We are pleased that Mr. Labs, working with the Vermont Idle-Free Schools project, has obtained approval with school administrators and the school board to adopt a policy that restricts the idling of vehicles other than school buses at all member schools. Mr. Labs states, “Everyone agrees we need it and want to do it. It is a done deal.”

 

Idle-Free VT GGE/GHG reductions impact

 

The U.S. Dept. of Energy Clean Cities programs, including Vermont Clean Cities, compile annual reports showing reductions in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on surveys submitted by transportation efficiency entities in various categories, including alternative and renewable fuels, idle-reduction measures, fuel economy improvements, and new transportation technologies. VCC has calculated savings in the area of idle reduction Idle-Free VT has achieved for 2015: 2,249 of GGE and 27.9 tons of GHG. VCC report.

 

Bill H.666: No idling signage on state property

 

Rep. Curt McCormick of Burlington submitted House bill H.666 – An act relating to signage on State property regarding unlawful idling of motor vehicle engines. This bill proposes to require installation of signs on property owned or controlled by the State on which parking is permitted indicating that Vermont prohibits idling of motor vehicle engines in violation of law. The Buildings and General Services Dept. (BGS) would install and maintain the signs and are in support of this bill.

ACTION: Please tell Edward B. Von Turkovich and BGS Commissioner Michael J. Obuchowski that you support H.666

 

School bus idling rule reminder issued by AOE

 

Following reports submitted to Idle-Free VT, regarding lack of compliance of the school bus idling rule by at least two bus companies, Clare L. O’ Shaughnessy,

staff attorney of the Agency of Education, issued a memo in February reminding principals, building administrators and superintendents of the rule.

 

Fleet idling reduction certification program

 

The American Lung Association / UVM Certification for Sustainable Transportation Vermont Idle Free Fleets* DEC funded program continues to offer free online certification for Vermont diesel truck drivers, commercial fleet managers, and school bus companies on the benefits of idling reduction. The certification, which takes approximately just 40 minutes to complete, helps drivers understand the health and environmental impacts of idling, idling and vehicle engine wear-and-tear, and fuel consumption and associated costs of idling. Details here.

* program not affiliated with Idle-Free VT Inc.

 

Idle-Free VT director Wayne Michaud to move to California

 

Wayne founded Idle-Free VT in July 2006, following his observation of vehicles idling at a Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) drop off center, which prompted him to write a letter to a local newspaper and to report his observation to CSWD. To his surprise, CSWD adopted a no-idling policy for their vehicles and posted no-idling signs at their drop off centers. Combined with this was the motivation and inspiration of members of the Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN), Natural Resources Canada’s Idle-Free Zone online resource, and of several individuals around Vermont. 10 years on, Wayne never imagined he would be an advocate of this type, let alone an educator, and head of an organization funded to implement its work.

 

Wayne and his wife have wished to be closer to their son who has lived in California for many years; it is hoped a move will occur before the end of this year. Idle-free work will continue in California on some scale, where there is a great need of this advocacy and education.

 

Statement from Wayne: I want to thank so many of you for being instrumental in helping make a positive difference in the health and environment of our great state – from encouraging me in the beginnings, then advising on ways to be most effective, and then grant awards to Idle-Free VT. First, Idle-Free VT board of directors members David Polow, Paul Markowitz, Nadine Barnicle, and my wife Ellen. And Rebecca Ryan of the American Lung Association of the Northeast and organizations such as the Vermont Dept. of Health, High Meadows Fund and Vermont Community Foundation, who have been involved in funding Idle-Free VT’s work. Also Tom Moye of the DEC for his patient expertise, Laura Asermily, Middlebury Selectboard member and abiding advocate of the idle-free aim, and Vermont legislators such as Reps. Mollie Burke and David Sharpe, and Sen. Claire Ayer who never gave up on sponsoring idling restriction legislation. And I could go on and on…

 

In the coming weeks and months, there will be discussion with several individuals in hopes of carrying on in some capacity idle-free advocacy and education in Vermont that Idle-Free VT has provided. An update on the progress of this outreach will be issued. Your thoughts and suggestions are encouraged!