New Bill Would Provide Tax Breaks to Reduce Idling

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ep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) introduced legislation last week offering financial incentives to encourage the trucking industry to reduce engine idling.

"The trucking industry has been looking seriously at alternatives, and it makes good sense to encourage the use of affordable and proven new technology to reduce pollutions generated by trucks," Granger said in a release.

The "Idling Reduction Tax Credit Act of 2004" would provide a federal income tax credit of up to $3,500 for each truck outfitted with "idling reduction devices."

The electrically powered devices service truck functions such as cabin heating or cooling systems and trailer refrigeration units that are normally powered by the truck's main diesel engine.

“Given the constant financial pressures on trucking companies to comply with costly federal equipment mandates, a tax credit for new stationary power sources makes a lot of sense and should help encourage their use," said American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves.

The tax credit would pay for approximately one-half of the device's full cost, Granger said.

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