New Mexico Considering Idling Regs

The New Mexico Department of Environment is considering limiting the amount of time long-haul truckers can leave their vehicles idling at truck stops, the Associated Press reported.

The department plans four hearings around the state this month about the proposed rule, and the proposal is a result of Gov. Bill Richardson’s (D) executive order to reduce the state’s greenhouse-gas emissions to 75% below 2000 levels by 2050, AP said.

The new regulation would apply only to commercial trucks weighing at least 16,001 pounds, though no time limit on idling has been proposed, AP reported.

The New Mexico Trucking Association said the new regulation could hurt truckers and consumers, AP said. Eighteen states already have anti-idling rules.