Lung Health News, Spring / Summer 2003
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed an important measure that limits idling times for school buses and other heavy-duty vehicles on or near school property. The American Lung Association of California and environmental groups strongly supported this measure to help protect children from the harmful effects of diesel exhaust and other toxic emissions.
The measure requires school buses and other heavy-duty vehicles to turn off their engines when they reach school grounds, and to restart them no more than 30 seconds before departure. These restrictions apply within 100 feet of school grounds. Also, buses and heavy-duty vehicles transporting children to offsite locations must now limit idling times to five minutes.
