Vt. lawmakers weigh crackdown on truck idling

Aiming to cut air pollution, a panel of Vermont lawmakers is considering a bill that would crack down on idling by trucks.

The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee this week is taking testimony on the bill, which would require that trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds not idle for more than 5 minutes.

The committee would make exemptions for public safety vehicles, those delivering oil and other energy products, and trucks with cabs designed for drivers to sleep in them.

Backers of the measure say they want to cut down on air pollution, especially particulate matter that can trigger health problems.

They say Vermont is the only northeastern state without such a law.