Idling ban aims to curb school bus fumes

BOSTON - Students and teachers wouldn't have to inhale bus fumes any longer under legislation filed by Rep. Stephen R. Canessa, D-New Bedford.

Rep. Canessa and Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, have proposed banning buses, and commercial and personal vehicles from idling on school property.

"Parents, educators and legislators are concerned with the health and safety of our state's students and school personnel," Rep. Canessa said in a statement. "This piece of legislation aims to protect both our environment and all people who could be adversely impacted by unnecessary engine idling on public school property."

Buses would still be able to idle in cold weather under exceptions that would be drawn up by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The bill is gaining support. It has 48 co-sponsors in the House and Senate. Stephen J. Furtado, superintendent of the Freetown/Lakeville Regional School District, is also backing it.

The bill will be subject to a hearing at the Statehouse before it can be acted on by the House and Senate.

Dr. Furtado said bus drivers at schools in his district have been conscientious about not idling excessively.

"It's environmentally sound, and it's financially sound," Dr. Furtado said. "It's also very sensitive to the health and safety of the staff and students. I think that if there is unnecessary idling in front of a school building, whether it is a school bus or other vehicle, we shouldn't be doing it, especially when gas is going back to $3 a gallon."

Rep. Canessa was encouraged to file the bill by Rick Gregg, an instructor at Suffolk University's Business School. Rep. Canessa, who has an MBA from Suffolk, took Mr. Gregg's class in leadership and decision-making. Mr. Gregg is the founder and coordinator of the "Idle-Free" Lenox Campaign in the western part of the state.

"Years ago, we banned the use of tobacco products and eliminated second-hand smoke from all school properties in Massachusetts," Mr. Gregg said in a joint press release with Rep. Canessa. "Now it's time to ban unnecessary engine idling, which this legislation will do. This is the best way to ensure clean and healthy air for our children, teachers, staff and school bus drivers."

If passed, violators would be subject to a $100 fine on the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses. Fines would be deposited into a new environmental education fund for schools.

The bill has been endorsed by the American Lung Association of Massachusetts, the National Resources Defense Council, the Center for Ecological Technology, the Climate Crisis Coalition, Sustainable South Shore and the Berkshire Environmental Action Team.

According to a 2002 research report by Environment and Human Health Inc. of Connecticut, more than 750,000 children ride buses and other vehicles to school in Massachusetts each day. With virtually all buses powered by diesel fuel, children are at an increased risk of inhaling toxic fumes when boarding and exiting school buses, the report said. Diesel school buses emit carbon particulates, as well as 40 known chemicals classified as "hazardous air pollutants" under the Clean Air Act.

The bill's sponsors say the fumes can also seep through doors and windows into the schools, as well as nearby homes and businesses.

Car fumes contain many of the same toxins as cigarette smoke and exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, allergies and other respiratory conditions.

In a press release, Rep. Canessa and Mr. Gregg said engines that idle for more than 10 seconds use more fuel that it would take to turn off and restart the vehicle. Nationwide, school buses idle away 189 million gallons of diesel fuel each year.

The bill's sponsors also support the DEP's campaign to reduce engine idling. At last count, 36 communities were participating in the state program.

"The bill is also about a way to raise the awareness of the impact," Rep. Canessa said.