KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- IdleAire Technologies Corp. and members of the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO), have partnered to eliminate nearly 72 million pounds of emissions from idling diesel trucks and save more than million gallons of diesel fuel thus far in 2007.
Carbon dioxide, a recognized greenhouse gas, accounted for 70 million pounds of that figure, and nitrogen oxide, a precursor of ozone, accounted for nearly one million pounds. A variety of other components, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and carbon [image-nocss] monoxide comprise the remainder of the eliminated emissions.
So far, 30 states are benefiting from the improved air quality because of the IdleAire system. Those states include 26 of the 37 states with one or more regions that are not in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) air-quality standards for ozone, carbon monoxide or particulate matter. States that fail to attain EPA standards can potentially lose federal highway funding. Clean-air benefits are expected to expand as IdleAire continues its nationwide deployment, which began in 2006 with the announcement of a multimillion dollar financing package.
Since Earth Day is a reminder of everyone's responsibility to the environment, it's an appropriate time to recognize the very positive steps that have been taken in the truckstop industry to improve air quality while reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil, IdleAire COO Lynn Youngs said. For the truckstops, IdleAire installation is voluntary and provides them a new revenue stream while requiring no capital investment on their part. It's not surprising a growing number are acting to improve the lives of their customers and their neighbors.
NATSO president and CEO Lisa Mullings said, Our industry is committed to improving the quality of life for the communities where we are located and the customers we serve in a variety of ways. IdleAire has been and will continue to be a valued partner to our organization in the ongoing efforts to offer comprehensive solutions for professional drivers, the traveling public and our communities.
Idling is a major fuel expense because long-haul truck drivers are required to rest 10 hours for every 11 on the road and idling is the traditional way of maintaining comfortable temperatures and providing power for appliances and accessories in the cab. The IdleAire system provides heating, air conditioning and electrical outlets to truck cabs as an alternative to idling. The system also offers many other comforts and amenities, including satellite TV, Internet access, movies on demand and phone service.
Many fleets pay for their drivers to use IdleAire's basic services because of the savings in fuel, engine wear and tear and maintenance. Drivers view the service as a benefit in an industry where turnover exceeds 100%. IdleAire also provides a platform for the delivery of driver training in the truck cab, which further reduces fleet expenses.
Youngs said IdleAire and its truckstop partners have cumulatively eliminated more than 322 million pounds of diesel idling emissions and saved nearly 14 million gallons of diesel since the company's first truckstop installation in 2002. That installation was followed by subsequent testing and development in a handful of other sites, which led to the expansion announced last year.
There are currently 111 IdleAire locations in 30 states. IdleAire expects to be in approximately 200 total locations before the end of the year, it said.
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