For the Reporter
State Rep. Mark Hargrove’s legislation to encourage the use of small generators as a way to reduce emissions and noise was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 27.
The legislation builds on the success of a cost-saving pilot project which tested a new, innovative technology to lower emissions of emergency vehicles, such as fire engines.
House Bill 2569 pertains to vehicle idle emissions reduction. It would create a self-funding mechanism for local government agencies to reduce vehicle idle emissions without a cost to the state. The technology was piloted in one county and proved to be a cost-saving move that allowed for the hiring of additional emergency responders. The legislation creates a self-funded loan account where local government agencies can apply for loans to implement this or other idle emissions reduction technology, and, from the resultant fuel savings, pay the loan back. The loan program will be overseen by the state Department of Ecology.
“By placing this small generator on the top of a fire engine, not only do we get a fully functional emergency vehicle, but in the process we reduce pollution caused by burning gasoline and save taxpayers a lot of money,” said Hargrove, R-Covington (47th Legislative District). “It’s ideas like this that allow us to use the many innovations that come from the private sector to help the public sector. It is a win for our communities, our environment and taxpayers.”
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