The big rig idle reduction movement is going strong in Smyrna, Delaware at the Chauncey O. Simpson Memorial Rest Area on US highway 13. To help eliminate wasteful idling, the state installed 24 electrified parking areas through a federal grant in partnership with the Delaware Clean Cities Coalition… the units allow truckers to shut down their engines completely, providing heating, cooling, and access to cable and the internet.

COLLIN O’MARA: Originally, we started it as an environmental initiative, but it’s really becoming a cost initiative because if you’re saving about 50% less money than they were spending before by having a cleaner alternative. So it’s a win for the environment and a win for the budget.

JOHN DAVIS: If half of power units are used for 10 hours per day, truckers will save 44,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually and eliminate 500 tons of CO2 emissions making Delaware not only the diamond state, but a very green gem as well.

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