Title
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for vehicle idling limitations extending the term through December 31, 2028.
Body
On May 8, 2008, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approved a resolution supporting locally enforced motor vehicle idling restrictions in North Central Texas. Through this initiative, the RTC encourages local government adoption of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) idling limitations rule as well as entrance into a North Texas Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the TCEQ for the purpose of enforcement. Local government support and participation are requested to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality within the region.
When idling, heavy-duty vehicles produce roughly 15-times more emissions than light duty gasoline vehicles, which contributes to air quality concerns in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region, and may lead to adverse health effects. To address these preventable emissions, local enforced idling restrictions have been included as an accepted control strategy in the Dallas-Fort Worth Eight-Hour Ozone Attainment Demonstration State Implementation Plan (SIP).
Under this rule, within participating jurisdictions, all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or greater may not idle for more than five minutes during the peak ozone season between April to October. This includes both public and private vehicles. Several exemptions exist related to vehicle type, operations and air-conditioning/heating provisions.
Adopting this rule and entering into the North Texas MOA are voluntary; however, the RTC reserves the right to consider approval of this rule when evaluating future grant funding eligibility. The program requires participating cities to adopt the ordinance, execute the MOA, installation of appropriate signs in known truck parking areas, promotion of the program through brochures, website and other media and provision for enforcement. This MOA was first approved by City Council on January 2, 2009. The MOA expired at the end of December 2018 and Council action is requested to extend the MOA through December 31, 2028.
Financial Implications
There is no financial burden on the City in executing this MOA with TCEQ.
Recommended/Desired Action
Staff recommends approval of the MOA extending the term through December 31, 2028.
Attachment(s)
Memorandum of Agreement
Drafter
Srini Mandayam, P.E.
Head of Department
Matthew Holzapfel, P.E.