PAUL FOY
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - An engine-idling law enacted by Salt Lake City and a similar edict on Utah's state government fleet vehicles are the latest idling restrictions to take effect around the country.
Yet environmental groups say idling limits are the Rodney Dangerfield of state and local laws - they don't get much respect.
The American Transportation Research Institute reports that 20 states, 50 cities or towns and 33 counties across the country limit engine idling with fines and even jail terms.
However, officials acknowledge enforcement is spotty to non-existent as they emphasize public education over ticketing.
A Salt Lake City ordinance that went into effect in late April limits "unnecessary" idling to two minutes. A month later, Gov. Gary Herbert limited idling in the state's fleet of 7,300 vehicles to 30 seconds.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
