KENNEBUNK — The town’s Energy Efficiency Committee hopes to lessen carbon dioxide and other air toxins through a new policy and education campaign. The Board of Selectmen officially adopted a “No Idling” policy on Tuesday to endorse the idea.
“The committee did a good job,” said Selectman Bob Higgins Tuesday.
The committee was before the board in April to present a similar policy backed up by a town ordinance, but the board objected to the ordinance, questioning the enforceability and fines proposed for violators.
At a workshop on May 6, Selectmen said they approved of the amended policy. The board also voted to appropriate $225 to the committee to pay for about 15 signs to be made and placed around town. The signs will make drivers aware of the no idling policy and will be located at busy areas like the downtown and beaches.
The policy says the town has a no idling policy for all non-commercial, private passenger vehicles on public ways and in public parking areas ”“ except when necessary in traffic jams, emergencies or for maintenance. The policy also encourages people not to idle on their own private property. State law already regulates idling of commercial and utility vehicles, and the policy exempts those vehicles for that reason, the policy states.
Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said committee members will also be working on materials that can be handed out to people in idling cars, to make them aware of the policy and the environmental impact.
Committee chairwoman Sassy Smallman said they are working on how they would like the signs to look and where they will be located. The committee has also been hosting events throughout the year, and has more in the works ”“ allowing more opportunities to speak about the policy, she said.
“Vehicle emissions are linked to asthma, especially in children, heart problems and cancer,” Smallman said in an e-mail Wednesday. “I hope people consider these ramifications when they see a ”˜no idling’ sign.”
Smallman said the committee has a long-term goal of minimizing the town’s carbon footprint. The committee plans to look at how renewable energy can be used throughout the town.
For more information about the Energy Efficiency Committee or No Idling Policy, visit the town’s Web site at www.kennebunkmaine.us.
— Staff Writer Robyn Burnham can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 329 or rburnham@gwi.net.
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