New U.S. bill would give tax breaks to reduce idling
WASHINGTON, Ont. – A new U.S. bill has been introduced offering financial incentives to encourage the trucking industry to reduce engine idling.
“The trucking industry has been looking seriously at alternatives, and it makes good sense to encourage the use of affordable and proven new technology to reduce pollution generated by trucks,” said Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), who introduced the legislation.
The “Idling Reduction Tax Credit Act of 2004” would provide a federal income tax credit of up to $3,500 for each truck outfitted with devices that reduce idling.
The electrical devices include (auxiliary power units) power cabin heating and/or cooling systems and trailer refrigeration units.
“Given the constant financial pressures on trucking companies to comply with costly federal equipment mandates, a tax credit for new stationary power sources makes a lot of sense and should help encourage their use,” said American Trucking Associations president Bill Graves.
The tax credit would pay for approximately one-half of the device’s full cost, according to Granger. n
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