WASHINGTON — A hard fought lobbying campaign for green tax credits in the U.S. has been won, and the American Trucking Associations couldn’t be happier.

The ATA voiced its support of H.R. 3383, which gives tax credits for the purchase of idling reduction systems for diesel-powered on-highway vehicles, such as APUs.

The "Idle Reduction Tax Act of 2009 proposes a 50 percent tax credit, or up to $3,000 for each truck for which a device is purchased.. The bill is being sponsored by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Kay Granger (R-Texas).

"ATA appreciates the leadership of Rep. Blumenauer and Rep. Granger to make the purchase of idle reduction systems more affordable and widely distributed among fleets," said Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO. "The initial capital cost of idle-reducing technologies has been a major barrier to trucking companies. This legislation will allow us to move forward with industry-wide efforts to reduce air pollution and fuel consumption related to idling."

On-board idle reduction devices, which include auxiliary power units, direct-fired heaters and battery-powered climate control systems, can cut idle-related fuel consumption by at least 80 percent, according to EPA estimates.

The law bodes well for similar efforts here in Canada. The Canadian Trucking Alliance has been championing similar tax advantages for "green" technology — in place of more controversial and costly regulatory initiatives, in many cases.

While some progress has been made in a handful of provinces, the CTA argues much more needs to be done to expedite market penetration of fuel saving aftermarket devices.