Due to the success of a cost-saving pilot project testing innovative technology to lower emissions of emergency vehicles, such as fire engines, Rep. Mark Hargrove’s legislation to encourage the use of the same small generators as a way to reduce emissions and noise is headed to the governor to be signed into law.

House Bill 2569 pertains to vehicle idle emissions reduction and would create a self-funding mechanism for local government agencies to reduce vehicle idle emissions without a cost to the state. The technology was piloted in one county and proved to be a cost-saving move that allowed for the hiring of additional emergency responders.

To implement this technology in other counties, Hargrove’s legislation creates a self-funded loan account where local government agencies can apply for loans to implement this or other idle emissions reduction technology, and, from the resultant fuel savings, pay the loan back. The loan program will be overseen by the state Department of Ecology.

“Often, it’s the smallest actions that lead to great results,” said Hargrove, R-Covington. “This legislation will not only help our environmental efforts, but also assist local governments as they craft their budgets, which are stretched thin from the Great Recession. I was pleased to partner with a constituent, our local government officials and our emergency responders to find a solution that works to reach our goals of sustainable budgets, clean air and encouragement of private-sector innovation.”