Vermont Dept of Health awards grant to Idle-Free VT for fleet project

The Vermont Department of Health has awarded a grant to Idle-Free VT Inc., Bristol, VT, to implement Idle-Free for Fleet$, a vehicle fleet operators educational effort. The grant award supports the Vermont Asthma Program’s efforts to reduce the burden of asthma and improve air quality through the reduction of vehicle idling. The Idle-Free for Fleet$ project, under the direction of Wayne Michaud, Idle-Free VT director, will invite up to 90 business and municipal fleet operators in Addison, Orange and Washington counties to join in the benefits of idling reduction and adopting policies to reduce idling. The project will be in effect from July 1 to October 1, 2013.
Idle-Free for Fleet$ will offer fleet operators resources ‘including an information flyer, dedicated webpage, and 30 minute PowerPoint and video presentation ‘that explain the technical facts on diesel and gasoline idling, myths and realities, health and economic impact, and model policies. Wayne Michaud will offer to give the on-location presentations at no cost to business fleet or operations managers, and town department of public works supervisors or highway department road commissioners and foreman. Their drivers/operators will be encouraged to attend.
Business and municipal fleets will learn how idling reduction and adopting formal policies benefit them and their communities. Drivers and operators will better comply with an official policy, the company's social responsibility and "green" image will be enhanced, and the resulting avoidance in fuel use and engine wear will increase company profit. For municipal fleets, town residents will benefit in savings of taxpayer dollars, improved health, conserved energy and lessening of the town's carbon footprint.
Idle-Free VT Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a primary goal to raise awareness of unnecessary vehicle idling (idling when parked) in Vermont by encouraging adoption of policies, practices, resolutions and curricula to reduce vehicle idling. It also advocates the enactment of local and state laws, regulations, and rules to limit vehicle idling.
Burlington, Vermont, June 10, 2013 ‘ idlefreevt.org