USR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

Upper Saddle River has passed an Idle Free Resolution that all motor vehicles be turned off at school, parks, businesses and locations throughout the Borough, when planning to remain at that location for more than 10 seconds.   This resolution seeks to enforce existing violations and penalties under NJ’s No Idling Code. Please note the new signs around school properties, and borough parks which will remind you to shut off your engines. Taking a No Idling Pledge supports a healthier environment.

Below are some facts about the negative impacts of idling:

• Idling emits harmful pollutants which are a threat to our health

• Children are especially affected by vehicle exhaust because of their smaller size - they are closer to tail pipes and breathe more air per pound than adults

• Idling for more that 10 seconds uses more fuel than re-starting a warm engine

• Petroleum based gasoline and diesel fuel are nonrenewable fuels and should be used wisely.

• Idling for 10 minutes uses as much fuel as it takes to travel 5 miles

• Idling is not beneficial to a car’s engine

• For every gallon of gasoline used, the average vehicle produces around 20 pounds of carbon dioxide – the largest contributor to greenhouse climate change

For more information about the harmful effects of idling : www.stopthesoot.org

This simple policy will drastically improve our Borough and State’s air quality.