SAN ANTONIO—City leaders are now sending a warning educating drivers about a new ordinance set to take effect Jan. 1.
The law mainly affects 18-wheelers, prohibiting vehicles weighing over 14,000 pounds from idling for more than five minutes. There are some exceptions to the anti-idling ordinance. Military and emergency vehicles as well as school buses are exempt.
Truckers on mandatory rest periods who are in a truck with a sleeper birth are also exempt.
“We have been steadily getting worse and worse and worse,” said Councilman Ray Lopez.
Council members say the new guidelines are part of a push for cleaner air. Right now, San Antonio does not meet EPA air quality standards.
“Our air quality since 2012 has been in nonattainment and we are going to be designated for the first time next year as a city in nonattainment,” explained Councilman Ron Nirenberg.
The official title doesn't only point out San Antonio's poor air quality it will also likely cost the city big bucks. Being in nonattainment brings more federal environmental regulations, meaning city projects could cost more and take longer to complete.
“Experience tells us it can cost 50 or more percent to the actual cost of the project,” said Lopez.
Nirenberg said the initiative is important for the economy as well as important for public health. City leaders say this one ordinance alone won't be enough to solve the problem.
“We're really going to have to look at ways to improve things like traffic congestion. Keeping our traffic moving so we don't have gridlock on our highway,” said Nirenberg.
The effort for change, council members say, will need to come from the entire community.