Op-Ed | Citizen Air Complaint Program gives power to the people but did they do their homework first? | amNewYork

"Clean air mattersto all of us. The trucking industry knows this deeply. After all, we live in the same communities we drive through and serve. And for professional drivers, the air quality inside and outside the cab directly impacts their health and safety every single day. That's why our industry has long supported reasonable efforts by the government to examine air quality and understand what's impacting itand how we can improve it."

"The program, aimed at reducing emissions, allows citizens to submit video evidence of trucks that appear to be idling longer than the law allows. But that appearance can be misleading. Many modern trucks, including those using zero- and near-zero emission technologies, may be waiting to enter a commercial loading zone or avoid blocking traffic. They may be operating a lift gate, a processing device, or a refrigerated unit. Without any understanding of logistics, clean idle or alternative fuel exemptions, or loading protocols, even a legal or exempt vehicle can become the target of a complaint."

"And when financial incentives are added, the program turns predatory. Citizens receive 25% of every fine they issue. This has created a cottage industry of idling bounty hunters who film trucks for profitregardless of context, safety, or fairness. Our members have seen citizens stake out their terminals, sneak onto construction sites, and follow vehicles. Drivers have been penalized for staying safe in air-conditioned cabs during sweltering 100-degree days or for running their heat during the freezing days of winter."

The Citizens Air Complaint Program permits residents to submit video evidence of alleged truck idling to reduce emissions. Many modern trucks operate legitimately while stationary—using zero- and near-zero-emission technologies, running lift gates, processing devices, refrigerated units, waiting for loading zones, or avoiding traffic—so apparent idling can be misleading. Citizens receive 25% of fines, creating financial incentives that have produced professional complainants who film trucks for profit, stake out terminals, enter sites, and follow vehicles. Drivers have faced penalties for remaining in climate-controlled cabs during extreme temperatures. The program shifts focus from sustainability to revenue and raises fairness, safety, and enforcement-context concerns.

Read at www.amny.com