HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 300        FILED ON: 1/8/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

John Barrett, III

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing time limits for idling trains.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 300        FILED ON: 1/8/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act establishing time limits for idling trains.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Chapter 21A of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 28. No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit a locomotive train engine to idle longer than 30 minutes. The department of environmental protection shall investigate all reported cases of train idling in excess of 30 minutes.  During its investigation, the department shall conduct emission tests to determine the level of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, and sulfur dioxide being released from the train.

Emission levels shall not exceed those of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains as previously determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  If it is determined that these emission levels have been exceeded, the violator shall be fined no less than $5,000 for each violation.