WASHINGTON, D.C. — Anti-idling workshops are scheduled in Washington, D.C., in the next few months as part of the government’s plan to create consistent idling laws, according to Land Line magazine. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host the first workshops to develop a model for states and localities that want to enforce an idling law for heavy-duty trucks and buses. According to the EPA Web site, about half the country has state or local laws limiting the amount of time a vehicle can idle. Many of these laws differ from state to state, creating an inconsistent patchwork of laws confusing to truck drivers. For example, some state laws limit idling to three, five, 10, or 30 minutes, exempting a truck from the time limit if the temperature is below a certain point. Few, however, let trucks idle if the temperature is uncomfortably hot. EPA will convene representatives from state air pollution control agencies, trucking associations, truck drivers, environmental organizations, and health associations. The goal is to develop a consensus approach to eliminating these inconsistencies. For more information about this effort, or to request participation in the workshops, visit: www.epa.gov/smartway. Dates will be announced later.