Current Model Specifications, Resolutions and Ordinances

Policy Collection

This document is a collection of regulatory and voluntary policies that can reduce pollution and improve air quality. The document provides the full text and relevent sections of ordinances, resolutions and code changes.

Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Policy

The City of Evanston Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Policy calls for the City to balance concern for the economic, environmental, and social viability of a community by taking a systematic, holistic, and comprehensive approach to pest control and pesticide use. The policy requires integrated pest control management procedures and forbids specific types of toxic pesticides. To download the policy, click here.

Chicago 3 Minute Idling Rule

On Wednesday, October 7, 2009, Chicago City Council passed an ordinance to amend the existing air quality ordinance. These amendments are intended to help improve air quality throughout the city. Clarifying and simplifying the permitting ordinance will ease enforcement and increase compliance among the more than 1,600 facilities that the City regulates. Other amendments strengthen the City’s authority to control air pollutants. In addition, some features of this ordinance will save constituents money. For instance, by not idling 30 minutes a day for one year, a truck driver saves 125 gallons of diesel and therefore approximately $374 in fuel costs (assuming $2.99 per gallon)—while also preventing at least 101 pounds of air pollution and 2,775 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. In addition to updating and streamlining the sections of the Code relating to air pollution control permits for industrial process equipment, there are some expansions of existing ordinances, as well as one important new ordinance. The new ordinance is an anti-idling law for diesel vehicles. The new law, which may be enforced by the Department of Environment, the police, and traffic management aides, will set a 3-minute idling limit for diesel vehicles with certain exceptions. The new idling limit will not only improve air quality, but will also result in fuel conservation. The idling ordinance can be found on pages 26 - 27 of the attached.

Cook County Green Construction Ordinance
The Cook County Green Construction Ordinance requires all Cook County contractors working on public construction contracts, budgeted at $2 million or more, to use ultra clean diesel fuel and pollution controls that remove up to 90 percent of exhaust soot from their diesel vehicles and equipment. Click here to read the ordinance.

City of Batavia Green Policies Resolution
The Batavia Resolution passed in May of 2009 identifies several greener standard operating procedures that impact waste reduction, energy efficiency, and environmentally preferable purchasing. In addition, the resolution pledges technical assistance to support the City of Batavia's implementation of the new green policies. Click here to download the resolution.

Ordinance amending fee schedule to reward use of alternative fuel and pollution control devices.
The Oak Park ordinance revises their fee schedule to reward businesses that use alternative fuels and EPA approved pollution control devices. For each vehicle that runs on alternative fuels and has been retrofitted with pollution control devices the business is charged 50% of vehicle fee. The new fee structure will enable the businesses to break even after investing in pollution control devices between year 4 and 5. Click here to download the ordinance.

Ordinance allowing the operation of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) on local City streets
In February, 2009 the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance allowing the operation of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) on local City streets. NEVs are 100% electric-powered and recharge in a few hours from standard household electrical outlets. NEVs can be used for commuting, running errands and other trips less than 25 to 40 miles in length, depending on the model and battery size. NEVs are limited by federal code to a 25 MPH top speed and since the general speed limit on Chicago’s streets is 30 MPH, NEVs can be used nearly everywhere. Emissions from passenger vehicle engines contribute substantially to airborne pollutants, including nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The use of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles replaces the use of gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles and reduces petroleum consumption and exhaust pollution. Click here to download the ordinance.

Purchasing Policy Requiring the Use of Energy Star-Aproved Exteror Lighting
Purchasing policies are an effective way to ensure that purachese are air friendly and energy efficient. This resolution was created by the Village of Palos Park for their Silver application for the Clean Air Counts Campaign.

Limitation on Engine Idling Model Ordinance
Anti-idling ordinances are an effective way to reduce local diesel exhaust. Model engine idling ordinance development by the California South Coast Air Quality Management Board.

Green Fleet Policy Ordinance
Streets are swept, neighborhoods patrolled, and important business is conducted every day with vehicles owned by municipalities. Maintaining a vehicle fleet is a key component of local government operation. Municipal fleet vehicles represent a significant source of air pollution. Implementing a green fleet policy will reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption.

Outdoor Lighting Ordinance
This ordinance regulates light to minimize wasted energy and nuissance resulting from lighting pollution. The ordinance provides guidance for lighting in several different types of zoned areas as well as guidance for implementation regarding procedural requirements impacting the planning process. This ordinance was created by the Village of Homer Glen and passed in December 2007. Visit www.homerglen.org for more information.