A bold proposal to curb fossil fuel emissions took center stage at the Urbandale City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, as a council member urged the city to adopt an ordinance restricting idling of fossil fuel engines. The initiative aims to position Urbandale as a leader in environmental stewardship, mirroring actions taken by cities like New York, Chicago, and even Beijing.

The council member highlighted the unnecessary idling of vehicles, particularly city-owned ones, during a recent walk in the park. "If we don’t allow smoking in classrooms, why do we permit engines to idle?" they questioned, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in how the community views vehicle idling.

The proposed ordinance would impose a $25 fine for idling, which would be paid by the city and redirected to the Urbandale food bank, creating a win-win situation for both the environment and local residents. The council member noted that reducing idling could save the city significant money on fuel costs—up to $5,000 annually if gas prices rise again.

This initiative not only aims to reduce emissions but also seeks to demonstrate leadership by the city council in adopting sustainable practices. The proposal is expected to be discussed further in upcoming meetings, with the potential for Urbandale to set a precedent for other communities in Central Iowa.