Bill Filed to Limit Train Idling to 30 Minutes, Require DEP Emissions Testing

A bill filed in the Massachusetts House on Jan. 8, 2025, would prohibit a locomotive train engine from idling longer than 30 minutes and require the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate reported violations and conduct emissions testing. Representative John Barrett III of North Adams introduced the measure as House No. 3624; Representative Colleen M. Garry (36th Middlesex) was later listed as an additional petitioner on Feb. 28, 2025.

The bill would add a new Section 28 to Chapter 21A of the Massachusetts General Laws to make it unlawful to "cause, suffer, allow or permit a locomotive train engine to idle longer than 30 minutes." It directs the Department of Environmental Protection, during its investigation of reported idling in excess of 30 minutes, to conduct emissions tests measuring carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

The legislation ties permissible emission levels to a baseline described in the bill as "those of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains as previously determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency." If the DEP investigation determines those MBTA-based emission levels have been exceeded, the bill prescribes a minimum fine of $5,000 for each violation.

The text filed with the House does not specify numeric emission thresholds in the bill itself; it instead references prior determinations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for MBTA trains. The bill also does not specify further enforcement procedures, appeals processes, or how frequently emissions testing must occur beyond investigations triggered by reported idling.

House No. 3624 is listed as a petition for legislation under the Transportation subject matter. As filed, the document records the date of filing and the names of the petitioners but does not record any committee referral, legislative votes, or implementation schedule.

If the bill advances, DEP would be the agency named to carry out investigations and testing under the proposed statute; the bill makes no explicit provision for funding of those tests or for how long agencies or rail operators would have to come into compliance. The proposed fine—no less than $5,000 per violation—is the only penalty specified in the bill text.

Background: the filing is part of the 2025–2026 session of the Massachusetts General Court. The bill text appears to aim at reducing emissions from stationary or idling locomotive engines by establishing a time limit and a linkage to EPA-determined emission baselines for MBTA trains. The bill's language and enforcement mechanics would be subject to modification during committee review and any subsequent legislative action.