Press Release: Norton Asks National Guard to Stop Bus Engine Idling at RFK Site

News Release — DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton

March 3, 2021

Contact: Sharon Eliza Nichols:

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today sent a letter urging the National Guard Bureau and the District of Columbia National Guard to direct the drivers of the buses that wait at the RFK Stadium site in D.C. to transport National Guard troops to and from the U.S. Capitol complex to stop idling their engines while waiting. Under D.C. law, bus engines are prohibited from idling for more than three minutes unless the temperature is 32 degrees or below.

“Idling creates air pollution, which causes asthma, respiratory illnesses and heart and lung disease, and contributes to climate change,” Norton said. “Idling not only risks the health of the drivers and National Guard members, it also risks the health of my constituents in the neighborhoods surrounding the RFK Stadium site.”

Norton previously requested that the Capitol Police enforce the federal ban on engine idling at the Capitol complex.

The full text of the letter is below.

General Daniel R. Hokanson

Chief

National Guard Bureau

111 S. George Mason Drive

Arlington, VA 22204

Major General William J. Walker

Commanding General

District of Columbia National Guard

201 East Capitol Street SE

Washington, DC 20004           

Dear General Hokanson and Major General Walker:

           I urge the National Guard Bureau and the District of Columbia National Guard to direct the drivers of the buses that apparently wait at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK) site to transport National Guard members to and from the U.S. Capitol to stop idling their engines.  Under D.C. law, bus engines are prohibited from idling for more than three minutes unless the temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.  Idling creates air pollution, which causes asthma, respiratory illnesses and heart and lung disease, and contributes to climate change.  Idling not only risks the health of the drivers and National Guard members, it also risks the health of my constituents in the neighborhoods surrounding the RFK site.

           Please respond to this letter in writing by April 3, 2021. 

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton

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