By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would prohibit anyone driving a diesel-powered vehicle from releasing significant quantities of soot, smoke or other particular emissions that obstruct or obscure another driver’s view of the roadway. The measure also bans anyone from retrofitting a diesel-powered vehicle with a device, smokestack or other equipment that enhances the vehicle’s capacity to emit these pollutants. Violators would be fined from $100 to $1,000.

“Coal rolling … is the practice of deliberately emitting soot from the modified exhaust pipes of a diesel-powered truck that can be directed at other vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians and pose a serious danger as the black smoke can intentionally impair visibility” said sponsor Rep. Brian Murray (D-Milford). “It serves no useful purpose and is clearly harmful to the environment, as well as associated with known health risks and respiratory issues. This bill would make it unlawful to add equipment to a vehicle for coal rolling and subject those who may continue this practice to a penalty of not less than $100 or more than $1,000.”