HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — School bus companies, tour bus companies and transit authorities would be required to have an anti-idling policy in place by this time next year under legislation that was introduced by Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau last Friday.

"Nova Scotians expect this government to take a leadership role in matters related to climate change," Belliveau said. "As a province, we can do better to reduce unnecessary and harmful vehicle emissions so we can improve air quality and quality of life for Nova Scotians today and over time."

Under the Anti-idling Act, the aforementioned entities would have to establish a policy by Oct. 1, 2011.The legislation would also require the government to adopt an anti-idling policy for provincial vehicles.

Upon introducing the legislation, Belliveau acknowledged and applauded operators that already have a policy in place.

"An anti-idling policy will help move us towards our targets set out in the Climate Change Action Plan and the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act," Belliveau said. "We are accomplishing a number of things with this legislation by protecting the environment, improving air quality and reducing maintenance and fuel costs. Most importantly, we hope Nova Scotians see the example we're setting and follow suit by reducing their idling."

If it is approved, the Anti-idling Act would make Nova Scotia the first province to adopt such a law.