The Minneapolis City Council approved an ordinance last week that makes it illegal to keep your vehicle idling for more than three minutes. Those crazy Minnesotans. Next thing you know, they'll be electing Stuart Smalley to the Senate.

The new ordinance is aimed at cutting back emissions and improving air quality. The average vehicle burns through more tha half a gallon of fuel for every hour spent idling, and according to the Energy Department, 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than re-starting your car. And Minneapolis residents accustomed to minus-40 degree January mornings should take note of this fun fact: idling a cold engine pollutes more than driving it does.

The ordinance includes some rather common sense exceptions. Notably, if you're stuck in traffic, you don't have to turn off your car. Also, police cars idling at speed traps are exempt.

We're not sure what kind of impact this new rule will have, but it's nice to read about a progressive environmental initiative that originates somewhere other than the Bay Area.