Every day, New Yorkers are hurt by dangerous street-level air pollution.

A worker in safety gear is trying to open a tipped-over trash truck, with smoke or steam rising around them. Another person is standing nearby, observing the scene.

The Citizens Air Complaint Program is NYC’s most effective tool for solving ground-level pollution.

A close-up of an idling truck's tailpipe emitting exhaust into the air on a New York street.

A New Yorker shares how consistent enforcement has stopped the trucks that idled on his block.

Pollution from idling trucks and buses harms New Yorkers in all 5 boroughs, and contributes to global warming.

The American Lung Association links frequent exhaust exposure to reduced IQ and increased incidents of asthma and cancer.

Last-Mile Trucks are Major Contributors 
These trucks often idle their engines needlessly. They are not running power equipment, the rear liftgate, or the self-powered refrigeration device.

Diesel Trucks Emit More Pollution
Diesel trucks release higher levels of particulates and Nitrogen Oxides compared to gasoline trucks. Nitrogen Oxides, a key ingredient of smog, remain particularly challenging for diesel filters.

Needless Idling
Operators idle their engines to charge their phones, maintain cabin comfort, and other reasons. Battery packs and proper clothing are simple cost-effective solutions.

Construction Dust Hurts Pedestrians and Workers.

Exposure to silica and other dust can lead to lung scarring, reduced lung capacity, and lung cancer.

Dust Affects Schools
Trucks release large quantities of dust even when near school entrances.

Urban Density Magnifies Harm
NYC’s urban density means a single incident affects an outsized number of individuals.

Children Have No Choice in their Exposure 
When companies choose to skip dust mitigation, passing children have no choice in their exposure.

Operators are at the Highest Risk 
Workers, often without masks, face the greatest exposure and likelihood of health complications.

The Daily Show featuring NYCAC members.

Announcements and Press

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Brooklyn Rail: Commercial Vehicle Idling Is Social Murder

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Environmental Justice: Enforcing Air Pollution Laws and Procedural Environmental Justice

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Streetsblog: City Reverses Course and Bans More Idling Near Schools and Parks

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CBS: Eye of America - Idle Hands

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American Journal of Public Health: Laypeople Reporting Air Pollution Violations in New York City

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UN JOUR UN DOC: Anonymous Letters, Bounty Hunters: Who Are Those Who Track You? (French)

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Streetsblog: A Lethal Threat to New York City’s Air and Citizen Enforcement 

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Streetsblog: Council Bill Could Chill Citizen Reporting That Dramatically Boosted Idling Enforcement

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New York Magazine: Among the Idlers

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Intro 606 to protect children at parks from idling emissions passes.

Bill details here.

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Mayor Adams Calls out Worst Truck Idling Offenders, Announces That Loomis Will Electrify Fleet of Trucks by 2025 in Response to Citizens Air Complaint Program

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Washington Post: How to bust idlers, bike lane blockers and water wasters — and maybe get paid

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Council Member Menin introduces intro 684 to increase idling fines in response to big companies’ non-compliance.

See here for the bill’s details.

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Council Member Aviles introduces intro 606 to protect children at parks from idling emissions.

See here for the bill’s details.

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Bloomberg: Meet New York City's Idle Warrior

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