Help Improve New York’s Air Quality

Report Idling Trucks and Buses through the Citizen Air Complaint Program

In New York City, it’s illegal for any motor vehicle vehicle to idle its engine for more than 3 minutes, or for more than one minute adjacent to a school or park. Pollutants from tailpipe emissions are known to cause many diseases, such as lung cancer, asthma, and dementia, as well as reduced bone density in women. The Citizen Air Complaint Program is the city’s program to empower ordinary citizens to help stop air pollution by reporting illegally idling trucks and buses.

Once you’ve started, join the Stop Idling Slack.

Report Dust Violations by Emailing Videos to the Department of Environmental Protection

It’s also illegal for construction and trash companies to release dust into the air. For instance, compactor trucks too frequently permit clouds of construction dust to escape into public spaces while transporting demolished materials. Breathing in silica and other dust causes a range of dangerous health issues, ranging from lung scarring to cancer. These reports require a timestamped video of the violation and a completed violation form. Email citizencom@dep.nyc.gov for the form and the latest instructions on the submission process.