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New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn today kicked off this summer’s Clean Air NY initiative, which educates residents of the New York metropolitan area about the small changes they can make in their everyday transportation choices to reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality.
“Summer’s warm weather often brings with it smog and haze, signaling unhealthy air quality that we all can do something about,” Commissioner Glynn said. “By taking public transit, carpooling and combining trips, New Yorkers can save money on gas, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the air they breathe.”
In cooperation with the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, NYSDOT for years has alerted the public of potential risks to health caused by exposure to ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter or both. Clean Air NY is working to expand that year-round initiative by broadening public outreach and notifications to businesses and transportation providers throughout the Lower Hudson Valley, Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City.
When air quality is expected to be unhealthy in the New York metropolitan area, NYSDOT issues an Air Quality Action Day notification and encourages New Yorkers to make special efforts to drive less and reduce activities that contribute to air pollution. Drivers can sign up to receive real-time notifications of Air Quality Action Days by visiting www.cleanairny.org or texting AIR to 42269 (4CANY).
On Air Quality Action Days, NYSDOT also posts messages on electronic variable message signs along state highways in the New York metro area to encourage travelers to car pool, take mass transit, reduce their trips and drive less. NYSDOT maintenance crews in the region also reduce, to the extent possible, use of mowers and small engines on those days in order to lessen emissions.
Air quality is a serious, ongoing problem in the New York City metro area. Clean Air NY was developed because the New York metro area does not meet federal guidelines for protecting human health from ground-level ozone and particulate matter pollution. Forty-two percent of New Yorkers reported that someone in their family experiences negative health effects from air pollution.
Clean Air NY is a voluntary initiative sponsored by NYSDOT in support of region-wide air-quality efforts. Clean Air NY’s network of thousands of individuals, employers, employees and community organizations in the New York metro area is committed to the idea that every person can help improve our air. The program seeks to reduce vehicle miles traveled in the metro area by encouraging simple changes to routine travel behaviors.
Clean Air NY provides tips for improving air quality, real-time updates on Air Quality Action Days and links to partner organizations. Individuals can receive Clean Air NY information through e-mail, text messages, the program’s Web site and a variety of special events.
The Clean Air NY program also has organizational “champions” that go above and beyond simply providing information to their employees, actually helping them change their travel behaviors by providing financial incentives, shuttles to transit stops, van pool service, reserved parking for carpoolers and other benefits. Among the champions are Brookhaven National Laboratory of Upton, Suffolk County; IBM; Consumer’s Union of Yonkers, Westchester County; Journal News of White Plains, Westchester County; the New York Air National Guard; Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects of New York City; and Swiss Re of Armonk, Westchester County.
Ozone, a major seasonal component of smog, is created by sunlight reacting with chemicals found in gasoline vapors and emissions from vehicles and industrial smoke stacks. Too much ozone in the air can make breathing difficult and painful, sometimes causing shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, chest pain and throat and eye irritation.
Fine particulate matter—airborne particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameter—present potential health concerns because they can be breathed into the deepest parts of the human lungs. Scientific studies have indicated a possible connection between fine particulate matter and respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. The elderly and young children are most susceptible to particulates. Particulate matter also may contribute to haze.
Information about Clean Air NY is available on the program’s Web site at CleanAirNY.org. The Web site is filled with local information and resources to help New Yorkers make smarter travel choices that will improve the air they breathe, their health and their quality of life. Highlights on the Web site include:
- Information for Individuals—simple steps all New Yorkers can take to improve air quality by making everyday changes to their travel routine;
- Information for Organizations—steps on helping employees make smarter choices that will have a positive impact on air quality;
- Commuting Information—help with alternate commuting choices for organizations and individuals, such as locating a carpool or vanpool, or help for organizations to develop corporate commuting policies;
- Air Quality Action Day Bulletins—information on poor air quality days and what people can do to improve the air on those days; and
- Media Center—general media information, frequently asked questions and downloadable materials, such as a logo, press releases and information on how to join Clean Air NY.
Becoming a part of Clean Air NY is free and easy. Simply visit the Web site at CleanAirNY.org or call 1-877-ILUVAIR (1-877-458-8247).
Sign up now to become part of Clean Air NY. |
