Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Air Quality

City Council Moves on Environmental Health, But What About Tailpipes?

By Noah Kazis | May 18, 2010 | 16 Comments

The Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, covered in smog generated in large part by tailpipe emissions. Image: Wikimedia The New York City Council moved on two big pieces of environmental legislation last Wednesday. One bill was introduced which would require landlords to participate in a major public experiment to reduce asthma rates. A second, which passed […]

Study: Fewer Cars on the Street = Healthier Kids

By Noah Kazis | Feb 5, 2010 | 11 Comments

Fewer cars means more walking and healthier kids. Image: jeweledlion via Flickr. Could reducing traffic near children’s homes help America combat its obesity epidemic? A new study conducted by UC Berkeley professor Michael Jerrett strongly suggests the answer is yes. Obesity rates are steadily increasing — more than one-fifth of New Yorkers are now obese, […]

NYC Health Department: Traffic Is Poisoning Our Air

By Brad Aaron | Dec 16, 2009 | 17 Comments

Estimated fine particle concentrations in winter 2008-2009 In a first of its kind report for the city, the Department of Health has issued a wake-up call for New Yorkers of all stripes: Car and truck traffic is killing us, in more ways than one. Collecting ground-level samples at 150 sites for a community air quality […]

Council Targets Roaming Tour Buses, Old School Buses

By Brad Aaron | Sep 17, 2009 | 1 Comment

Photo: artgyrl/Flickr The City Council will hold hearings on new rules for tour bus operators next Monday. Int. 742 would have companies switch from open-air amplification of tour guides to headphone-based systems in buses with unenclosed upper decks or open windows. Int. 836 would require submission of operating plans, including routes, trip times and frequency, […]

Know Your Road Lobbyists: The American Highway Users Alliance

By Elana Schor | Jul 20, 2009 | 7 Comments

For a 77-year-old nonprofit group with substantial Washington clout, the American Highway Users Alliance keeps a pretty low profile. Its members are not listed on its website, but interested parties are asked a few questions: "Are you outraged by the deaths of 120 people each day on our roads? Are you pro-environment AND pro-highway?" Average […]

Streetfilms: “Stop the Pollution, Pick a Solution”

By Robin Urban Smith | Jul 16, 2009 | 1 Comment

Ever heard an anti-idling rap? Or Seen the "Funky Pollution Dance?" Tune in to this video to see what Livable Streets Education students are up to at MS 51 in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

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