Report to the Bethlehem Central School District, November 2003
Final policy of Bethlehem Central School District, January 19, 2005
Final policy of Port Washington
Sample no idling signs

In Bethlehem, we enlisted a group of parents to meet with school officials.  The parent group consisted of two Section members, another lawyer (parent of an asthmatic child), a pediatrician, and a Lung Association representative.

We prepared a report that included FAQs, a recent Yale study, and sample signs.   We met a few times with school officials, including an Assistant Superintendent and the Transportation Director.   The Lung Association representative later met with bus drivers; he presented information about air quality in the Capital District, how bus drivers are at risk from adverse health impacts from diesel exhaust, and how a no idling policy could be adopted with little disruption to driving routines.

We then submitted a draft policy; the District countered with its draft.   The final policy blended the two proposals.    (Although the final policy was adopted in January 2005, the District had already directed its bus drivers in the fall of 2003 to turn off the bus engines while loading and unloading students at district schools.)  We also sought and received funding ($2500) from Senator Neil Breslin for the installation of “no idling” signs at all Bethlehem schools. We are now working with the District to publicize the policy, especially to parents, because the policy also applies to passenger vehicles.