In Arizona, we spend a lot of time in our vehicles — stuck in traffic, waiting in school parking lots and stopped in line in drive-thru lanes. In all of these situations, we are idling, and this idling is contributing to air pollution.

Air pollution from vehicle emissions contributes to a number of health concerns, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions, and is especially a problem for sensitive populations such as children and the elderly. 

ADEQ has launched the first phase of the Idle Reduction Program statewide to support school bus idle reduction. Since vehicle exhaust is even more concentrated at ground level, vehicle loading zones (drop-off and pick-up sites) are a concern for school children and drivers. The goal is to help school districts better understand the impacts of idling and how to take action to improve air quality and health.

Program Participation

School districts have the opportunity to partner with ADEQ to build or grow an Idle Reduction Program in their districts. ADEQ and partner school districts can work together to reduce idling and improve air quality in Arizona by:

• Incorporating idle reduction best practices in the district's transportation procedures and guidelines
• Educating bus drivers about the importance of idle reduction efforts
• Communicating about the school district's idle reduction efforts via website, newsletters, posters, regular reminders, etc.

ADEQ provides support, technical assistance and other idle reduction resources to help school districts to implement best practices | View the Idle Reduction Toolkit >

ADEQ values school districts that partner with us to build a program that improves air quality for students, staff and their community.  Together we can make a difference!

Contact us to learn more about idle reduction program participation | Email >