NO-IDLING CAMPAIGN BY LAND, AIR, AND WATER COMMITTEE Prepared by Mike Richter, RRT November, 2009 Sustainable Cherry Hill

The Problem Camden- Phila region is the 23 rd most polluted (air) region in the U.S. Camden County has diesel particulate emissions in excess of EPA safe threshold, affecting 100,000’s of school-age children 20% of school-age children have asthma triggered by air pollution

Current Public Policy Regarding Idling Most medical groups (American Lung Association, schools nurses, etc) have policy positions re: no- idling Several states have laws that limit idling to 3-5 min NJ is supporting a Clean Diesel retrofit program Idling contributes to greenhouse gases/ global warming

A Community Approach to Idling Abatement The “carrot and stick” methods SCH has to agree on the paths to take, involving: politics, expenses, securing community/regional participation, manpower, etc.

Who Are the Stakeholders? Medical and Public Health Professionals Local/ Regional Government Community groups Schools

How Does SCH start a “No Idling” Campaign? Secure official endorsement from Mayor and Council (done) Secure official endorsement from School Board (done) Assign responsibility to specific committee (done) Adopt a specific plan of action developed at the committee level

Possible Participants Regional Hospitals School Groups (PTAs, Administration, school nurses, environmental clubs, etc) Specific medical groups (pulmonary MDs, public health agencies, etc) Government authorities (NJ DEP, EPA, NJ Dept of Health, Freeholders, etc.)

Possible Participants (continued) Business community (Chamber of Commerce, mall owners, etc) Community Groups (Girl/Boy Scouts) Advocacy Organizations (Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, etc) The faith community

Short Term Goals Look for dedicated funds for SCH to underwrite specific needs (i.e. signage, bumper stickers, etc.) Plan an organizing conference for Jan 2010 SCH Board to ask for police involvement!

Long Term Goal Organize a “Clean Air Summit” in 1 st qtr 2010