The Clean Air Zone Idaho program began in 2004 with an initiative to reduce children’s exposure to school bus diesel exhaust by discouraging idling of buses and encouraging use of alternative fuels in school buses. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) asked schools to adopt no-idle zones outside their schools and to use cleaner biodiesel fuel in their buses when possible. To date, more than 200 schools have joined the program. Click here to learn more about the Clean Air Zone Idaho for schools program.

In 2006, DEQ expanded the program into Idaho communities. The expanded program seeks to reduce emissions by discouraging idling by all types of vehicles at a wide range of public facilities where idling vehicles are common, such as airports, libraries, parks, sports areas, universities, and child care facilities. Businesses with delivery areas, drop-off zones, and drive-up windows are encouraged to participate as well.

The goals of Clean Air Zone Idaho for communities are to:

• Provide a healthier environment for Idaho’s citizens by reducing exposure to the harmful effects of breathing vehicle exhaust.
• Reduce vehicle emissions.
• Encourage use of cleaner alternative fuels.

Save gas and money, too! According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is more gas-efficient to turn the engine off and restart if idling is expected to last more than 30 seconds.

Vehicles emit many pollutants into the air, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants then combine to form secondary pollutants such as fine particulate matter and ozone.

Emissions from an individual car are generally low relative to the smokestack image many people associate with air pollution. Emissions from many cars on the road or idling in a waiting area add up, however, and can have a serious impact on air quality.

In some areas of Idaho, vehicle emissions are the number one cause of air pollution.

Breathing elevated levels of air pollutants can adversely affect human health, especially in sensitive populations such as children, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions such as asthma.

Other potential health problems include birth defects, nerve damage, reduced immunity, and an increased risk of developing cancer.

To date, 29 Idaho cities have enlisted in the Clean Air Zone Idaho for communities program. Also participating are two universities and two community organizations.

For information on joining the Clean Air Zone Idaho for communities program, contact DEQ's Community Outreach Specialist. Participants are provided with free bright outdoor metal "Turn off your engine" signs, window stickers, and posters.