I have so many songs running through my head right now: “Baby, it’s cold outside,” because it is freezing this morning in New York (but will take a crazy turn later today); the song from the Troll movie, “I’m not giving up today
There’s nothing getting in my way. And if you knock, knock me over
I will get back up again.” As corny as the second song is, I have to keep singing it to myself.

There is a school on my block in Brooklyn. Every morning, regardless of the season, the weather, the day of the week, there are several teachers who run their cars while waiting to get into work. Not for a minute or so, but I have watched them idle their cars for up to an HOUR before they go into the building.

The New York City Administrative Code, Title 24, Section 24-163 was amended in 2009 to state that no vehicle can idle in front of a school for more than one minute. It does not stipulate that the school must be open. It is at ANY time that a vehicle cannot idle in front of a school for more than a minute. Yet, day after day these teachers are doing it.

Whose job is it to enforce this law? It does fall under the Department of Environmental Protection, but they don’t have feet on the ground everywhere. The best you can do is to call it into NYC311 and hope for the best. But that is not working. Seriously.

You can call NYC311 and report it. (NYC311 does now take these calls more seriously–so that is a win!!). I have called these cars in multiple times, and despite them carrying a hefty fine of $350 for a first offender, New York City is not doing anything to enforce this law or make some much needed funds for the city. I contacted the principal who said she would speak to her staff, but they are still out there running. I have called this person, and that person, sent emails and I have gotten knocked down over again and again.

For a few weeks now, I have been in contact with my state Senator’s office. A very nice individual responds to my emails. Recently they said, “Don’t forget there is COVID, and that is slowing everyone down.” Don’t I know it. I have COVID fatigue, everyone has COVID fatigue. However, there are so many ills in our society, I get that–but it doesn’t mean that saving our planet can’t be a priority at the same time. (This same person also encouraged me to keep slogging away–and I am).

I have said it once, and I will say it again. I am NOT asking for a new law, or a change to the law. I am simply asking New York City, Brooklyn, my local state Senator, my local precinct and the principal at the corner to enforce this law that is more than a decade old; maybe that means the duty is given to traffic cops, or a new department is made from the funds of issuing these tickets. I don’t know, but there has to be a solution. I have no horse in this race, except for the hope that maybe OUR planet will be allowed to heal itself.

I will get up again, even on the days when the climate crisis seems soul crushing. Giving up is not an option because everyone needs the earth to work properly, not just me. Special shout out to my friend Alice Van Tassell Bowman, who texted me this morning to say that even in 15 degree weather, she did not idle her car (next post will address freezing temps and idling).

Since The Troll song is stuck in my head, I Googled Troll and environment.
Thomas Dambo is a world-renowned artist building trolls all over the world to raise awareness for the environment. It is beautiful.