Role Of Air Pollution In New York City

Dylan Oleary

Public Policy: Air Pollution

Policy Statement: New York City Air Pollution Control Code

The topic I chose is Air Pollution. New York City is greatly affected by air pollution since it is such a major environmental threat. This environmental threat contributes to approximately six percent of annual deaths and some studies even show air pollution to be a cause of strokes. Although it is difficult to improve the quality of New York’s air due to the air pollutants that come from millions of sources, it is important that this problem stays under control for the health of the people. Found in the Administrative Code of the City of New York, are the detailed collection of the codified local laws of New York City. This code organizes

the laws by subject and contains 30 titles. Chapter one of Title 24: Environmental Protection and Utilities contains the Air Pollution Control Code. The goal of the New York City Air Pollution Control Code, is to preserve, protect, and improve the air resources of the city (“Air Code”). The New York City Air Pollution Control Code declares that “the emission into the open air of harmful or objectionable substance, including but not limited to smoke, soot, fly ash, dust, fumes, gas, vapors, odors or any products of combustion or incomplete combustion resulting from the use of fuel burning equipment or refuse burning equipment is a menace to the health, welfare and comfort of the people of the city and a cause of extensive damage to property(“New York City Air Pollution Control Code”).The purpose of the code is to promote health, safety, and prevent injury to human, plant, and animal life and property (“New York City Air Pollution Control Code”). New York City’s policy is that everyone be entitled to air that is not detrimental to life and health, as the Air Code establishes policies, standards, and sets forth regulations for air pollution control in NYC.