Emergency response protocols on days of air quality emergency

Summary

This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to declare any day on which the federal Air Quality Index is expected to or does exceed 150 as a “Spare the Air Day,” and to post on its website and publicly disseminate information concerning the air quality emergency. The bill would also require DEP to work with other agencies to implement emergency response protocols on Spare the Air Days, including by ensuring that all clean air centers are open to the public, distributing face masks, opening High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, and creating short-term access to shelters for homeless individuals. The bill would also prohibit outdoor charcoal grilling on Spare the Air Days, as well as other activities that impair outdoor air quality, as determined by DEP in collaboration with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and any other relevant agency.

Summary from NYC Council (Legistar). How we handle summaries

Your position on this bill

Choose the position closest to yours. You'll sign in or create an account to save it.

Where it stands

Assigned to a committee for review.

Committee on Fire and Emergency Management

Full history

1. Feb 12, 2026

   Introduced

   This Introduction was Introduced by Council

   NYC Council

2. Feb 12, 2026

   Referred to committee

   This Introduction was Referred to Comm by Council to the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management

   NYC Council