Buscaino seeks air-quality watchdog system to target idling commercial vehicles in LA

A motion aimed at creating an air complaint system in Los Angeles was introduced to the City Council by Councilman Joe Buscaino, who said it would be modeled after New York’s Citizens Air Complaint Program.

Buscaino introduced the motion during Wednesday’s City Council meeting. If passed, it would direct the City Administrative Officer to work with other departments on a feasibility report on creating a community-reporting system for idling commercial vehicles that would be integrated into 311 or a similar online tool.

“Creating a program similar to New York’s will empower residents with yet another tool to hold industry accountable for the impacts felt by community members,” Buscaino said Thursday. “After years of behind the scenes work, all the pieces are falling into place to create comprehensive, long-term solutions to address the bevy of freight truck issues that have plagued the Wilmington community.”

The motion notes that some drivers ignore “no truck/bus idling” signs and leave their engines on while stalled on streets, including in communities near the Port of Los Angeles.

It adds that enforcement can be tricky because agencies must catch drivers in the act. However, New York Citizens Air Complaint Program, which began in 2018, allows people to report infractions by submitting a video. People who report receive 25% of the fine that the city collects on that specific idling vehicle.

“This has been considered a successful program, drastically increasing the number of citations issued for idling commercial vehicles, simply by leveraging the eyes and ears of members of the community,” the motion states.

Buscaino represents the 15th Council District which includes San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and the Port of L.A. He is also a candidate to succeed termed-out Eric Garcetti as mayor of L.A.