City of Evansville, IN | Climate Action Dashboard
© 2026
Minimizing vehicle idling means reducing the time cars, buses, and trucks run while stopped. Idling wastes fuel, increases greenhouse gas emissions, and concentrates harmful pollutants near sidewalks and building entrances. Evansville is already taking steps, like the High School Anti-Idling PSA Contest, where students create videos and signs to encourage peers to turn off engines. Schools can also follow state guidance for no-idling zones at drop-off areas, and Indiana law already requires written anti-idling policies in all Vanderburgh County schools.
Evansville METs enforces no idling for hybrid buses using technology that automatically shuts the engine off. By creating “no-idling” zones and posting clear signs throughout the city, we can show that turning off an engine for even 10 seconds produces fewer emissions than restarting it, improving both air quality and public health. Sharing these efforts through social media and newsletters can help reach more drivers and reduce unnecessary engine use.
Metrics
Improves air quality
Policies, practices, and programs that limit fossil fuel combustion reduce the emission of harmful air pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides. Adopting more sustainable actions enhances our air quality, resulting in improved health and a higher quality of life for everyone.
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Improves public health
Policies, practices, and programs that prevent harmful pollution, promote active, healthy lifestyles, and shelter residents from weather extremes lower the risk of chronic disease and premature death. They also enhance public health and wellness, particularly for residents who are most vulnerable to environmental stressors.
