Best Practice Action 23.3
GreenStep City Best Practices: Environmental Management
Local Air Quality No. 23
Prevent generation of local air contaminants so as to improve community health.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 3
Reduce local vehicle pollution from vehicle idling, high-polluting vehicles, and gasoline filling stations.
NOTE: BPA 23.3 previously included decreasing air emissions from stationary engines/back-up generators. As of August 2026, these sources have moved to BPA 23.4. Any actions relating to generators reported prior to this change will remain under this BPA.
- MPCA’s Air We Breathe report identifies transportation as the second largest emitter of air toxics pollution most likely to affect people’s health.
Mapping Air pollution
- Use the MPCA Air Pollution Score on the Environmental Justice Areas of Concern Map (MPCA) to locate areas that have higher risks of health effects from air pollution and could benefit from targeted policy, assistance, and incentives.
- A MN Dept. of Health website shows the percentage of residents living within 300 meters of busy roads, where air pollution from motor vehicle traffic is highest.
Vehicle Idling
- Anti-idling resources are available from the MPCA, including model policies and educational materials for schools and a comprehensive city policy from Minneapolis.
- People park and wait with the engine on because it is the norm and they don’t think to turn the engine off. Conduct an educational campaign for people to kick the habit, such as the “I turn it off” campaign from Sustainable America. Install anti-idling signs with positive messaging about the new norms at park-and-wait hot spots like schools. Encourage schools to work with their students to develop and run anti-idling campaigns.
- Clean Cities and Communities connects stakeholders and provides resources related to sustainable transportation, including reducing idling. They have an “Idlebox”: a toolkit for idle reduction and outreach. They also provide a list of funding opportunities related to implementing alternative fuels, advancing vehicle technologies, and fuel-saving strategies.
- If you have parking enforcement staff, consider training them to talk to drivers about idling.
- Zero-emission zones, also called Clean Air Zones or Low Emission Zones, are designated areas where only bikes, pedestrians, and/or low or zero emission vehicles are allowed. The World Resources Institute reports on how Zero-Emission Zones Are Helping Some Cities Fight Pollution (2024). The Clean Air Fund provides a comprehensive guide for policy makers to implement a Clean Air Zone in Clean Air Zones: Practical guidance for cities (2025).
- Federal legislation in 2025 locks in Opportunity Zones and provides tax incentives for private developers in these low-income areas. This could support efforts to develop these areas as clean air zones.
- Vehicles idle waiting at drive thrus and curbside pick-up options. Work with businesses to encourage patrons to park and turn off their engines while they wait. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and creates more CO2 than turning off and restarting your engine, according to Clean Cities.
- Ordinances can be enacted to ban or reduce idling. This spreadsheet from Clean Cities’ IdleBase (2020) compiles ordinances throughout the United States.
High-emitting vehicles
- An estimated 25% of passenger vehicles cause 90% of local mobile air pollution, mostly due to older cars having outdated or broken emission controls and exhaust equipment. The Environmental Initiative has started Project CAR to help address this problem for people with low incomes.
- MPCA’s webpage on vehicle tampering has information about why tampering with exhaust controls is a problem and how to recognize the places where it happens.
Gasoline Filling Stations and Auto Shops:
- Gasoline vapors contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. In 2020 alone, gasoline service stations throughout Minnesota accounted for over 11 million pounds of VOC emissions.
- The MPCA has provided grants in the past to help reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the filling of underground storage tanks at gasoline dispensing facilities by adding Stage 1 vapor recovery systems.
- The City of Coon Rapids installed a coaxial VRS in July 2019. Annually, they are able to eliminate over 700 pounds of air emissions from their underground tank. The system was installed for just over $1,500, with half of the funding covered by a grant from the MPCA.
- The City of Edina has an underground storage tank with annual throughput of over 100,000 gallons. Installing a stage 1 vapor recovery system in 2019 complemented the city’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Annually, the stage one vapor recovery system will divert 710 pounds of VOC emissions, adding up to 3.5 tons over ten years.
- Solvents are used in painting, cleaning and other industrial and commercial operations. Most of these solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Safer alternatives can be chosen, and MNTAP provides a list of safer products that work, especially on degreasers. Solvent-based degreasers clean auto parts and are frequently used at auto shops.
- This flyer from the University of Washington provides guidance to stay safe, and find safer options, when using degreasers at auto shops.
Boating and air quality on the water
- Conduct an educational campaign to inform residents and businesses about the benefits of switching out gas-powered watercraft and outboard engines motors for battery-powered electric equipment. This could be part of a general “clean boating” campaign.
- If annual or day passes are required for lake/river use, make electric and non-motorized boats free/cheaper than gas-powered ones.
- Greater Minnesota generally enjoys good air quality because roads and facilities are spread out. In these areas, recreational equipment is often a top source of local air pollution that can impact health. For communities on the water, this includes boats. Many of these areas are also environmental justice areas of concern for income or are home to older adults, who are more likely to be affected by air pollution.
- Boats contributed nearly 3% of the air pollution released in Minnesota in 2020 – that’s more than 120 million pounds of pollution. By contrast, commercial ships contributed 0.04%, or 1.6 million pounds.
- Association of Marina Industries offers Clean and Resilient Marina accreditation to marinas that run an eco-friendly and sustainable operation.
- This guide explains the benefits of four-stroke boat engines, and how they differ from 2-stroke engines.
- Michigan’s Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge establishes a grant program that will support the decarbonization and electrification of both marinas and watercraft across the state.
- Sea Change: Why The Electric Boat Industry Is Sailing Toward Northern Michigan
- This German lake, Konigssee, has only allowed electric and self-propelled boats since 1909. Now, the lake is a popular tourist destination for its pristine, drinkable water and quiet atmosphere that allows visitors to hear echoes, a result of its lack of motorized boats.
Trucking:
- Project GreenFleet is a collaborative effort led by Minnesota's Environmental Initiative, to help business, government agencies, and non-profit organizations work together to improve air quality and protect public health by reducing emissions, currently focused on diesel-fueled heavy construction vehicles.
- Since 2004 the U.S. EPA's SmartWay transportation program has helped shippers, carriers, and logistic companies save money and advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Cities can reach out to encourage local companies to use SmartWay tools, and can recognize and publicize the good works of SmartWay participants.
- MPCA often offers heavy-duty diesel replacement grants.
- MPCA provides financing for auxiliary power units through its Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan program.
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Who's doing it
Bemidji -
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d.) In 2010, students at Bemidji State University approached administration to implement a 100% smoke free campus. A smoking ban was implemented for all of campus including the residential halls in April of 2011.
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Descriptive links: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/about/tobacco_free/history/
For more information contact:
Michelle Miller (City staff) | michelle.miller@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-759-3561
Partners:
Hutchinson -
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The ice resurfacers for the two City owned and operated indoor ice rinks are now completely electric-operated, thereby eliminating dangerous indoor air pollution from the resurfacers in the rink areas.
Additionally, the publicly owned Park Towers multi-family residential home is smoke-free, as are most of the multi-family housing units located around the City.
Additionally, the publicly owned Park Towers multi-family residential home is smoke-free, as are most of the multi-family housing units located around the City.
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For more information contact:
John Paulson (City staff) | jpaulson@ci.hutchinson.mn.us | 320-234-5682
Partners: Hutchinson HRA
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe -
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Leech lake Housing authority has a no smoking policy in certain community developments.
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For more information contact:
Brandy Toft (City staff) | air@lldrm.org | 218-335-7429
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New Prague -
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Year action initially completed: 2015
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In 2015, the City installed catalysts on all of its generators, including the electric utility generators, to reduce emissions while they are being used.
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For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
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Red Wing -
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The Red Wing Housing Authority established a no-smoking policy for public housing in full for the indoors and at restricted times and at only certain places on the property outside.
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Golden Valley -
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Golden Valley adopted a Smoke Free Environment ordinance (Section 14-21 of City Code) in 2005. The ordinance prohibits smoking in: both indoor and outdoor dining areas of liquor and food establishments, within 25 feet of any outdoor dining area at any liquor or food establishment, public places, places of work, within 25 feet of entrances, exits, open windows, and ventilation intakes of public places and places of work, and in public parks and recreation facilities.
In 2008, Golden Valley adopted a no-idling policy for the police department and other City departments with vehicles. In the first summer with the new policy, the police realized a savings of $1,600 per month due to decreased fuel use. In addition to cost savings, and benefits to the environment, the policy helps to extend the life of the vehicle fleet.
In 2008, Golden Valley adopted a no-idling policy for the police department and other City departments with vehicles. In the first summer with the new policy, the police realized a savings of $1,600 per month due to decreased fuel use. In addition to cost savings, and benefits to the environment, the policy helps to extend the life of the vehicle fleet.
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Descriptive links: https://library.municode.com/mn/golden_valley/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIGEOR_CH14HESA_ARTIISM_S14-21SMRE
For more information contact:
Jason Zimmerman (City staff) | jzimmerman@goldenvalleymn.gov | (763)-593-8099
Partners:
New Hope -
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Year action initially completed: 2012
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From 2011-2012, the city replaced 3 inefficient inspectors vehicles with energy-efficient Ford Fusion cars.
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For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
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Prairie Island Indian Community -
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Prairie Island Indian Community adopted the Healthier Environment Tobacco Policy (Tribal Council -Resolution No. 17-03-08-35) in 2017. The policy limits the use of commercial tobacco products in public spaces. It states that there shall be no commercial tobacco use of any kind within 50 feet of all non-commercial buildings and entities owned by the Prairie Island Indian community as well as no use of commercial tobacco products in community playgrounds and outdoor recreational areas. The use of sacred traditional tobacco for prayer, ceremony and memorial on Community property and buildings is allowed, promoted, and supported by the policy.
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Descriptive File: view file
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For more information contact:
Leya Charles (City Staff) | Leya.Charles@piic.org | 6513854115
Partners:
Richfield -
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The City Code at 840.13 states, "No person may use tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products, as these items are defined in section 1146 of this Code, on City-owned parks, conservation areas, open spaces, or recreational facilities, including without limitation: trails within parks used for walking and biking, picnic shelters, athletic fields, and play areas. This subsection does not apply to the use of tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, electronic delivery devices, or nicotine or lobelia delivery products inside motor vehicles parked on the premises of City-owned parks, conservation areas, open spaces or recreational facilities."
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Descriptive links: https://library.municode.com/mn/richfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CHVIIISTALPUGR_S840PUPA_840.13USTOPRPR
For more information contact:
Jennifer Anderson (City staff) | jenniferanderson@richfieldmn.gov | 612-861-9881
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Sartell -
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Year action initially completed: 2016
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The city implemented a comprehensive ban on Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use at all City-owned properties (greenways, parks, City Hall, etc.)
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For more information contact:
Nate Keller (City staff) | nate.keller@sartellmn.com | 320-258-7316
Partners: BLEND - CentraCare
Eagan -
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The City has a No Idling policy for city fleet, with few exceptions due to inclement weather. The policy has resulted in a significant decrease in idling and has been a cultural and behavioral change across all departments.
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For more information contact:
Andrew Pimental (City Staff) | apimental@cityofeagan.com | 651-675-5506
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Edina -
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The Energy and Environment Commission has installed signs around school drop off and pick up areas and encouraged a ‘no idling’ education effort.
The City provides local air quality and electric vehicle education on its website in partnership with a MPCA local air quality grant.
The City provides local air quality and electric vehicle education on its website in partnership with a MPCA local air quality grant.
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Descriptive links: http://edinamn.gov/index.php?section=go_green_edina
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Fergus Falls -
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The City of Fergus Falls turns the downtown street lights to a flashing mode during the overnight hours to reduce the amount of idling. City policies against idling of vehicles are in place for the Public Works Department and the Police Department. The City of Fergus Falls is working with Partnership4 Health regarding a tobacco free policy.
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For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
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Maplewood -
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The city of Maplewood has an Idling Policy in place for city vehicles.
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Descriptive links: http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2378
For more information contact:
Scott Schultz (City Staff) | scott.schultz@maplewoodmn.gov | (651) 249-2430
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Saint Cloud -
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The City has enacted a section of the Ordinance that prohibits that idling of vehicles longer than 5 minutes within a two-block long section of and main thoroughfare in the downtown area. The measure was enacted to implement the Citys transportation control plan for air quality improvements. Enforcement measures are directed toward the time period of greatest need for air quality improvement between 8am and 5pm.
The Public Works Department has implemented a No-Idling policy for city vehicles on coffee and restroom breaks and to keep travel distances to a minimum. The division continues to look for new ideas to conserve fuel and keep fuel costs to a minimum.
The Public Works Department has implemented a No-Idling policy for city vehicles on coffee and restroom breaks and to keep travel distances to a minimum. The division continues to look for new ideas to conserve fuel and keep fuel costs to a minimum.
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For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Lydia Godfrey, Neighborhood Air Pollution Control Lead, MPCA, Lydia.godfrey@state.mn.us, 651-757-2275, www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/air-quality