10/03/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2025 09:57
October 3, 2025
What is taking place? Academy Express LLC has applied for a variance from section 24-163 of the Administrative Code, which restricts vehicle idling. The following summary does not substitute for the contents of the full application (petition.) The application states that modern motor coach design requires the engine to run whenever a bus is occupied or during preparations for passengers to board because essential systems all need engine power. It also states that it has not found any commercially available, viable Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) products capable of powering the critical onboard systems. A copy of this petition is posted in the Idling Variance Request Tracker in the "Transportation Emissions" section of the DEP website.
DEP has received at least one objection to the approval of the variance petition. When there is an objection to a variance petition, section 24-110 of the Administrative Code requires DEP to hold a public hearing.
When and where is the hearing? DEP will hold a remote hearing on the variance petition. The hearing will take place at 11:30 am on October 29, 2025. To participate in the hearing by using Microsoft Teams, please follow these instructions:
Meeting ID: 287 460 462 861 6
Passcode: MK92B5Fk
+1 347-921-5612,,536008959# United States, New York City
Find a local number
Phone Conference ID: 536 008 959#
How can you comment on the variance petition? Anyone can comment on the variance petition, either in support of or in opposition to the granting of the variance.
Note: The hearing will be recorded. You may request copies of any written comments or a copy of the hearing recording by making a request under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).