Twenty-five years ago this month, the fuel spigots at the bus depots of New York City Transit were converted to a new diesel fuel. This “ultra-low sulfur diesel” fuel contained about 15 parts-per-million, or ppm, or less of sulfur, versus traditional diesel levels of around 500 ppm.

At a time when it seems hard to find environmental progress, this is an anniversary to celebrate.

Back then, many New Yorkers held their breath as a bus or truck pulled away from the curb, washing the sidewalk with thick, black smoke. This soot pollution triggered asthma attacks, and was linked to increased bronchitis, cancer, emphysema, heart disease and tens of thousands of premature deaths in the U.S. every year. As a NYC bike rider, I knew the feeling of breathing diesel pollution all too well.

In response, I created the Dump Dirty........

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