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New York City Indirect Source Rule “WISER” Program

CEQR No. 26DEP021Y

Project Description

The City of New York is proposing an Indirect Source Rule Program for large warehouses to improve air quality in the city. The Warehouse Indirect Source Emissions Reduction (WISER) Program, proposed to be established by local law, would establish a regulatory framework that would require operators of large warehouses to reduce or mitigate the impact of air pollution associated with their warehouse operations in New York City. With the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer shipping, warehouses have become increasingly prominent in the city’s goods movement and logistics network. Approximately 90 percent of goods entering, leaving, or moving within the city are transported by truck. More than 80 percent of city residents receive at least one package per week and many receive more than one. As demand has increased, warehouses have located in proximity to residential areas. Rising volumes of warehouse-related truck traffic have raised concerns about air quality and related public health effects. Vulnerable communities are particularly susceptible to the adverse air quality and health effects of truck engine emissions.

The WISER Program is designed to reduce air pollution, improve air quality and reduce health disparities in the city without displacing businesses.

Notice of Public Scoping Meeting

In accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) (Section 8-0113, Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law) as set forth in 6 NYCRR Part 617, and the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) process, as set forth in Executive Order 91 of 1977 and its amendments, DEP has issued a Notice of Positive Declaration, Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Lead Agency Declaration and Draft Scope of Work.

DEP will hold a virtual public scoping meeting to receive public comments on the Draft Scope of Work on:

  • Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 4:00PM. Register here for the public meeting.

    Individuals who wish to provide verbal comments during the public meeting must register in advance using the link above. Attendees may register either to speak or to observe the meeting.

    Those who wish to view the meeting only and do not plan to speak may watch the live stream here.

The Draft Scope of Work provides a summary description of the Program and the methodologies to be used in preparing the Draft EIS impact analyses. Comments on the Draft Scope of Work may be presented at the meeting or submitted in writing or by email.

Written comments on the Draft Scope of Work will be accepted until December 17, 2026, at 4:00PM. DEP will subsequently issue a Final Scope of Work, which will include responses to written comments and comments received during the public meeting and may incorporate revisions in response to comments received.

Contact

Dana Taplin, Project Manager

NYC Department of Environmental Protection
59-17 Junction Boulevard, 4th floor
Flushing, NY 11373
dtaplin@dep.nyc.gov

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