Billy Idol becomes NYC anti-idle ambassador
Billy Idol is the new ambassador for parking violations in New York.
Yes, that Billy Idol.
The Associated Press reported Idol launched the campaign Thursday at New York City Hall with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.
As for why he became the face of the campaign in New York and not Los Angeles, where he lives, Idol said he was made the face of the campaign because of a fan in the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Plus, he said, de Blasio is a fan.
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But the “White Wedding” singer said the ability to play on his stage name was the biggest point of interest.
"I think it was the I-D-L-E and I-D-O-L that sparked the idea that we could have fun with that and at the same time make an important statement for New York and its healthy climate," he told Rolling Stone.
Idling is polluting. Turn your car off…and start agaaaaaaaaaaaain. #BillyNeverIdles https://t.co/CDoYVDi7Bc pic.twitter.com/o2Nzc0KLeE
— NYC Water (@NYCWater) February 27, 2020
“I lived on Long Island when I was very young; those were my first memories of America,” the British American musician said. “I came back to America in the Eighties and had my massive success coming out in New York. This city really means a lot to me, and the idea that I could give back in some way for such a good cause, it was such a great idea. Obviously, the air quality (in New York) is loads better than it was when I lived here, but car idling is a major contributor to air pollution and that’s just not healthy.”
More about the #BillyNeverIdles campaign can be found at billyneveridles.nyc.
About the Author
Kelcie Willis is a writer and online content producer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sociology from the University of Georgia. At the AJC, she covers state, regional and national news with the Content Curation Desk.
