• Toronto Celebrates Earth Day With Hybrid Bus Arrival

• Poll Shows Growing Consumer Willingness to Buy Alternative-Fueled Cars

• LaPorte Goes Biodiesel

• University of Toledo Partners With EPA on Hybrids

• Tour De Sol Rolls Into New York

• Transit Ridership Up As Americans Grapple With High Gas Prices

• EPA Honors Willie Nelson For Biodiesel Efforts

• New Study Urges Texas School Bus Cleanup

• CARB Approves Ports Emissions Reduction Plan

• Saab Unveils BioPower Hybrid Concept Car

• Idle Reduction Technology Arrives in Oregon

• National Fuel Cell Bus Program Seeks Proposals

• EPA Offers Grants for Truck Fuel Conservation

• Events

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Toronto Celebrates Earth Day With Hybrid Bus Arrival

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) marked Earth Day with the arrival of the first of its 150 hybrid buses.  The hybrid bus, which is manufactured by Orion Bus Industries, a division of DaimlerChrysler, is equipped with BAE Systems HybriDrive series electric drivetrain.  Once the remaining buses are delivered, TTC will have the largest hybrid bus fleet in Canada .  The hybrid buses are estimated to improve fuel efficiency by 25 to 35 percent while reducing particulate matter emissions by 90 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by 40 percent and producing fewer greenhouse gases (a 30 percent reduction) when compared to a conventional diesel bus.

TTC spent an estimated $110 million to purchase the diesel-electric hybrid buses; federal funding covered one-third of the estimated $750,000 cost per bus. The buses will comprise 10 percent of TTC’s 1,500 bus fleet.  TTC also fuels 180 of its buses with biodiesel and recently made the shift to ultra-low sulfur diesel.

  Poll Shows Growing Consumer Willingness to Buy Alternative-Fueled Cars

A new Wall Street Journal Online/ Harris Interactive poll reveals that an increasing number of Americans are willing to consider an alternative-fueled car for their next vehicle purchase.  One-quarter of the 2,516 respondents surveyed indicated that they would seriously consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle; seven percent opted for an ethanol-fueled vehicle; and two percent chose a diesel vehicle, while 37 percent opted for a gasoline-powered vehicle as their choice. 

In addition, the poll shows that buyers from the West were more likely to consider an alternative-fueled vehicle when compared to the Northeast.  Overall, almost half of the respondents cited environmental concerns as a motivation for choosing a “cleaner” car while nearly an equal percentage indicated that rising fuel costs would drive their decision to purchase an alternative-fueled vehicle.  Buyers from the West and women overall were more likely to consider environmental impact when purchasing a car.   Over a quarter of the respondents were willing to pay up to $1000 extra for an alternative-fueled vehicle, and 16 percent were willing to pay up to $20,000 in incremental costs when compared to eight percent who were unwilling to pay additional costs associated with an alternative-fueled car.   The poll results indicate growing support for advanced technologies (such as hybrids) and alternative fuels (such as ethanol) among Americans as they struggle to cope with sky-rocketing gas prices.    

Results of the Wall Street Journal/ Harris Interactive survey are available at:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114479134856723299.html?mod=article-outset-box
(subscription required)

 LaPorte Goes Biodiesel

The city of LaPorte , Indiana is joining the state’s drive to become a biofuels leader with the announcement that it will fuel the city’s 70 dump trucks, snow plows, heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles with a biodiesel blend.   The city will use a blend of B20 (80 percent petroleum diesel, 20 percent biodiesel) supplied from the New Energy plant in South Bend.   “In one year’s time, we’ve gone from nowhere to national leadership in biofuels,” says Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman. 

Indiana has pushed aggressively for the development of the biofuels industry in the state.  Last month, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced that the state will be home to the world’s largest biodiesel plant near Claypool.  The plant with an 80 million gallon capacity will be built by Louis Dreyfus Agriculture Industries LLC, creating 85 new jobs and 300 temporary jobs.  The production facility will be the first biodiesel production plant to be fully integrated with a soybean processing plant, converting about 260,000 metric tons of soybean oil into biodiesel.  In addition, Indiana has two other biodiesel plants currently under construction, which will bring total capacity to 95 million gallons of biodiesel per year for these three plants.  In comparison, the total biodiesel production nationwide in 2005 was estimated to be 75 million gallons.

  University of Toledo Partners With EPA on Hybrids

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a cooperative agreement with the University of Toledo to improve and optimize the components of hybrid-hydraulic systems for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.   The $450,000 three-year agreement will have applicability for both light and heavy-duty vehicles equipped with hybrid-hydraulic systems.   The hybrid- hydraulic system uses hydraulic pressure to recapture energy lost through braking, and then releases the pressure during acceleration. The EPA estimates hydraulic hybrids could improve fuel economy up to 55 percent, versus 30 percent to 40 percent for a conventional gas-electric hybrid.

For more information on the EPA-University of Toledo partnership, please see:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/technology/420f06030.pdf

  Tour De Sol Rolls Into New York

The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) invites all hybrid and biofuel vehicle drivers to participate in the 2006 Tour de Sol, to be held Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 14 at Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, NY.  The 2006 Tour de Sol will celebrate progress made toward more environmentally-friendly vehicles that use less fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  A weekend “green car show,” several competitions, and a “student day” is expected to attract thousands of people including the public, students, manufacturers, and government leaders.  Now in its 18th year, the Tour de Sol will showcase hybrid, natural gas, biofuel, electric, and fuel cell vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Lexus, and Ford, to name a few.  

The 2006 Tour de Sol will feature competitions that showcase advanced technology such as the Monte Carlo-style Rally and High-Mileage Challenge, which offers advanced vehicle owners an opportunity to showcase their high-mileage driving skills in hybrid and biofueled vehicles as well as the Tour de Sol Championship which challenges students, independent teams, and auto manufacturers to build vehicles that aim to reduce gasoline use and work toward zero climate change emissions.

To find out more about Tour De Sol, please visit:
http://www.nesea.org/transportation/tour/

 Transit Ridership Up As Americans Grapple With High Gas Prices

A new survey from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reveals that in 2005, Americans took more than 9.7 million trips on public transit.  Public transportation grew at a faster rate than highway travel (1.2 percent for transit when compared to 0.1 percent for highways), a growing sign that people are turning to transit as a way to reduce high transportation costs.

Light rail (streetcars, trolleys and heritage trolleys) saw the highest rate of increase (overall 6 percent in 2005) with some cities such as Minneapolis (168.9 percent); Houston (38.0 percent); New Jersey (17.8 percent); Salt Lake City (13.3 percent); Sacramento (12.8 percent) and Los Angeles (10.5 percent) registering significant growth.   Commuter rail registered a growth rate of 2.8 percent while heavy rail saw a growth of 2.3 percent.   Since 1995, transit ridership has grown by 25.1 percent when compared to highway travel (22.5 percent).   “The ridership growth over the past 10 years demonstrates that Americans want transportation choices and will often leave their cars behind when quality public transit services are available,” says APTA President William W. Millar. 

According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation saves more than 855 million gallons of gasoline each year.  Experts suggest that if Americans used transit at the same rate as Europeans - for 10 percent of their transportation needs - the U.S. would reduce its dependence on foreign oil by more than 40 percent.  With accompanying gas prices skyrocketing, Americans are increasingly looking to reduce the burden of high transportation costs.  In addition, state and local officials from areas in non-attainment of federal air quality standards are looking for ways to reduce emissions from the transportation sector.  Transit offers a way to address these concerns while providing multiple societal benefits.

EPA Honors Willie Nelson For Biodiesel Efforts

Where there’s a BioWillie, there’s a way.  Country legend Willie Nelson is being honored by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for his efforts to promote biodiesel.  The EPA Region 9 will recognize Nelson at its 8^th Annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco .   The awards recognize contributions to the environment in California , Arizona , Nevada , Hawaii , Pacific Islands and tribal lands.  This year, EPA will recognize 39 groups and individuals out of  166 nominees.  According to EPA Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri, “These groups and individuals have applied creativity, teamwork and leadership in addressing many of the West’s most pressing and complex environmental problems.”   

Nelson has been a tireless advocate for biodiesel nationwide.   In December 2004, he founded the Willie Nelson Biodiesel Company to make available renewable, cleaner burning biodiesel at truck stops across the country.  His goal is to increase the use of this fuel to help reduce dependence on foreign oil and support local farmers.  Nelson’s advocacy has significantly increased the visibility of biodiesel.  Recently Willie Nelson Biodiesel partnered with Pearson Ford Fuels based in San Diego and distributor Plavan Petroleum to create California ’s first “BioWillie” biodiesel retail outlet.  

For more information about BioWillie biodiesel, please see:
http://www.wnbiodiesel.com/

For more information about EPA Region 9 Environmental Awards, please see:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/
9e50770d29adb32685257018004d06fd/f1f7254ccd34aa9c852571540060c78e!OpenDocument

New Study Urges Texas School Bus Cleanup

A new report released by environmental non-profit group Environmental Defense, highlights the diesel pollution threat posed by school buses in Texas and options for the mitigation of this danger.  The report, “A Breath of Fresh Air,” provides a comprehensive inventory of the estimated 35,000 Texas school buses, of which more than one-third are twenty years or older.  Older school buses produce almost 25-60 times more particulate pollution than a new bus (2007 model).  Although new diesel engine emission standards are slated to come into effect in 2007, these standards will not address the pollution caused by existing buses.   

The report calls for the replacement of the state’s oldest buses and the retrofit of existing buses with pollution control devices such as oxidation catalysts and particulate filters.  At the present rate of clean up, only 10 percent of the state’s school bus fleet will be cleaned up by 2006.  As schools struggle with tight budgets and additional fuel costs, the opportunities for cleanup are very limited.  A potential funding source for these efforts is the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP) which is expected to end up with a $50 million surplus.  The program is funded from fees on commercial vehicle inspections, registrations, title transfers and sales tax.  However, under current restrictions, school buses are not eligible for TERP funding.  The Texas Legislature would need to amend this provision in order for schools to be able to use the funds to clean up buses.

To read this report, please see: http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/colin/TexasSchoolBusReportApril2006.pdf’

CARB Approves Ports Emissions Reduction Plan

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced that it has approved a plan to cut emissions from domestic and international goods movement throughout the state.  The emissions reduction plan is part of a broader Goods Movement Action Plan being jointly carried out by the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency (BT&H).   Phase I of this overall plan calls for the reduction of goods movement emissions to 2001 levels by 2010; reduction of diesel health risks 85 percent by 2020 and ensure sufficient localized risk reduction in affected communities (those especially impacted due to proximity to goods movement emissions). 

The plan is expected to cut nitrogen oxide (NO_X) emissions by 63 percent, sulfur oxide (SO_X) emissions by 78 percent and reduce the health risk from diesel particulate matter by 85 percent.   CARB estimates the cost of the emissions reductions to be between $6-10 billion over the next 15 years.  However, the health benefits from these reductions are expected to be substantial, ranging from $34 – 47 billion. The plan is projected to save more than 1,500 lives when fully implemented by 2020.  Key strategies in the plan include a combination of regulatory actions, incentive programs, lease agreements, voluntary actions, and careful land-use decisions.   These strategies address emissions from trucks, locomotives, marine vessels, harbor craft, and cargo handling equipment. 

According to CARB, the most challenging emission source to address is ocean-going ships.  These ships are powered by highly polluting bunker fuel and employ very few emission controls.  New CARB regulations requiring the use of low-sulfur diesel in auxiliary engines in ships will help with emission reductions. Similarly, harbor craft emissions will be regulated by a 2004 CARB rule requiring low-sulfur diesel use, starting in 2007.  Additionally, CARB is considering a new rule to clean up existing harbor craft propulsion and auxiliary engines through replacement, retrofit and use of alternative fuels.   Trucks, which are the largest contributor to port-related NO_X emissions, will be cleaned up through replacement, retrofit, use of cleaner diesel, and implementation of anti-idling strategies.  Pollution from locomotives is being addressed through the upgrade and retrofit of existing locomotive engines.  Emissions from cargo-handling equipment, which pose a major diesel health risk due to proximity to local communities, will be regulated through new engine standards, and retrofit of existing equipment with pollution control devices.

In related news, the Port of Los Angeles announced that it will require all new lease agreements to include emission-reduction provisions.  The regulations apply specifically to companies renting real estate in the port.  They must provide Alternative Maritime Power dockside to ships so that ships can operate onboard electronics using the electrical grid instead of idling.  The Port of Los Angeles is the largest port in the United States and is a significant source of air pollution in the Los Angeles area.   In 2005, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions resulting from port activity were estimated at 25,000 and 1,500 tons, respectively, and were projected to increase to 37,000 and 2,600 tons without new emissions controls by 2025.

For more details on CARB’s emissions reduction plan, please see:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/gmerp/march21plan/march22_plan.pdf

Saab Unveils BioPower Hybrid Concept Car

Saab Automobile, a division of General Motor Corporation, recently unveiled an ethanol-powered hybrid convertible at the Stockholm Motor Show in April 2006.  The BioPower Hybrid Concept is powered by a 260 horse-power (hp) 2.0 liter turbo engine which runs on 100 percent ethanol and two electric motors.  The car is estimated to generate up to three times the torque when compared to its gasoline equivalent. 

The hybrid system comprises of a 300-volt lithium-ion battery pack, a 38kW rear-mounted electric motor, and a 15 kW integrated starter generator.  According to Saab, the car produces zero fossil fuel emissions and is capable of operating in an all electric ‘Zero Mode’ for city driving.  The ‘Zero Mode’ allows the vehicle to shut off the engine at speeds lower than 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour).  The battery pack provides a range between 6-12 miles with the engine turning back on when the car speeds up, or the battery reaches a low charge level.  The battery pack is recharged by regenerative braking.   According to Jan Ake Jonsson, Saab’s Managing Director, “Hybrids are certainly interesting for Saab in the future and this project allows us to evaluate and explore the potential of hybrid technology in combination with BioPower.”

The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is the first project to be developed under a joint program with General Motors Research and Development and the Swedish Government.  The partnership is focused on engine emissions, vehicle safety, and advanced manufacturing in collaboration with universities, research laboratories and suppliers.

For more information on the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, please visit:
http://www.saab.com/main/GLOBAL/en/hybrid_intro.shtml

Idle Reduction Technology Arrives in Oregon

The Energy and Engine Technology Corporation recently launched its auxiliary power unit (APU) designed to allow trucks to run onboard appliances without idling their engines.  The company is opening an installation center in Portland , Oregon and is in the process of negotiating with local dealers to sell its units in the state.  The AXP 1000 APU is a 349cc generator that runs on diesel fuel from the truck’s fuel tank.  According to the Energy and Engine Technology Corporation, the APU can power onboard appliances using only 10 percent of the fuel that an idling engine uses.  Combining the fuel savings with less frequent engine maintenance due to reduced idling is expected to offer substantial savings. The unit is estimated to pay for itself in reduced fuel costs in eight months.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski is excited about the prospect of reducing diesel emissions and encouraging energy saving companies in Oregon .  Present at the Energy and Engine Technology Corporation AXP 100 APU launch, he said, “Today, we’re celebrating a major step in the cause to make Oregon ’s air cleaner. We’re reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and bolstering clean new industries such as the Energy and Engine Technology Corporation that create clean, family-wage jobs.”

For more information on the AXP 1000 APU please see:
http://www.eent.net/axp1000.htm

National Fuel Cell Bus Program Seeks Proposals

The National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program (NFCBP) is seeking proposals to demonstrate fuel cell bus technology and related infrastructure projects.  This new program was authorized by the recently enacted transportation law SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy For Users).  A total of $49 million in funding is available from FY 2006 - FY 2009 to facilitate the development of commercially viable fuel cell buses and related infrastructure.  In 2006, Congress appropriated $11.14 million for the program.  Up to three geographically diverse nonprofit organizations with transit agency participants will be selected under a competitive process.  The Program requires a 50 percent non-federal match.  Regional consortia in partnership with transit agencies are encouraged to apply.

Interested participants should contact FTA's Program Manager, Shang Hsiung, by email at shang.hsiung@fta.dot.org or 202-366-0241.  Submissions are due by May 10, 2006.  Selected white papers will be invited to submit full proposals.

More information about the program and submission details is available at:
http://www.fta.dot.gov/17973_18273_ENG_HTML.htm

EPA Offers Grants for Truck Fuel Conservation

To help promote energy efficiency and protect the environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making up to $350,000 available to evaluate energy saving and emission reduction technologies for long haul trucks.  The technologies include wide-based tires, advanced trailer aerodynamics, idle reduction devices, automatic tire inflation systems, and diesel oxidation catalysts.  The grant opportunity is part of EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership program, a collaborative voluntary program between EPA and the freight industry that focuses on increasing energy efficiency and energy security while reducing air pollution

Applications are being accepted from eligible entities such as states, universities, and other public or private nonprofit institutions.  The deadline for submitting an application is May 15, 2006.

For more information, please see:
Request for applications: http://www.epa.gov/oar/grants/06-07.pdf
Amendments: http://www.epa.gov/oar/grants/06-07amend01.pdf
Questions and Answers: http://www.epa.gov/oar/grants/06-07qa.pdf

Healthy Communities for Young and Old: How Transit and Better Community Design Help The Most Vulnerable Generations
Monday, May 1, 2006
1:30 - 3:00 p.m., 2167 Rayburn House Office Building

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a Congressional briefing on the role of public transportation and better community design in improving the quality of life for the nation’s youngest and oldest generations.  An increasing proportion of U.S. residents is comprised of the oldest and youngest Americans - with more than a quarter of the population younger than 18, and 12 percent, 65 years and older.  Yet the ways in which our communities are designed pose obstacles to the young and old, often hampering their autonomy and diminishing their health.  The high cost of gasoline is a huge threat to our most vulnerable populations - young, old and low-income.   More than ever, people need mobility options.  This briefing will explore current trends in the health and well-being of children and seniors and how improved community design and expanded transportation choices could enhance health and quality of life.   

Speakers at this briefing will include experts on livable communities, land-use and transportation planning including: Dr. Howard Frumkin, Director, National Center for Environmental Health, Center for Disease Control; Richard Gilbert, Director of Research, Centre for Sustainable Transportation, Toronto , Canada; and Kathryn Lawler, Director, Aging Atlanta , Atlanta Regional Commission

For more information on this congressional briefing, please see:
http://www.eesi.org/briefings/2006/Transp&SmartGrowth/5.1.06Livability/5.1.06Livability.htm

American Public Transportation Association Bus and Paratransit Conference
April 30 - May 3, 2006
Orange County, CA

This conference is the largest and most comprehensive event for bus and paratransit professionals held in North America. Highlights of the conference include over 40+ sessions, tours, seminars, general forums on transit issues, a bus products and services showcase, and the popular International Bus Roadeo.

For more information and to register, please see:
http://www.apta.com/conferences_calendar/bus/preliminary_06.cfm

Symposium on Central California Air Quality Research: How Science is Charting the Path to Cleaner Air
May 17, 2006
Fresno , California

The California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the Central California Air Quality Studies Government – Private Sector Partnership will host a symposium on air quality studies in Central California.   The symposium will feature results from two state-of-the-science air quality studies conducted in Central California and will include a description of how air quality has improved, and how the science from these studies will continue to define clean air plans for particulate matter and ozone.

Please find the Symposium Brochure and Registration Form at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/airways/ccaqs.htm.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is a non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to provide timely information on energy and environmental policy issues to policymakers and stakeholders and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path .  EESI's  valuable  work in energy, climate change, agriculture, transportation and smart growth is made possible through financial support from people like you. 

Your tax deductible contribution will help EESI develop innovative policy solutions for a cleaner, safer, healthier world. For more information, go to our website or contact Shefali Ranganathan at sranganathan@eesi.org or call 202-662-1883.

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