|
|
|
| |
|
|
The EPA’s FY 2007 Budget proposal eliminates the Clean School Bus Program, instead rolling it into a new Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program. This grant program, which is focused on reducing particulate matter from existing diesel engines, was authorized at $200 million per year (2007-2011) in Sections 791-797 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The EPA FY 07 budget funds it at $49.5 million, one fourth of the authorized amount. The elimination of a dedicated source of funding may severely stymie efforts to clean up existing school buses as school districts will now have to compete with other diesel sources such as trucks, transit buses and construction equipment for funding under the new program. For
more information on 2005 EPA Clean School Bus USA award recipients,
please see:
|
|
| The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a call for nominations for its first annual SmartWay Excellence Awards competition to recognize organizations 1) making significant improvements in environmental performance and fuel economy; 2) shipping the greatest percentage of goods with SmartWay carriers; 3)or increasing the visibility and effectiveness of the SmartWay Transport Partnership through marketing, creative outreach, and/or 4) attracting additional companies to join SmartWay. The SmartWay Transport Partnership established in 2004 is a voluntary collaboration between EPA and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. According to EPA estimates, SmartWay will reduce 3.1 million tons of carbon dioxide, 22,000 tons of nitrogen oxide, and 800 tons of particulate matter emissions on an annual basis by 2007, while saving 283.6 million gallons of fuel per year. EPA
is accepting nominations for the SmartWay Excellence Awards through
June 30, 2006. The awards will be presented in late October 2006
at the American Trucking Association (ATA) annual conference
in Dallas and the National Association of Environmental Managers
(NAEM) Management Forum in Savannah. |
|
| Arizona Anti-Idling Program Takes Off School districts in Arizona have taken strongly to the state’s School Bus Idling Pilot Program. Launched in 2004, the program which started with seven districts has now gained broad acceptance with nearly 140 districts participating state-wide. Key elements of the program include requiring bus drivers to turn off their engines in school parking lots and refrain from parking within 100 feet of school air intake vents. In addition, schools are required to post signs discouraging idling and include a “limit idling” policy in contracts with vendors and contracted drivers operating in proximity of students. Reducing vehicle idling is a simple and cost-effective way to save fuel, decrease greenhouse gas and other harmful diesel emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Steve Owens, "Our goal is to protect children from exposure to harmful diesel emissions." He added, “We are pleased to be working with a strong cross-section of school districts across Arizona to reduce bus idling." For more information on Arizona’s School Bus Idling and Children’s Health program, please see: http://www.azdeq.gov/function/about/bus.html
|
|
|
New
Research Links Fine Particle Pollution with Increased Hospital Visits Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) pollution can increase the chances of hospitalization for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases according to researchers. The study, which is reported in the March 8th issue of the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), monitored 11.5 million Medicare participants in 204 urban counties in the United States. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University found that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) increase in PM 2.5, cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations increased by 11,000. These increases were highest in the eastern United States where many areas suffer from air quality problems. Researchers also observed that every 10 µg/m3 increase in fine particulate matter was associated with a 1.28 percent increase in the risk of admission for heart failure. The study reveals that older people face greater risk of heart disease, heart failure and pulmonary disease when exposed to higher levels of PM 2.5. This finding has serious implications for the elderly who are more vulnerable to the health impacts of poor air quality. Moreover, the study bolsters the argument for a stronger PM 2.5 federal air quality standard that is protective of the health of the most vulnerable populations – children and the elderly. According to Jonathan M. Samet, senior author of the study and Chair of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology, “This study shows an ongoing threat to health from airborne particles. The sources of particles contributing to the observed risks need to be identified so that control strategies can be targeted efficiently.” In related news, Harvard researchers have found links between cuts in fine particulate emissions and a decrease in deaths associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study of 8,100 residents in six cities used epidemiological and air pollution data between 1990 and 1998. The results of this study appear in the March 15th issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. To
view the abstract of the JAMA study, please see: To
view the abstract of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical
Care Medicine study, please see:
|
|
|
Plug-In
Hybrid Truck Coming to Fresno The City of Fresno is partnering with Odyne Corporation to add a plug-in hybrid refuse truck to its fleet. Odyne will outfit a refuse collection truck with a series plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The truck will be equipped with a Cummins Westport C Gas Plus engine powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). This engine will drive a generator that powers a 300 KW traction motor. The battery pack is a 50 kWh AGM lead-acid system capable of being charged by plugging into the electrical grid or by regenerative braking. Odyne’s hybrid-electric propulsion system is designed to work with a variety of fuels including gasoline, diesel, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas and biodiesel. The truck, which was funded by the City of Fresno and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program, will be used for in-service demonstration and monitoring. In addition, Odyne Corporation is working with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Town of New Hempstead, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition to produce plug-in hybrid para-transit buses, light transit buses and refuse trucks. For
more information on the Fresno plug-in hybrid truck, please see:
|
|
|
Volvo Group recently announced that it has developed a hybrid propulsion system for heavy-duty trucks and buses. The hybrid drivetrain “I-SAM” combines a start motor, drive engine and a generator working with a conventional diesel engine and battery pack. The company estimates a 35 percent improvement in fuel efficiency as well as reduced emissions. In addition, Volvo is developing a new type of advanced lead-acid battery “Effpower,” capable of twice the power output when compared to existing batteries. With this announcement, Volvo joins a growing band of manufacturers such as GM-Allison, BAE Systems, ISE Corporation and Enova Systems, who have developed a variety of hybrid drivetrains for the heavy-duty market. According to Leif Johansson, President and CEO of Volvo, “The hybrid is a long-term solution for efficient and environmentally-adapted transportation activities. The diesel engine in our hybrid solution can be operated with biofuels….this paves the way for developments toward long-term sustainable transportation solutions.” For
more information on Volvo’s new hybrid system, go to:
|
|
| A new partnership between the North Carolina Solar Center at North Carolina State University and Volvo Trucks North America will develop idle reduction technologies for long haul commercial trucks. The North Carolina Solar Center received a $500,000 grant from EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership to develop idle reducing technologies with a diesel engine manufacturer. The goal of the two and a half year project is to develop a low-cost Mobile Idle Reduction Technology (MIRT) prep-kit that maximizes environmental benefits and cost savings to fleet operators. The North Carolina Solar Center will seek to maximize market acceptance of the prep-kit by working with partners to evaluate fuel, maintenance, engine life savings, payback times and potential user reactions. Volvo Trucks North America based in Greensboro, North Carolina, will partner with fleets to demonstrate MIRTs in more than 20 trucks. The partnership with a truck manufacturer is a significant one because, currently, fleets looking to incorporate idle reduction technologies have to depend on after-market installation. The involvement of Volvo, a leading manufacturer of trucks and heavy-duty diesel engines worldwide, will help integration of idle reduction technology into new trucks. According to Anne Tazewell, Transportation Program Manager at the Solar Center, “Volvo’s experience will give the trucking industry more confidence in idle reduction technologies. This project is vital because reduced fuel consumption from using MIRTs will ultimately mean more money in truckers' pockets." A typical long-haul combination truck that eliminates unnecessary idling could save up to 1,900-2,400 gallons of fuel each year. According to the U.S. EPA, saving this much fuel annually would remove 19 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions; reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, save nearly $6,000 to $7,000 in fuel costs, and lower engine maintenance costs. For
more information on the partnership:
|
|
| Truck drivers spending the night at the Walt Whitman truck stop in Philadelphia will soon have the option to turn off their idling trucks and run heaters and small appliances off the grid instead. Typically, drivers idle their engines all night to power heating and other amenities such as clocks, radios, and televisions in the truck. Long-haul trucks idling overnight are estimated to consume more than 838 million gallons of fuel annually. Decreasing night time truck idling has been targeted as one of the most cost effective ways to decrease fuel consumption and improve air quality. Shurepower LLC based in Rome, NY will provide the electrical connections for the trucks at the Philadelphia truck stop. The Shurepower System will allow drivers to connect their trucks into a Power Pedestal, providing them access to electricity, high speed internet, cable, and a phone line. New trucks have the ability to plug into the grid to power accessories on board while older trucks can be retrofitted to do the same for less than $200. The truck stop electrification project is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program. The $19 million AFIG Program is designed to provide financial assistance for investments in alternative fuels and vehicles, anti-idling technology, and advanced vehicle technology research and demonstration. For
more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant: For
more information on the Shurepower System:
|
|
NREL Evaluation Reaffirms Fuel Efficiency Benefits of Hybrid Buses The Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released performance evaluation results for compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel-electric hybrid buses operated by New York City Transit (NYCT). The report, “New York City Transit Hybrid and CNG Transit Buses: Interim Evaluation Results,” presents interim results from a year-long evaluation of duty cycle, bus use, fuel economy, fuel cost, and maintenance costs for the CNG and hybrid buses in comparison to standard diesel buses. The evaluation, which is part of DOE’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, will provide fleet owners and operators with information on in-use performance of advanced technology vehicles such as hybrids to help make informed purchase decisions. NREL evaluated 10 CNG Orion VII buses (Model Year 2002) equipped with Detroit Diesel Corporation’s Series 50G CNG engine and 10 hybrid Orion VII buses (Model Year 2002) fitted with BAE Systems series HybriDrive propulsion system. These buses were compared with nine standard diesel Orion V buses (Model Years 1994 and 1999) for bus usage, fuel economy and miles between maintenance calls. The evaluated buses were part of a 260 CNG bus order and a 125 diesel-electric hybrid bus order in 2003 and 2004. Results from the evaluation indicate that the hybrid buses offered a 45 percent improvement in fuel economy over standard diesel buses. In comparison to the CNG buses, the hybrids improved fuel efficiency by 100 percent. The results in the interim report do not include the summer months which may lower the fuel economy gains for hybrids due to the operation of air conditioning. However, the baseline standard diesel buses were not fitted with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for emission control. EGR systems tend to lower fuel efficiency making the hybrids an even more attractive option to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. In addition, researchers report that the fuel cost per mile for hybrid buses was 53 percent lower than the CNG buses and 31 percent lower when compared to the standard diesel buses, providing the transit agency with the opportunity to reduce fuel costs. Comparisons between CNG and diesel buses are expected to vary because of significant fuel price changes during the evaluation period. To
view the entire NREL report, please visit: |
|
Biodiesel Fuels Indiana’s Economy and Buses TRANSPO,
an
Indiana transit agency based in South Bend, recently announced
that they will be switching to a B20 biodiesel blend (20 percent
biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel) to fuel its fleet of
over 60 buses. The switch will make TRANSPO Indiana’s largest
transit fleet to use biodiesel. TRANSPO is committed to using B20
for a year, a decision which was made possible by a state grant
to fund the purchase of the fuel. The switch to biodiesel will help
spur the local economy, while reducing emissions and decreasing
dependence on foreign oil. According to South Bend Mayor Steve Lueck,
"As we have these three million passengers ride each year,
they'll be able to know that they're riding on clean, burning buses
that are better for our atmosphere, better for our community, (which
is) something that we can all feel very good about." For details on the new biodiesel facility in Indiana, please see: http://www.in.gov/serv/presscal?PF=gov2&Clist=196&Elist=85999
|
|
| Transportation Funding Opportunity The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking proposals to support the development, demonstration, and commercialization of innovative transportation products, systems, and services. Two rounds are scheduled under this notice. The total available NYSERDA funding is $3 million. Proposals for the first round are due on Wednesday, April 26, 2006; proposals for the second round are due on Wednesday, September 27, 2006. For more information on the NYSERDA grant opportunity, please visit: http://www.nyserda.org/funding/funding.asp?i=2
|
|
|
|
|
| Flexible-Fuel
Plug-in Hybrids: Taking Charge to Reduce U.S. Oil Consumption Tuesday, April 4, 2006 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., 2318 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) will host a Congressional briefing Flexible-Fuel Plug-in Hybrids: Taking Charge to Reduce U.S. Oil Consumption on the role of flexible-fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in reducing dependence on foreign oil, decreasing greenhouse gas and other transportation emissions, revitalizing local economies, and lowering fuel costs. The briefing will focus on a national campaign spearheaded by the City of Austin and Austin Energy to catalyze the development and deployment of plug-in hybrid technology and provide opportunities for the American auto industry to exert leadership with this new, advanced technology. Speakers
include at this briefing include: Roger Duncan,
Deputy General Manager, Austin Energy who is spearheading the National
Plug-in Partner Campaign; Bob Graham, Manager,
Electric Transmission Program, Electric Power Research Institute
(EPRI); and William C. Holmberg, Chair, Biomass
Coordinating Council. The event will be moderated
by Carol Werner, Executive Director, Environmental
and Energy Study Institute. |
|
|
|
|
| American
Public Transportation Association Bus and Paratransit Conference 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
April
14, 2006, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) will host a public workshop to discuss the status of the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) technology and staff’s proposed regulations. In February 2000, CARB established a fleet rule for transit agencies, more stringent emission standards for new urban bus engines and promoting advanced technologies by adopting ZEB demonstration and ZEB acquisition requirements. The ZEB purchase requirement implementation date depends on the compliance path selected by transit agencies and is only applicable to larger transit agencies (those with more than 200 buses). Transit agencies selected fuel cell powered buses as the technology most likely to cost-effectively meet desired performance characteristics while meeting environmental objectives. For transit agencies on the diesel fuel path, a 15 percent aggregate total of all bus acquisitions from model years 2008 through 2015 must be ZEBs. For transit agencies on the alternative fuel path, the ZEB acquisition requirement starts with model year 2010 and runs through model year 2015. Transit agencies on the diesel path must submit a compliance plan by January 2007, while transit agencies on the alternative fuel path must submit a compliance plan by January 2009. For
more information on the program, please visit:
|
|
| EESI’s
National Clean Bus Project is eager to learn about your clean bus
fleet. If you are in the process of procurement, or if you already
operate buses that produce fewer emissions and consume less fuel than
conventional diesel buses, let us know if we haven’t heard – and told
-- your story! Provide (1) the name of your organization and
primary contact person; (2) type of bus engine, fuel, and other emission
control devices used; (3) number of buses; (4) funding sources; (5)
costs and benefits; (6) and lessons learned. We’ll post this information
on our website and include it in future editions of the Clean Bus
Update! Send this information to |
|
|
|
The National Clean Bus Update is sponsored by the State Energy Office, North Carolina Department of Administration and the U.S Department of Energy, with State Energy Program funds, in cooperation with North Carolina State University Industrial Extension Service. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of either the State Energy Office, North Carolina Department of Administration, or the U.S Department of Energy. |
| The
National Clean Bus Update is a monthly periodical providing an overview
of current program and policy activities related to the deployment
of low-polluting, energy-efficient buses in the |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
To unsubscribe from the Clean Bus Update click HERE.
If your address changes please let us know so that we may keep our
records updated. If there are others who should receive the Update,
please send their contact information.
Please
click
here to
subscribe to our e-mailing list for event notices and newsletters. |
|
Print Version 
