November/December 2002 Clean Bus Update

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) continues to push forward with its project to strengthen support for local, state and national “clean bus” initiatives with the hope of facilitating a permanent transition in the public sector bus market and the transformation of all vehicle technologies.  This month's update includes November and December developments. Please send us news articles or relevant information to post in our next monthly update. For more information on any of the below articles or EESI’s National Clean Bus Network, please contact Naomi Friedman at 202-662-1882  nfriedman@eesi.org. Enjoy the holidays and have a wonderful new year!

SIGNATORIES NEEDED FOR TEA-3 RECOMMENDATIONS

The Clean Bus Project is now circulating its TEA-3 recommendations to potential signatories. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) provides federal funding for a variety of highway and transit programs including bus transit, but it is due to expire Sep 30, 2003. Current debate over the reauthorized version of the bill, the Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (TEA-3), is underway. Given the current state of the economy and the federal budget deficit, efforts to increase taxes for transportation will be difficult. Since passage of TEA-21, research into the harmful health effects of diesel engine exhaust along with increased concerns over our dependence on imported petroleum has intensified the need for cleaner fuel technologies in our public transit systems. The National Clean Bus Network is working to incorporate the needs and interests of local governments, regional transit authorities, technology providers and public interest organizations with a stake in advancing clean vehicle technologies in TEA-3. We hope your organization would like to become a signatory. If you have questions about these recommendations or would like to receive a copy, please call Naomi Friedman at 202-662-1882 or email her at (nfriedman@eesi.org).

CLEAN BUS LISTING NOW ONLINE!

Now available on the Clean Bus website is a listing of local clean bus programs in the United States. The table provides basic information for each program, including location, number of clean buses, program dates, alternative fuel/technology used, funding source and program significance. The table also identifies the non-attainment status for each program location. This information provides researchers and fleet managers with examples of alternative fuel technologies in use, permitting interested parties to communicate with program coordinators about their experiences. The list continues to grow as we learn more about clean bus programs across the country. If you would like to let others know about your clean transit fleet, and would like to share your experiences, please email Ray Minjares (mrminjares@hotmail.com) with your program details or call 202-662-1883. If you find any information errors in the table, please notify Ray with the correct information.

CLEAN BUS EMISSIONS COMPARISON REVIEW IN PROGRESS

EESI clean bus staff has undertaken a review of emissions data for various alternative fuels/technologies, quantifying and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each. For a copy of the draft memo on this topic, or if you can suggest relevant sources of information, please contact Ray Minjares (mrminjares@hotmail.com)

ONLINE EMISSIONS CALCULATOR ADVISES FLEET PURCHASING DECISIONS

The Center for Neighborhood Technology has developed an online emissions calculator, allowing both individuals and transit planners to measure the greenhouse gas emissions produced from their daily transit activities. Individuals can login and create a profile through which they can compare the effects of changing transportation habits on greenhouse gas emissions. This tool is designed to allow individuals to set greenhouse emission reduction goals for themselves and to track their progress. Transit planners also can view data that quantifies emissions produced by specific transit fleets according to type and quantity of fuel used. An interactive calculator can create hypothetical scenarios for each transit fleet and estimate the potential reduction in carbon dioxide emissions based on the alternative fuel mode selected. These hypothetical scenarios provide a tool for transit planners, enabling them to quantify the environmental benefits of adopting alternative fuel technologies. Website designers are currently developing an improved version of the calculator that provides data for the criteria pollutants in addition to greenhouse gases. Test the calculator for yourself at http://www.travelmatters.org.

85% OF ADULT AMERICANS SUPPORT INCENTIVES FOR BIODIESEL

A telephone survey conducted in October and sponsored by the United Soybean Board reveals that 85 percent of Americans think it is important for schools to receive incentives to help pay for biodiesel. Biodiesel can be made from soybean oil and other oil seeds and animal fats to produce a diesel fuel substitute that emits fewer air pollutants than standard petroleum diesel. Fifty-four percent of respondents said it was very important for schools to receive incentives for biodiesel purchase because of its benefits to air quality, while 31 percent said it was somewhat important. Wilson Research Strategies conducted the survey of more than 1,000 adults nationwide. View a copy of the National Biodiesel Board’s press release for this topic online.

RELIGIOUS GROUPS SEEK TO TURN TRANSPORTATION CHOICES INTO MORAL DECISIONS

In November, the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) launched its “What Would Jesus Drive?” campaign, designed to encourage reflection among Christians about the moral implications of their transportation decisions. As a founding member of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, EEN operates several public education campaigns, teaching Christian followers to respect God’s creation through environmental responsibility. Leaders of the moral push for fuel efficiency met Nov 20 with William Clay Ford, Jr, CEO of Ford Motor Company, along with executives of General Motors to discuss the biblical mandate for automakers to adopt sound environmental decision making. Jim Ball, head of EEN and owner of a Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle questions, “How can I love my neighbor when I am filling their lungs with pollution?” A recent report by the Worldwatch Institute examines how religious and environmental alliances like this one are growing in frequency. You can read more about the EEN campaign by visiting its website.

HONDA & TOYOTA DELIVER FUEL CELL CARS TO CALIFORNIA

Honda Motor Company, Ltd and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. both delivered on Dec 3 their first fuel cell cars to California, the first in a series of deliveries intended to demonstrate fuel cell car technology. The City of Los Angeles has leased a four-passenger Honda FCX and plans to lease four more in 2003. Air Products and Chemicals will contribute hydrogen and fueling infrastructure for these vehicles. Toyota delivered two Toyota FCHVs to the University of California. Toyota plans to deliver four more next year. Within the next six months, Toyota plans to have six functional hydrogen refueling stations. State organizations like the California Air Resources Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, through the California Fuel Cell Partnership, are working with these and other automakers to build the next generation’s fleet of fuel cell vehicles. Fuel cells powered by hydrogen provide a clean, renewable source of energy for a number of applications, but they are still in the research and development phase and may not be ready for market for another decade. Visit the Fuel Cell Today website for more info.