GBRCCC

The “Question of the Month” is published monthly by The Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) and answers a frequently asked question received by the TRS.

Question: What are the federal emissions and fuel economy standards for current and future on-road vehicles? Have any related emissions and fuel regulations been passed recently?

Answer: Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards set requirements for new light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle models with the goal of improving theoverall fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles were introduced inthe Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975; regulations were established for on-road vehicles beginning with Model Year (MY) 1978. EPCA grants the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the authority to regulate CAFE standards, with the requirement that new standards may not be proposed more than five model years at a time.

In 2010, NHTSA partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue the first joint program that includes both fuel economy requirements under NHTSA’s CAFE program and emissions standards under EPA’s GHG emissions program. Starting with MY 2012 vehicles, manufacturers are required to improve fleet-wide fuel economy and reduce fleet-wide GHG emissions by approximately 5% each year. By 2016, vehicles must meet an estimated combined average emissions level of no more than 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. If the industry met this carbon dioxide standard solely through fuel economy improvements, vehicles would have an average fuel economy of35.5 miles per gallon (mpg). For more information, see the EPA fact sheet: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regulations/420f10014.pdf.

NHTSA and EPA established the CAFE and GHG emissions standards for MY 2017 through MY 2025 passenger cars and light-duty trucks in 2012 in two phases, which are broken down as follows:

*Proposed, pending final rule

For more information, refer to the EPA fact sheet: http://www.epa.gov/oms/climate/documents/420f12051.pdf.

In 2011, NHTSA and EPA set the first-ever standards to reduce GHG emissions and improve fuel efficiency ofmedium- and heavy-duty vehicles (vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds). Thestandards cover MY 2014 through MY 2018 on-road vehicles and are tailored to each of three main regulatory subcategories:

• Combination tractors (also known as semi trucks);
• Heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans; and
• Vocational vehicles (such as delivery, refuse, and tow trucks; transit, shuttle, and school buses; and emergency vehicles).

The requirements provide flexibility through an emissions and fuel consumption credit system to help reduce theoverall costs of the program and to allow manufacturers time to make necessary technological improvements.

For more information on fuel economy and GHG emissions standards, refer to the NHTSA CAFE – Fuel Economy (http://www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy/), EPA Transportation and Climate (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regulations.htm), and FuelEconomy.gov (http://fueleconomy.gov/) websites.

On March 29, 2013, EPA announced their Tier 3 Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards Program, which includes more stringent tailpipe emissions standards for non-methane organic gas (NMOG), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM); more stringent evaporative vehicle emissions; and lower sulfur content of gasoline. This proposal aligns vehicle standards with the GHG emissions standards outlined above, as well as the California Low Emission Vehicle Program (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/law/CA/6493), allowing automakers to sell the same vehicle models in every state. The standards would apply to light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles, and some heavy-duty vehicles and include different phase-in schedules based on vehicle class from MY 2017 to MY 2025. The proposed gasoline sulfur standard would make emission control systems more effective for both existing and new vehicles. For more information, refer to the proposed rule (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/documents/tier3/tier3-nprm-20130329.pdf) andthe EPA Tier 3 Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards Program website (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/tier3.htm).

For more up-to-date information about federal and state vehicle standards, refer to the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Federal Incentives and Laws website (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/fed_summary).

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team

technicalresponse@icfi.com

800-254-6735

 

May your days be filled with Joy

& your nights with dreams of shiny Alternative Fuel Vehicles…

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition

 

Notice:  Our offices will be closed in observance of the holidays from December 24, 2012 – January 3, 2013

The GBRCCC Fall Clean Fuels Update has been published! Visit our Archives page to view past issues of our quarterly electronic newsletter and to subscribe.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue has posted a notice on their website announcing a hearing on the alternative fuel tax credit. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, October 25, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Policy Services Division will accept written comments regarding the proposed rule amendments until 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 23, 2012

For more information visit the LDR’s website: http://www.revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/publications/AlternativeFuelTaxCredit.aspx

Heads up to Fleet Managers – the Rocky Mountain Fleet Management National Conference is just around the corner. Rocky Mountain Fleet Management Association (RMFMA) is a not-for-profit association serving its diverse membership of fleet management professionals, public and private organizations with vehicles and equipment, and industry suppliers.

September 11-14, 2012

Arlington, Texas

Go to the Clean Cities website for more information:  Clean Cities: Clean Cities Event Details

Attention Clean Fuel Stakeholders
Thanks to a partnership between GBRCCC and the Government Fleet Expo (GFX), we are offering a discount to the event being held in Denver from June 18-20. You or your agency’s fleet manager can save $50 on registration just for being a member of our coalition! If you register by Friday, May 25th, you can save an additional $100!

Full schedule is available at the GFX website : http://www.governmentfleetexpo.com

Your conference registration covers:

• 12 hours of education and training that address your top challenges
• 12 hours of on-site and on-the-town networking opportunities
• Two catered breakfasts and two networking lunches
• Special rates at two premier area hotels
• Flash drive containing industry-specific business plans, templates and spreadsheets.
• An exhibit hall filled with the newest vehicles & latest technologies from a wide range of companies

Registration information and additional details are included for you in the PDF attached. Hotel rooms are filling up fast so register today! Please feel free to contact us at GBRCCC  if you have any questions.

GBRCCC is officially on the hunt for three new interns to work part-time this summer!

Selected candidates will receive the opportunity to develop resume skills and portfolio materials, enjoy a flexible schedule and potentially gain class credit.  

Each Summer Intern will choose one project to focus on throughout the summer, in addition to assisting with the development of GBRCCC’s new student organization C4.  Project selections include the Campus Biodiesel Fire Truck Program, LSU Electric Vehicle Educational Program and the Car Sharing Program at LSU.  

We’re looking for deadline oriented candidates with initiative, strong communication skills, the ability to work well in a team, as well as independently, with minimal supervision.  Of course knowledge or curiosity for alternative fuel and transportation are a must b.  Interested students of any major are highly encouraged to apply, though Communications, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Economics or Renewable Resources are all especially relevant for this position.  

A completed description of the Summer Internship is available through this link: http://bit.ly/IEiaMk.  

If you are interested in applying, email resume to Matt Wyatt (matt.gbrccc@gmail.com) and complete the online application available here: http://bit.ly/IBtGN4.  

For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Matt Wyatt (matt.gbrccc@gmail.com; 901-626-6600) or Lauren Stuart (lauren.gbrccc@gmail.com).

Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition
Coordinator Position Description
Part-Time; Hours & Salary based on experience
Send resume to: gbrccc@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION

The mission of the Clean Cities Program is to advance the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local decisions to adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of petroleum consumption.

Clean Cities has put close to 1 million alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) on the road and displaced more than 2billion gallons of gasoline through its nationwide network of nearly 90volunteer coalitions and 6,500 public and private stakeholders. Coalitions provide forums for members to leverage their resources, develop joint projects,collaborate on public policy issues, and promote alternative fuel vehicles(AFVs), fuel blends, idle reduction, hybrids, and fuel economy in their communities.

Clean Cities coordinators are the primary contacts for their coalitions and serve as liaisons between coalition stakeholders and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities coordinator also works closely with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.

PURPOSE

Clean Cities Coordinators provide the support and management skills necessary to accomplish the goals setby individual Clean Cities Coalitions. Coordinators act as the project manager for a given Coalition’s efforts and coordinate various local events to best leverage resources, increase the number of alternative fuel vehicles on the road, and increase alternative fuel use to facilitate petroleum reduction. A Coalition Coordinator develops and implements policies for achieving various long range Coalition goals. The Coordinator builds consensus among Coalition members to move forward on such things as grant proposals, legislative agendas,technology evaluation, business development, public education, and infrastructure development. Coordinators work with State, County, and federal regulatory agencies, interest groups (such as environmental groups), media, consultants, and other coalitions in order to help develop policies, coordinate work, exchange information, and represent members and the Coalition in public and private forums.

COORDINATOR GOALS

A. Create and implement sustainability plan for the Coalition;

B. Attract and maintain an active membership of local stakeholders;

C. Team with local fleets to encourage a transition to AFVs and alternative fuel use, as well as participation in the Coalition;

D. Establish and implement coalition goals and action steps in line with the Program mission; and

E. Conduct education and outreach primarily to fleets and the general public.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to requests for information.

• Educate stakeholders about related legislation and regulations.

• Generate positive, frequent media coverage.

• Research grant opportunities and develop Coalition grant proposals. Administer grants as needed.

• Collaborate with air quality officials to create state or regional pollution-reduction plans that incorporate alternative fuels, AFVs, idle reduction technologies, fuel efficiency practices, and/or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

• Motivate coalition members to attend regular meetings, as well as participate in steering committees and working groups. Stakeholders may include City, County, State and Federal Government fleets, private fleets, utility fleets, businesses, trade associations, non-profit organizations, and schools.

• Evaluate applicability and implications of various federal, state and local laws and other regulatory or policy activities on the Coalition’s current operations and future activities. Support local, regulated fleets with efforts to meet EPAct AFV acquisition requirements.

•Develop and/or implement a coalition-specific strategic program plan and work plan for accomplishing reasonable, well-supported goals.

• Prioritize Coalition activities and establishing timelines for implementation. Establish working group sto share the workload, build support for goals, and facilitate progress.

• Represent the Coalition, and communicate effectively in a variety of public and private forums, including national conferences, meetings, fundraisers, dedication ceremonies, and media events.

• Educate the public to promote fuel efficiency practices and influence current driver trends.

• Meet with representatives for state, county and federal regulatory agencies, other divisions/departments,interest groups, consultants, the media and other relevant parties in order to coordinate work and exchange information.

• Facilitate communications among membership. Maintain the Coalition web site, as well as current stakeholder mail and email distribution lists.

• Organize and facilitate meetings of committees and general membership, including establishing agendas, distributing materials in preparation of the meetings, and providing event logistics such as meeting location, audio/visual equipment, and refreshments.

• Provide public education, facilitate member recruitment and develop media contacts. Work to include the development of appropriate materials such as brochures and public service announcements.

• Supervise interns and volunteers as needed.

Desired Skills and Experience

This position requires an understanding of the National Clean Cities Program as sponsored by the U.S.Department of Energy and relevant legislation, such as the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act, which affect the Coalition’s efforts and allow theCoalition to operate. Knowledge of federal and State grant funding and the development of grant proposals is critical. This position requires considerable political insight and negotiating skills to avoid alienating a diverse group of Coalition members from the public and private sector. Strong consensus building skills are essential.

Ideal candidates are excellent communicators, self-starters, motivators, leaders, creative, organized, and have a functional understanding of technical issues related to alternative fuels and alternative fuel technologies (e.g., hybrid electric vehicles, AFVs,idle reduction, etc.). Candidates shall also have experience with the following:

o Planning, organizing, and managing multiple priorities;

o Developing and implementing strategic plans and programs;

o In-depth understanding of legal and regulatory environment and government programs, including laws, regulatory mandates and grant programs;

o Understanding of intergovernmental relations,political implications and barriers;

o Working with a minimal amount of supervision;

o Knowledge of environmental/ecological principles;

o Preparing and managing budgets;

o Research, evaluation and analytic skills;

o Ability to prepare and present technical materials to a wide variety of audiences; and

o Excellent computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and website development.

Each year, the Green Truck Summit is held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana and is hosted by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA).  Cutting-edge solutions for implementing green technologies are offered through a series of intensive seminars, making the Green Truck Summit the leading educational forum for “green-revolutionized” vocational trucks.  The Summit is also held in conjunction with North America’ largest work truck event, The Work Truck Show.  The Work Truck Show presents the opportunity to connect with thousands of industry professionals and the chance to attend more than 60 educational sessions.

This year, I had a chance to attend the Green Truck Summit on behalf of the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition. As the new co-coordinator, it was a privilege to hear insights with fleet experts and learn about the forefront of green technology. Industry professionals provided a wealth of information and I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to further my education about alternative fuel vehicles.

My first day at Summit began with four educational sessions, which were all organized by Sandra Loi, the Project Leader of the Clean Cities Program.  During the “Fleet Outreach” session, Sam Spofforth from Clean Fuels Ohio discussed the importance of building successful relationships with fleet managers, networking organizations, and industry allies.  The second session was a “Hydraulic Hybrids 101” presentation given by John Kargul, Director of Technology Transfer at EPA, explaining the engineering and technological advances of affordable hybrids.  David Dingess also spoke on behalf of Palfleet Truck Equipment Company, to introduce their new lines of alternative fuel products in his presentation, “Working with the Work Truck Industry”.   The last session was a presentation by Marcy Rood-Werpy from Argonne National Laboratory, who concluded the day with her discussion on idle reduction in “Outreach Toolkit for Idle Reduction.”

Day two kicked off with The Work Truck Show, which featured displays covering 500,000 square feet of Class 1-8 vocational trucks and equipment.  I made to sure to visit with different vendors to learn about how “green revolution” impacts vocational trucks and what some of the trends are for innovative green technologies.

The Green Truck Ride-and-Drive was the best part of my trip!  To be able to test drive the vehicles and gain knowledge of their cost incentives, fuel efficiencies, and the technological breakthroughs that have yet to be introduced into the market, was most interesting and exciting to learn about.  Some of the vehicles I was able to ride and drive included VIA Motors’ Electrified eREV 40, Dodge’s RA 2500 CNG, and Roush CleanTech’s F-350 LPG.

After the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive, I finished up my trip with the Clean Cities Poster Session.  Being able to represent the GBRCCC and network with other coordinators was a great opportunity especially since I am so new to this organization.  At the poster session, I was able to network with other coordinators and learn about best practices and programs that have been implemented in other cities.  As the Clean Cities Program continues to grow and expand, I look forward to the next opportunity to expand my knowledge in an industry whose mission is to advance the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7EkIvrRdKo?rel=0]

Thanks to the Jim Engster show for featuring the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition (GBRCCC)on WRKF! The mp3 podcast works best on Firefox or Internet Explorer. Stream the interview online here: http://www.wrkf.org/multimedia/library/1066.mp3