Don’t miss out on the latest round of DERA funding for diesel emissions reduction projects. As part of the priority counties (parishes) targeted in this funding opportunity – Louisiana applicants will get extra points toward winning this competitive grant (see list of priority parishes at bottom of article). These priority areas include those participating in the EPA’s Ozone Advance program as well as parishes in the EPA’s air quality non-attainment zones.

• Link to RFP: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel/prgnational.htm
• Opened: May 9, 2013
• RFP Due: June 25, 2013
• Average awards for this funding opportunity, per application, may range from $200,000 – $900,000. There is a limit to how many projects an applicant may submit to. For each applicant/entity – you may only turn in a total of 2 applications and there is a limit of one application per region, per entity.
• Webinar Slides - provides a detailed review of FY 2013 DERA RFP
• Recording of Webinar

Eligible Applicants
The following United States entities are eligible to apply for these grants:

• Regional, state, local or tribal agencies/consortia or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality
• Nonprofit organizations or institutions that promote of transportation or air quality as their principal purpose or that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to people or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets.
• School districts, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities and counties are all eligible entities under this assistance agreement program to the extent that they fall within the definition above.

Eligible Uses of Funding

• Funds awarded under this program cannot be used to fund emissions reductions mandated under Federal law. Equipment used for testing emissions or for fueling infrastructure is not eligible for funding.
• Buses, medium or heavy duty trucks, marine engines and locomotives may qualify for funding. Non-road engines or vehicles used in construction, cargo handling (including at a port or airport), agriculture, mining or energy production (including stationary generators and pumps) also qualify.

Grant funds may be used for clean diesel projects that use:

• Retrofit technologies that are verified or certified by either EPA or CARB
• Idle-reduction technologies that are EPA verified
• Aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires that are EPA verified
• Early replacement and repower with certified engine configurations (incremental costs only)

Louisiana Parishes in priority county list:

Ascension, Assumption, Bossier, Breton Wilderness Area, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Terrebonne and West Baton Rouge

Energy efficient traffic and streetlights consume up to 80% less energy and last many times longer than incandescent lighting; and natural gas, when used as a vehicle fuel, costs approximately 40% less than gasoline or diesel.  All of these technologies currently have significantly higher capital costs than traditional alternatives.

Sixteen grants totaling $8.3 million were awarded from the Program, with grant recipients additionally contributing an estimated $16.3 million.  The funding was used to purchase energy efficient traffic signals and streetlights, purchase refueling equipment for 11 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, and to purchase or convert over 200 CNG vehicles.

An estimated 1.5 million gallons of gasoline and diesel will be displaced annually, and almost 400,000 kWh of electricity saved annually, as a result of these projects.  The Program has also served to increase interest statewide in natural gas vehicles and as a solid foundation on which to build Louisiana’s natural gas vehicle infrastructure.

Program highlights include the following projects:

- City of Shreveport: 18 CNG garbage trucks + 2 CNG fueling facilities

- Lafayette Consolidated Government: 80 CNG vehicles + 1 CNG fueling facility

- St. Landry Solid Waste Disposal District: landfill gas CNG fueling facility + 5 CNG vehicles

- Louisiana Department of Natural Resources & Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development: 1 CNG vehicle purchase + 5 CNG vehicle conversions

Source: Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Technology Assessment Division 

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

In a letter to GBRCCC, the EPA’s director of the Outreach and Information Division, Gregory Green stated that our “participation will offer considerable benefits to the ongoing efforts in the area to improve air quality.”

The Advance Program is a collaborative effort by states and local governments to encourage emission reductions to that will yield continued attainment with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Participants in the Ozone Advance program are required to submit an action plan that outlines what the areas have done to address emission standards as well as what their plans for ozone reduction are for the future.

Lauren Stuart, Executive Director of the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition, explains the role of transportation in air quality: ”at a time when many areas of the state are becoming more concerned with ozone formation, alternative fuel options for transportation are an important part of addressing the air pollution problem.”

Ms. Stuart will be appearing on WAFB Morning Show, Sunday Morning to discuss GBRCCC’s involvement in the Advance Program through EPA and air quality issues in the  Baton Rouge area. In the Baton Rouge area, please tune in to WAFB, Channel 9 at 8am on April 28th.

On April 29, Ms. Stuart, will speak about alternative fuels and air quality at the Advance Program press conference hosted by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality at 10 a.m in the conference center. The Press conference will be opened by DEQ Secretary, Peggy Hatch. There will be four short presentations by Michael Vince, DEQ; Mike McDaniel, PhD, facilitator, Baton Rouge Clean Air Coalition; Ravi Ponnapureddy, Capital Region Planning Commission; and Lauren Stuart, GBRCCC.

The EPA Advance Program press conference information is as follows:

Monday, April 29, 2013

10 a.m., DEQ Conference Center

Oliver Pollock Room

602 N. 5^th Street,

Baton Rouge

Louisiana Clean Fuels at the Capitol

The Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition — in partnership with its clean fuel stakeholders, held a press conference, alternative fuel vehicle display, and ride and drive event on Monday, April 22nd at AZ Young Park in downtown Baton Rouge.

In celebration of Earth Day, the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition hosted an educational presentation for Louisiana policy makers and press regarding the benefits of alternative fuels. At a time when many areas of the state are becoming more concerned with ozone emissions, alternative fuels are an important part of addressing the air pollution problem.  According to GBRCCC Executive Director, Lauren Stuart, “clean fuels offer invaluable benefits to the state of Louisiana. By diversifying our transportation fuels, we can improve local air quality, strengthen the regional economy, and advance national energy independence.”

The Clean Fuels press conference took place at 1:30 on the steps of the State Capitol. Speakers included GBRCCC executive director, Lauren Stuart, owner of Baton Rouge based Stop-and-Go Driving Academy, Kay Wallock, director of the Lafayette Parish School System, William Samec, Louisiana State Representative, Stephen Ortego, and commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Mike Strain.

“As a public servant, I, along with my management and finance team, are always looking for ways to cut costs and save taxpayers money. So far, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has purchased one compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle but plans to purchase more to test the product in our effort to save money, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The CNG fuel costs, on average, $1.69 per gallon and unleaded fuel, on average, costs $3.25 per gallon.  So far, we are seeing a benefit and a cost savings for the department,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain.

Representative Stephen Ortego is currently working to pass legislation that protects alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure tax credits in Louisiana. He explained the energy security aspects of alternative fuels, “Louisiana can be a leader towards energy security for the United States by pushing alternative fuel vehicles who run on the very natural resources we produce. We are the number one producer of natural gas in the country and the number two producer of propane gas.  Why not push for vehicles like these?”

Vehicles on display included the Lafayette Parish School System propane-powered school bus, converted CNG Ford pickup trucks from Niyato Industries and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, CNG Civics from Stop-and-Go Driving Academy and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, plugin electric vehicles from Royal Nissan and Gerry Lane Chevrolet, as well as hybrid-electric luxury vehicles from Brian Harris BMW, Mercedes Benz of Baton Rouge and Price LeBlanc Lexus.

Clean Cities is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program. GBRCCC is a designated affiliate of the national Clean Cities program and receives additional support from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. The mission of the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition is to advance the nation’s environmental, economic and energy security by supporting local actions to provide transportation fuel options.

GBRCCC, Terrebonne Parish, CNGNow and Gaubert Oil invite you to the ground breaking ceremony Friday, April 18th at 11AM. View the press release.

Sunday, April 21st, join the Greater Baton Rouge Clean Cities Coalition at Louisiana 2013 Earth Day celebration!

Located in downtown Baton Rouge, this event is one of the largest environmental festivals in the nation. With an exciting music line-up from noon ’till 8:30pm, it’s no wonder. Headlining artists performing on the festival stages include Wayne Toups, Geno Delafose & the French Rockin’ Boogie, and the Mulligan Brothers just to name a few!

Stop by the GBR Clean Cities’ tents on the corner of North Blvd. & 4th Street between 12-5pm to see a line-up of another kind. You’ll see us in front of the City Club of Baton Rouge with a banner and clean fuel exhibit. Our display will feature alternative fuel vehicles including:

- Compressed Natural Gas Converted Ford Pick-Up
- Compressed Natural Gas, Honda Civic GX & Chevy Tahoe
- Plug-In Electric Vehicle, Nissan Leaf
- Bio Fuel Tahoe

We are looking forward to seeing you and answering your questions about advanced vehicle technology and alternative fuel infrastructure. For more information about Louisiana Earth Day, visit laearthday.org. Please send an email to info@gbrccc.org you have any questions about our display vehicles.

Plug In LSU is a program that helps plug-in EV and plug-in hybrid drivers find the resources they need to use their vehicles most efficiently on and around the LSU campus. This website features information about charging and buying electric vehicles including: electric vehicle charging station maps; registration for LSU students, faculty, and staff to access the LSU campus charging stations; and information about the benefits of electric vehicles.

“As gas prices increase, electric vehicles offer drivers a much more affordable fueling option,” said Lauren L. Stuart, GBRCCC executive director and program coordinator. “Also, electric vehicles require less maintenance than gasoline-fueled cars, including zero oil changes. Beyond the personal benefits, driving an electric vehicle advances domestic energy security and local environmental quality.”

LSU currently has two electric vehicle charging stations with reserved parking spaces – one located off Aster Street near Kirby Smith Hall on the north side of the campus, and the other located in the X-174 commuter lot off of Nicholson Extension on the campus’s south side.

The LSU EV charging stations were installed in July 2011 through a partnership with Entergy Louisiana LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana LLC, marking the state’s first major foray into the electric vehicle market. The chargers were donated to LSU by Entergy and were paid for by Entergy shareholders through its Environmental Initiatives Fund, which was established as a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative and promising projects.  Since the original installations, GBRCCC has been a project partner, assisting in the educational and promotional efforts of the program.

LSU Media Center published an article and a YouTube video announcing the new website: http://www.lsu.edu/ur/ocur/lsunews/MediaCenter/News/2013/04/item59910.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQpjWXZPnFg

Official Announcement

The Energy Department will select new research projects that focus on lowering the cost and increasing the efficiency of PEV components, as well as the development of models and tools to predict these vehicles’ performance and help improve fuel economy. The Department will fund projects across five major areas of research and development that cover 12 areas of interest, including:

• Advanced lightweighting and propulsion materials
• Advanced battery development
• Power electronics
• Advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• Fuels and lubricants

Read for more information or to apply

Deadline for application: 4/29/13 at 8:00PM EST

This event marks a special milestone for our non-profit organization as we have recently completed the US Department of Energy process for re-designation as an affiliate of the national Clean Cities program. Thirteen-years after being organized by a group of dedicated leaders, we are now look forward to honoring our stakeholders and recognizing their achievements!

Keynote address to be provided by Brian Marshal, Capital Area Transit Agency CEO. Additional comments from Representative Stephen Ortego will overview expected alternative fuel legislation for the upcoming session.

This event is free of charge and open to the general public. Jambalaya lunch will be provided. RSVP by ordering your pre-registration ticket online here: http://cleanfuelsluncheon.eventbrite.com.