| ANTI-IDLING | CLEAN FUELS | RETROFITS |
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March 19, 2007 IN ATTENDANCE: MINUTES TAKEN BY: INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: On April 22nd, in honor of Earth Day, the Mayor will be endorsing a Local Action Plan to combat pollution in the City. The list will include 29 elements, such as using Energy Star products and promoting LEED certification in City buildings. The city has a commitment to reduce its GHG emissions by 10% by 2010. Community emissions are on track to meet that goal, but the city government still has some work to do. Along with the local action plan will be a directive to city agencies to take specific measures to reduce energy consumption and limit GHG emissions. AMS is hoping to include its contract language specifications included in this effort, as the language includes an anti-idling component which can help to reduce GHGs from construction vehicles. The City has been asked to enter projects for US Conference of Mayors Livability Awards. The Diesel Difference has been included as well as the Air Quality Improvement Fund (AQIF), which is currently funding tree planting and solar lighting projects to reduce pollution in Philadelphia. Clean Air Week will be held April 30th through May 4th, and events occurring that week can be listed on several government websites. DVRPC is in the planning stages for its annual Ozone Action Kickoff event that is normally held in May. PDD recognized 4 fleets in the spring of 2006 (2 at the 5K run and 2 at the Kickoff) and would like to recognize more fleets again this year. Alison reported that she attended a workshop in Washington, DC aimed at addressing emissions from idling motor coaches—specifically tour buses. These vehicles often idle for hours each day while waiting for passengers to return from sightseeing. Among options explored were parking areas with comfort stations for drivers, Auxiliary Power Units, and increased enforcement. Implementation obstacles were also discussed including weight restrictions and federal safety requirements such as air pressure. Alison has detailed notes on the event if any group member would like more information. The school district has completed 71 of its retrofits under the VEPCO settlement with more on the way. An update has not been received regarding the status of the ULSD subsidy provided by the Sunoco settlement. PHILADELPHIA DIESEL DIFFERENCE ACTIVITIES UPDATE: Waste Management is also using a fuel-borne catalyst in conjunction with DOCs at two of their garages. However, they are unsatisfied with the performance of the catalyst and would prefer in any future projects to use DOCs alone, without the special fuel additive. They will also look into signing a commitment form. Interestingly, their corporate office has instructed them not to use biodiesel fuel. Eric suggested that a national-level group such as the Biodiesel Board might speak to them and convince them to try biofuels in their vehicles. Eric met with the Association of Building and Contractors (ABC) which mainly represents suburban, nonunion contracting firms. They are agreeable to the idea of sponsoring a workshop to educate developers about clean diesel technology. They also would like to assist PDD with increasing its “brand recognition”, which might help generate increased interest in PDD efforts. Bill Jones offered to attend future meetings as a resource on the EPA verification process. Emily and Brinda are also available to discuss biodiesel with any interested parties. It was also suggested that PDD might contact the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC). Pat Sullivan also added several organizations that might be able to provide assistance: the PA Highway Information Association, the PA Association of Contractors, and American Public Works of Southeast PA. Eric spoke to Elizabeth Schoonmaker of DVRPC and obtained a list of existing TIP project. It may be possible to contact the coordinators for these projects and speak to them about adding a retrofit component to their budget, if costs are low. It would be difficult to add CMAQ funds to an existing project, however. In the future, adding a retrofit requirement for public works contracts could increase interest in applying for CMAQ funds for clean diesel. In discussing the City’s proposed contract requirements for retrofits, Pat Sullivan of PennDOT pointed out that some elements of the draft language are unclear, such as the 7-day threshold for vehicles. PennDOT will pass along additional comments once different offices have reviewed the document. Eric passed out brochures on their Carlisle project and noted that a final report is now available. COMMITTEE UPDATES: The Water report under the CARE grant is done, and the Air and Land/Brownfields reports are being finished. Sean is preparing a CARE Level II application and will be obtaining input from stakeholders at the next Ports Task Force meeting on March 28th. Retrofits are underway at Packer and Tioga, and will be completed by summer. The press conference planned for Feb. 14th to publicize that project was postponed due to inclement weather and is now being rescheduled. GRANT UPDATES: ONE MINUTE UPDATES: Emily added that the Eagles are currently using biodiesel on their maintenance equipment, and that the Energy Cooperative won the contract for fueling Great Valley. She mentioned that a group called Moms for the Future has been mobilizing in Chester County and advocating for clean fuels. This might be a good opportunity for PDD to engage with grassroots groups. Eric reminded the group that the Clean Air 5K is coming up on April 21st, and that there will be new activities this year such as an online silent auction and a concert to follow at World Café. Morris noted that a meeting is scheduled for later this week to discuss how PA will meet the 8-hour ozone standard. Modelers will discuss modeled concentrations and “weight of evidence” determinations. WEEKLY PRESENTATION: NEXT MEETING AND LOCATION: |
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