Agenda - 04-18-2006-9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Energy Conservation Initiatives and Alternative Fuel Vehicles The County's Environmental Responsibility Goal includes the objective: "Initiate policies and programs that conserve energy, reduce fuel/utility/resource consumption...,." In support of that goal, in December 2005, the Board adopted a Vehicle Fuel Conservation Policy. The purpose of the adopted policy is to reduce the County's vehicle fuel consumption, wherever possible; improve fuel efficiency; and maximize the use of alternative fuels. Public safety vehicles have historically not been as readily available in alternative fuel models, However, Public Works plans to work with EMS and the Sheriff Departments to identify and evaluate alternative fuel models as they become available. Alternative fuel options identified by the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute include: • Bio-diesel • Compressed natural gas (CNG) • Ethanol (E 85) • Hydrogen • Propane In addition, the U,S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Division includes: • Electricity (including fuel cells) • LNG • Methanol Not all of these vehicle alternatives are readily available for commercial purchase, especially on State Contract. A summary of each of these follows: Bio-diesel -Public Works recently met with stakeholders (other county departments and Town of Hillsborough) to examine issues related to the purchase and dispensing of bio- diesel at the Public works fueling facility. Some concerns regarding the use of bio-diesel in older model (pre-1994) vehicles do exist., At the time this report was prepared, Orange County had 18 diesel vehicles that are pre-1994. Several of these are slated for replacement during the 05/06 and 06/07 CIP process. The town of Hillsborough has approximately nine pre-1994 diesel vehicles. Bio-diesel is currently cost-competitive with regular petroleum diesel, Public Works is considering implementation of 2% bio-diesel, with amounts to increase in future based on vehicle performance and reliability, During calendar year 2005, the Public Works fuel facility dispensed almost 54,000 gallons of diesel for vehicles and equipment, with approximately 45,000 gallons used by the County. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) =The County's new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel station will begin operation later this spring at the County's Public Works facility located on Highway 86 North. As of April 11, 2006 the County had seven CNG vehicles in its inventory, Four of those vehicles are Ford Crown Victories that were originally purchased as gasoline fueled and then retrofitted for CNG fuel during the current fiscal year at a cast of $10,900 per vehicle. The remainder of the CNG fleet includes three Honda Civics. The Crown Victorias are assigned to Health department (one vehicle) and the remaining ones to the Motor Pool fleet. The Civics are assigned to Social Services