Agenda - 11-21-2000-6c - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

. . . . . . . . Section 3- Long-Term Goals Minimize emissions from the county's vehicle fleet and maximize the fleet's fuel efficiency. From 1950 to 1990 Orange County's population increased 173% and is expected to have increased another 22% to 2000. With all these new residents come additional vehicles, and additional air-polluting emissions. As a proactive measure, the BOCC has determined that the County should take a leadership position in minimizing the negative impact the County fleet has on local air quality. One of the best ways to do this is to simultaneously minimize fleet emissions and maximize fleet fuel efficiency. By beginning a process of slowly replacing less fuel efficient vehicles with newer more fuel efficient ones and substituting AFVs far gasoline powered vehicles whenever possible, the County is taking important steps in realizing that goal. Through continued purchase of AFVs and development of an alternative fuel infrastructure network, the County is also making it easier and cheaper for the County's private businesses and individual County residents to also make the shift from traditionally fueled vehicles to alternatively fueled ones. This initial AFV leadership will lead to clean air for Orange County long into the future. Potential areas of emphasis in the long-term for AFV's might include: • Promote solar-powered bicycles and other pedestrian-powered vehicles. • Promote solaz-powered lawnmowers and encourage local high schools to continue to explore demonstration projects in this area. • Look at electric buses as a future means of transit in the County. • Look at other options that will serve to reduce the number of vehicle miles driven and reduce ground-level ozone. Conclusions As directed by the BOCC, the Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Low Emissions Workgroup has made assessments of the alternative fuel vehicles currently available and in consideration of Orange County's unique circumstances and needs has offered this report which includes our three main goals and recommended action strategy. These goals are: Short-term: Research the advantages and disadvantages of the various alternative fuel vehicle options. Use that information to apply far a State of NC, Division of Air Quality, Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant that would cover some of the costs associated with purchasing multiple AFYs during fiscal year 2001. Intermediate Term: Explore the possibility of acquiring an alternative fieel bus, continue replacing gasoline vehicles with AFVs as appropriate, develop the educational component of the county's AFV program, coordinate with other local bodies through the newly formed Triangle J Clean Cities Program. Lang-term: Minimize emissions from the county's vehicle fleet and maximize the fleet's fuel efficiency. 1. The proposed action strategy is to start acquiring a number of dedicated Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles to replace some of the traditional-fuel vehicles that are due for replacement in the next fiscal year. Seven vehicles scheduled for replacement in FY 01-02 are proposed for alternative fuel vehicles, with six dedicated CNG vehicles, including passenger vans, cargo vans, pickup trucks and a passenger vehicle. In addition, one electric vehicle would be purchased as a demonstration project. Each of the vehicles would replace similar gasoline- fueled vehicles in either the motor pool, or departments of Finance, Public Works, Recreation and Pazks or Environment and Resource Conservation. A CNG refueling facility will need to be ].2