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

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4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction Acknowledging that protection of the air quality in Orange County is essential for the well being of the County's residents, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed three air quality resolutions in 1999. These resolutions directed County employees to begin an Ozone Air Quality Action Plan, to investigate low emission and fuel-efficient vehicles, and to examine the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) as an option far county fleet emissions reduction. In response to these directives, the Alternative Fuels and Low Emission Vehicles (AFLEV) Workgroup was established to lead the investigation of these latter issues and to propose an action plan which includes the potential purchase of a number of AFVs. .... ` °~' This report summarizes the findings AFLEV Goals of this workgroup and offers a proposed action plan for the group Short-term: Research the advantages and disadvantages of the and for Orange County. A set of various alternative fuel vehicle options. Use that information to gpa1S (Short-term, intermediate- apply for a State of NC, Division of Air Quality, Mobile Source - ' term, and long-term) has been ' ': Emissions Reduction Grant that would cover some of the costs associated with purchasing multiple AFVs during focal year developed by the group, and is 2001. , ' listed in the box at the left. These ~' goals are consistent with the'series Intermediate Term: Explore the possibility of acquiring an of air quality resolutions passed by alternative fuel bus, continue replacing gasoline vehicles with the BOCC over the last year and a AFVs as appropriate, develop the educational component of the half and with the provisional goals county s AFVpragram, coordinate with other local bodies through the newly formed Triangle J Clean Cities Program. still being finalized by the Shaping Orange County's Future (SOCF) '' Long-term: Minimize emissions from the county s vehicle fleet ;.. Task Force. Note: The ' and maximize the fleet's fuel efficiency. recommendations herein involve ~.. ° - - complex technical issues that relate to the selection of alternative fuel vehicles. A reasonable amount of research has been performed to evaluate the different options available, but it is important to note that only time will tell which alternatives prove the most-feasible options. Sectzon 1-Short-Term Goal Research the advantages and disadvantages of the various alternative fuel vehicle options. Use that information to apply for a State of NC, Division of Air Quality, Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant that would cover some of the costs associated with purchasing multiple AFVs during fascal year 2001. The AFLEV Workgroup considered the following three criteria during evaluation of the options for vehicles to meet County requirements: • Emissions -There should be a significant reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and reactive hydrocarbons relative to gasoline-powered vehicles. • Performance and Range -The alternative-fuel vehicles must be reliable. They should not have substantially higher maintenance costs than conventional vehicles. Most importantly, the vehicles must have adequate travel range for use in the County. The range must be higher than that required for use by cities, villages, or universities. • Costs -The costs for the vehicle and for the refueling stations must be evaluated.