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undertaken . Perhaps through involvement with the Clean Cities Program , we could discuss the development of an ethanol network among interested entities (private and public ) , within the county. Another possible issue for further study is electric school buses . The County may be able to secure grant money through the Clean Cities program or as an environmental education project ( air quality education and the role of alternative fuel vehicles ) for this sort of initiative . To realize these goals , a workgroup should be assigned to the exploration of these intermediate projects so that we can begin formulating a -long- term plan for Orange County and take a lead role in formulating an alternative fuels network in the area . In this effort , attention should be given to coordinating with the private needs and preferences for alternative fuel options . ,Section 3 - Long- Term Goals Minimize emissions fi•ona the county 's vehicle fleet and maximize the fleet 's f tel efficiency. From 1950 to 1990 Orange County ' s population increased 173 % and is expected to have IF increased another 20 % from 1990 to 1998 ( Orange County Profile ,. ERCD , 1 /99 ) . With all these I IMP 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 for 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 solar-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- ternz , Research the advantages and disadvantages of the various alternative fuel vehicle options. Use that itzformation 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 fiscal year 2001 .