Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant Program

Heather J. Hildebrandt

NC Division of Air Quality

Air Quality in North Carolina

• NC is currently meeting standards for nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and carbon monoxide.

• However, several areas in NC are violating Ozone and PM fine standards.

North Carolina’s Recommendations on Boundaries for PM2.5 Nonattainment Areas

Impacts of Not Meeting Standards

• Health– Aggravation of lung diseases and heart disease.

• Economy– Limits on growth of industry– More controls on growth of roadway networks

What is NC Doing?

• Clean Smokestacks Act– Requires coal-fired power plants to reduce NOx

and SO2 by ¾ over next 5-10 years.

• Expanded emissions testing program

• Grant Program

Background

• Began in 1995

• Funding is provided by a tax of 1/64 of a cent per gallon of gasoline sold.

• 78 grants totaling over $5.74 million

Purpose

• Reduce emissions from cars, trucks, and other mobile sources in North Carolina.

• Reductions will help protect public health and the environment by assisting the State in maintaining the NAQS

Why do we need to focus on Mobile Source Emissions?

NOx Emissions

2000 North Carolina Estimated NOx Emissions

Area1%

Point52%Mobile

36%

Nonroad Mobile 11%

VOC Emissions

2000 North Carolina Estimated VOC Emissions

Area32%

Point19%

Mobile32%

Nonroad Mobile 17%

Particulate Emissions

• Collectively diesel powered vehicles contribute more than two-thirds of all particulates from transportation in the United States

Project Guidelines

• Bus Projects must utilize EPA approved Technologies.

• OEM AFVs are preferred over conversions.

• Grant funds are for incremental costs only.

• Fueling Facilities funded must be publicly accessible.

Project Selection Criteria

• Degree of matching

• Degree of actual emission reduction verses planning

• Assessment of benefits

• Permanence of benefits

• Low cost/ high benefit

Selection Criteria Cont.

• Potential for high total benefits in NC

• Length of project

• Degree of support/ participation

• Public perception

Requirements for a Grant

• Project must emphasize mobile source emissions reductions.

• Application must address/consider Project Selection Criteria.

• Project must emphasize actual reductions as opposed to planning.

Requirements Cont.

• Proposal must be for a new project.

• Grant recipients must report back on actual benefits of completed project.

How to Apply for a Grant

• Contact through mail

NC DENR/DAQ

Mobile Source Compliance Branch

Attn: Heather Hildebrandt

1641 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-1641

How to Apply Cont.

• By phoneTele. (919) 733-1498FAX (919) 733-1812

• Email heather.hildebrandt@ncmail.net

• Web Pagehttp://daq.state.nc.us

2004 Grant Winners

• $50,000 to Mecklenburg County Air Quality

• $50,000 for Fort Bragg School Buses• $50,000 to Statesville-Iredell County

Schools• $100,000 to Guilford County Schools• $100,000 to Wake County Public School

System

Resources - Web Sites

• Clean School Bus USA– www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus

• Diesel Technology Forum - Retrofit Program– www.dieselforum.org/retrofit

Anti-Idling Policies

• 5 minute maximum idling – additional idling does not help the school bus get warmer

• Buses should not park “nose to tail” when it can be avoided

• Buses should not idle while loading or unloading on school grounds

• Buses should not park on school grounds near building air-intake systems

• No bus should run without the driver being within three feet of that bus

Implementation Strategies

• Commitment Cards

• Stickers

• Magnets