Carlsbad Makes the Switch to Renewable Diesel

As of July 6, 2016, the City of Carlsbad, Calif. is now fueling its Fire Department and Public Works heavy-duty vehicles with renewable diesel. Propel Diesel HPR (High Performance Renewable) is produced from 100% renewable feedstocks, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled oils. Fueling with renewable diesel allows the city to reduce its greenhouse[…]

World’s First LNG-Powered Containership

San Diego’s General Dynamics NASSCO has built the first LNG powered containership. The 764-foot long Isla Bella was delivered earlier this month to TOTE Maritime, two months ahead of its scheduled delivery. The containership is part of a two-ship contract with TOTE that was signed in December of 2012. The second ship, Perla del Caribe,[…]

National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day

Today is National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day! In recognition of hydrogen’s atomic weight of 1.008, October 8 is the perfect day to celebrate as hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are being deployed nationwide. California’s investments in alternative fuel vehicles, like hydrogen fuel cell electric cars, are fueling the state’s economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These[…]

Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program Accepting Applications

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is now accepting applications for the Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (GMERP) through November 20, 2015 at 5:00 PM. GMERP will offer approximately $12 million in funding to owners of eligible heavy-duty diesel trucks and transportation refrigeration units (TRUs) who upgrade to cleaner technologies. Formed[…]

San Diego Regional ZEV Incentives

California state and regional incentives have proven effective to help increase alternative fuel vehicle adoption and decrease GHG emissions. Since transportation accounts for about 45% of GHG emissions in both San Diego County and California, and 30% nationwide, transportation policies are central to meeting state and federal emission reduction goals. Present zero emission vehicle (ZEV)[…]

State and Regional Incentives for Emissions Reductions in Transportation

The last post examined San Diego’s regional plans for reducing GHGs. Transportation demand and system management strategies, reduced conventional vehicle miles traveled, and a substantial increase in zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), along with state and federal transportation policy changes, are all necessary at an ambitious level to achieve California GHG reduction goals of 80% by[…]

San Diego Regional Planning for Greenhouse Gas Reduction and the Role of Electric Vehicles

In addition to considering the air quality benefits of zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption, as discussed in a recent post, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has extensively considered means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation countywide. The state-administered Advanced Clean Car Program and Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), and the San Diego[…]

Air Quality Part II: Crunching the Numbers for San Diego County

The last segment looked at air quality in the U.S. and how zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) might contribute to reducing pollution and health risks. San Diego County is an early adopter of electric vehicles (EVs) and home to the country’s first large scale all-electric car sharing program. It has substantial electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The[…]

Diesel Vehicle and Equipment Courses

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) offers FREE diesel vehicle and equipment courses in August: #511.2: Diesel Particulate Filter Operation and Maintenance This course briefly discusses the production of diesel emissions and their health effects; diesel emission control technology; diesel particulate filter (DPF) construction and application; and the maintenance necessary for successful DPF operation. August[…]

Air Quality Part I: Beyond Greenhouse Gases: The Other Benefits of Electric Vehicle Adoption

Electric  vehicles and other alternative fuels get lots of hype for their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which run on gasoline and electricity, and zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) which run only on electricity and have no tailpipe emissions, have grown rapidly over the past five years. Considering[…]