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CLEAN AIR NEWSLINE

October 2007 Edition

In this issue:

 

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and others to test 100 mpg plug-in hybrid cars

Who wouldn’t want their car to get 100 miles per gallon!?!

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, City of Seattle, King County and Port of Seattle will participate in a yearlong demonstration project testing the performance of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in an urban area. Thanks to funding and technical support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL), matched by funding from the program participants, 13 existing Toyota Priuses will be converted to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) at a total cost of $156,000.

Three vehicles in the Clean Air Agency’s fleet, used by our field inspectors in the Seattle, Kent and Tacoma areas, will be converted.

“It’s important for government to show leadership by testing and proving new technologies, even if there is not an immediate economic payoff, so these solutions become more available and affordable for the general consumer,” said Jim Nolan, Clean Air Agency Compliance Director.

Achieving up to 100 mpg, plug-in hybrid vehicles are just one more step in the fight against climate change with the added benefit of ultimately reducing dependence on foreign oil. Expected greenhouse gas emissions from the PHEV Prius in this demonstration project are 50 percent less than a conventional Prius.

The successor to the conventional hybrid, the PHEV also runs part of the time on electricity. In a step beyond the conventional hybrid, which is charged by on-board electrical systems, the PHEV has a second “fuel tank” in the form of a longer-lasting battery that can be “filled” from an ordinary electrical socket at a cost equivalent to less than $1 per gallon of gasoline.

The project will test technology used to convert the second generation Priuses to 100 miles per gallon vehicles; test PHEV performance in an urban area; help evaluate PHEV-electric grid integration issues; and promote electricity as an alternative fuel for transportation.  Massachusetts-based A123Systems will provide the conversion kits for all partner vehicles. The conversions will be made in early 2008 and will cost $12,000 per vehicle.

When fully commercialized, PHEVs will be able to run for 30 miles or more on electric power alone, after which the vehicle reverts to standard hybrid operation. As a result, PHEVs have the potential to reduce the need for foreign oil. And the environmental benefits increase as the North American electric power grid becomes greener.

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., welcomed the news. “Plug-in hybrids are on the cusp of commercialization. Automakers say they will build them if battery costs drop. But battery makers need volume orders to reduce costs. This project and others like it will help speed the process of making plug-in hybrid vehicles available to Americans in each and every state by breaking this logjam,” Inslee said. Inslee has authored language in the House-passed energy package that would create a $4,000 tax credit for consumers who purchase plug-ins, a national plug-in hybrid pilot program, and grants for nonprofits, as well as state and local governments, to promote plug-in hybrids.

 

Choose a cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle

When shopping for a new car, make fuel efficiency a key factor along with safety and functionality.

If your household has more than one vehicle, use the one that gets better gas mileage for longer trips.  And look for ways to reduce the number of miles you drive by combining errands, carpooling or using other transportation alternatives.

The better the gas mileage, the less fuel burned. That means fewer natural resources are used, and less pollution is created from the extraction and processing of the fuel.  Less fuel burned also means less greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere.

The difference between a car that gets 20 miles per gallon (mpg) and one that gets 30 mpg amounts to $744 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.97).

Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests that manufacturers and EPA conduct according to EPA specifications. This year's label values are based on new test methods EPA finalized in December 2006. The new methods are designed to better account for actual driving conditions that can lower fuel economy, such as higher speed driving, use of air conditioning and cold weather operation. Because of the new methods, fuel economy estimates for all vehicles will generally be lower than those of last year.

To find the cleanest, most fuel-efficient car that meets your needs, check out EPA's recently updated Green Vehicle Guide at www.epa.gov/greenvehicles along with www.fueleconomy.gov for gas mileage, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution ratings and safety information for new and used cars and trucks.  More information about vehicle and transportation choices can be found at www.pscleanair.org/actions/vehicles/default.aspx .

 

Burn Ban season is here -- take action to help keep our air healthy

It’s that time of year again when temperatures start dropping and many people start using their wood stoves and fireplaces.  Excess chimney smoke can bother your neighbors and during stagnant weather periods pollution levels can rise to the point that the Clean Air Agency calls a Burn Ban. 

You can help keep our air healthy by taking action:

  • Don’t burn during a Burn Ban.  When the Clean Air Agency calls a Burn Ban, wood burning in uncertified wood stoves and fireplaces is prohibited unless this is your only adequate source of heat.  You can use pellet stoves, EPA-certified wood stoves and natural gas or propane fireplaces during a Stage I Burn Ban which usually is the type of ban called.  If conditions worsen to a Stage 2 Burn Ban, no burning is allowed in any fireplace, pellet stove or wood stove (certified or not), unless it is your only adequate source of heat. Not sure if your wood stove is certified?  Check out this sample so you know what a certification label looks like:  www.pscleanair.org/images/epa_cert_wood_stove_sticker.gif .  You can use natural gas or propane stoves and fireplaces during a Burn Ban AND they also work during a power outage.  All outdoor burning is prohibited during a Burn Ban, even in areas where otherwise permitted by law. 
  • Pay attention to air quality.  The best way to know when a Burn Ban is called is to sign up for e-mail notification at www.pscleanair.org/news/agencynews.aspx .  We’ll e-mail you as soon as we see weather conditions that indicate pollution levels will be rising.  If you receive this newsletter directly, you are already signed up to get e-mailed air quality alerts.
  • Make sure you know how to burn properly.  Improper burning techniques generate excess chimney smoke.  It is also un-neighborly, against the law and a sign you’re not getting the most out of your fuel.  To learn how to minimize smoke, increase the heat you get from your wood and limit your impact on your neighbors, visit www.pscleanair.org/actions/woodstoves/basics.aspx .
  • Replace your wood stove or fireplace with a cleaner-heating device.  Different fuel choices come with an array of environmental, economical and health considerations. With a natural gas or propane stove or fireplace, power outages are no problem since most don’t require electricity.  More clean-heating options can be found at www.pscleanair.org/cleanheating .

You can keep track of Burn Ban status by calling our Burn Ban hotline at 1-800-595-4341, or visiting our Web site at www.pscleanair.org .

 

Outdoor burning ad campaign returns to cable TV

Smoke from burning leaves and wood may seem harmless, but it can contribute to birth defects, cancer and lung disease.

A 30-second TV ad titled "Kids' Rights" is airing on cable TV stations in western Washington now through mid-November.  The ad talks about the negative health effects of outdoor burning and encourages cleaner alternatives where burning is still allowed. In addition, a print ad that talks about the potential fines for illegal outdoor fires will appear in a number of weekly newspapers in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. 

You can view the TV ad at www.airwatchnorthwest.org/outdoorburning.htm .  You’ll also see a poster on that page that we’ll send you at no cost if you have somewhere to place it.  Just send us a request at communications@pscleanair.org .

To learn more about why outdoor burning is out, click to www.pscleanair.org/actions/outdoorfires/default.aspx where you can also find out about easy alternatives to burning yard debris.

 

Climate Action Now!

There is a growing recognition that global warming isn’t a far away threat for future generations to worry about.  It is a real and present challenge right now.  And for most of us, the pressing question is, “What can I do to stop global warming?  How can I get started?” 

The Clean Air Agency is pleased to partner with Seattle Climate Action Now, a campaign to provide practical tools and resources to help residents take concrete steps to reduce their climate impact and become part of the solution to climate change.

Whether you’re looking for a resource to help you weatherize your home, an incentive program to help you transition to a car-free commute, or a fun way to connect with others in your neighborhood, www.SeattleCAN.org can help.  And to learn more about global climate change and how it is impacting the Puget Sound Region, click to www.pscleanair.org/programs/climate/default.aspx .

 

“Making a Difference: Air Quality and Your Health”

That’s the title of a video recently produced as a collaborative, multi-agency project of health and air quality organizations in Washington and British Columbia. 

The video is designed to make the connections between air quality and health, and to recommend actions individuals, community groups and cities and counties can take to ensure clean air to breathe. 

It is divided into four segments: 

  • Understanding common air pollutants and their sources
  • Acknowledging the link between air quality and health
  • Making a difference in our communities
  • Supporting informed decision making for local air quality

The video can be viewed at www.pscleanair.org/makingadifference  or you may request a free DVD by e-mailing your name and mailing address to  communications@pscleanair.org .  Also, a variety of publications regarding air quality and its connection to health can be downloaded from www.pscleanair.org/airq/basics/health.aspx .

 

Monthly air quality data summary: August*

Air quality in August was even better than July’s with 29 days in the “Good” category, two days in the “Moderate” category, and no days in either the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or “Unhealthy” categories.

For the month, August temperatures were just about normal.  Normal daytime high temperatures recorded at SeaTac Airport were less than one degree below the normal of 75.6 degrees and nighttime lows were slightly less than one degree above the normal of 55.7 degrees.  But once again, the devil is in the details.  Weekend high temperatures for August at SeaTac Airport averaged only 71.6 degrees, four degrees below normal.

Did it seem like a dreary summer?  SeaTac Airport recorded no clear days for the entire month of June and only 19 clear days for all of last summer.

For data summaries of air quality monitored throughout our four-county region, click to www.pscleanair.org/airq/aqsumm/07-08.aspx .

Because of the time it takes to review data for quality assurance and process data for reports, our air quality discussions in each “Newsline” edition will be two months previous.  Thus our report for this edition is for August 2007.

 

Announcements

Permits open for comment

The following Puget Sound Clean Air Agency permit is now open for public comment:

Nucor Steel Seattle Inc., Permit #9669. 
Comment Period: Oct. 22, 2007 to Nov. 21, 2007 
www.pscleanair.org/announce/permits/openpermits.aspx#nucor

All comments relevant to the proposed permit conditions will be considered. Instructions for submitting comments are included in the "public notice" posted with the permit application.

To receive notice about permitting; proposed Orders of Approval, Regulatory Orders, Variances and Operating Permits; hearings on those actions; extensions of comment periods; and final actions; simply sign up or change your profile to receive e-mail notification at www.pscleanair.org/news/agencynews.aspx .

 

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Diesel Exhaust Emission Reduction Retrofit Project for the City of Bremerton
Closes Nov. 7, 2007 at noon

As a public agency, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issues formal requests for proposals and qualifications for the purchase of certain equipment or supplies, or to enlist professional services to supplement our work. The Clean Air Agency is now accepting proposals electronically. See the RFP document for details on the requirements to submit proposals by hard copy or electronically. www.pscleanair.org/announce/notices/rfprfq.aspx .

 

About the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency serves the people of King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.  We work together to clean the air we breathe and protect our climate through education, incentives and enforcement.  To learn more about our work, and how you can be a part of it, too, visit us at www.pscleanair.org .

 

 

About the Clean Air Newsline

Clean Air Newsline is a monthly electronic newsletter to provide air quality information to the residents of King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Subscribers receive the latest on air quality news, trends and projects that affect our local communities and the air we breathe. Feel free to pass the information along to others.

We also use the Newsline as needed to send timely and important messages about burn bans, Smog Watches and early calls to action when air quality deteriorates.

If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, you can do so at www.pscleanair.org/news/agencynews.aspx . Be sure to select Clean Air Newsline to be added to the e-mailing list.