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School Buses – A Safe Way To Travel. School Buses – A Sustainable Way To Travel. What Is The Concern? . Energy – fuel economy Emissions – air quality Climate change – global warming Operational considerations – Cost, performance, maintenance. U.S. Energy Flow - 2002. Quadrillion BTUs.
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What Is The Concern? • Energy – fuel economy • Emissions – air quality • Climate change – global warming • Operational considerations – Cost, performance, maintenance
U.S. Energy Flow - 2002 Quadrillion BTUs
Hybrid Fuel Cell Better Hydrogen Nat Gas Hydrogen Solar Well to Wheel Energy Use BTU per mile Conventional E90 CNG B20 LPG Diesel Gasoline from: Fuel Options for Reducing GHG Emissions from Motor Vehicles, US DOT, September 2003
Diesel Engines and Air Quality • Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles • Engines have historically contributed significant amounts of NOx, particulate matter to air pollution
Exposures Inside School Buses • Personal exposure monitors for PM 2.5 • Levels 5 – 10 times higher than ambient averages • California study estimates cancer risk increases by 4%, asthma risk by 1%
Economics of Clean Diesel Environmental/Public Health Impact in Oregon • $2 billion per year or • $2+ per gallon of diesel used
Global Warming Factors From Hansen and Saito, 2001
Clean vs. Dirty Diesel CONVENTIONAL RETROFITTED Real time measurements of particulate matter pollution inside a car “chasing” a diesel truck before and after retrofitting. Courtesy of Clean Air Task Force
Vegetable oils and/or waste grease refined to diesel fuel Biodegradable, nontoxic, renewable fuel Reduces PM, CO, VOCs; Increases NOx Can be blended (20%) or used neat Excellent lubricity Cost, high cloud point Burn Cleaner Fuel - Biodiesel
The Modern Hybrid • Does not idle when stopped • Uses a battery pack to store energy • Uses an electric motor to accelerate • Recharges batteries when braking or coasting • Allows for smaller combustion engine • Increased fuel economy and lower engine wear
What is a Plug-In Hybrid? • Can receive portion of battery energy from grid • Plugging in is optional • Once range is depleted, operates as a normal hybrid • Categorized by range on electricity • HEV30 is 30 miles on electric range
Program Costs for Hybrid • Initial cost greater than standard diesel • Operating cost less than standard diesel • Lifecycle cost about same as standard diesel • Infrastructure • Same diesel pumps • Same maintenance garage • Electric plug-in chargers
Clean School Bus USA • School Districts and ESDs only allowed to apply • Anticipated awards up to $725,000, averaging $200,000 - $300,000 • 5% cost share • Fund retrofits, engine upgrades, cleaner fuels, bus and/or engine replacement • “Buddy program” • DEQ here to help with applications
Sustainable Practices With School Buses – Now! • Use ultra low sulfur fuel and biodiesel • Minimize idling time at schools and events • Maintain vehicles to reduce smoke and odors • Use newer buses more often and for longer routes • Install exhaust filters
It’s Not Cool To Idle At School Suited for 5th to 8th grade students Learn the scientific principles of observation and reporting, while engaging in social change. Toolkits provided by Oregon Environmental Council http://www.oeconline.org/kids health/teachertools
HB 2172 - Clean Diesel Initiative Components in the bill • Clean Diesel Fund • Clean Diesel Tax Credit • Clean Engine Replacement Incentives • Clean Oregon School Bus Grants
Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative • For more information: Kevin Downing DEQ – Air Quality 503.229.6549 downing.kevin@deq.state.or.us