Got PM Exposure? You Might Qualify
To convert the fleet to alternative fuels, Inglewood staff from engineering, fleet management, finance, and the city’s consultant, Burrnett and Burnette, discussed options and available funding to replace the 143 highest emissions-producing vehicles. Equipment identified for replacement by alt-fuel units had to meet operator needs and have the best potential of receiving grant funds.
Inglewood experiences some of the region’s most polluted air because of its close proximity to Los Angeles International Airport and nearby freeways. Under South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) standards, grant fund qualifying criteria include:
- Poverty level. At least 10 percent of the population below the federal poverty level (based on 2000 census data).
- Particulate matter (PM) exposure. Communities with the highest 15 percent of PM concentration.
- Toxic exposure. Cancer risk of 1,000 per million population and above.
In the past four years, Inglewood has received $3.2 million in state and federal grant funds from programs such as the SCAQMD Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) matching fund program, AB2766 DMV funds, and the SCAQMD Carl Moyer program to cover the incremental cost of alternative-fuel vehicles. Established to facilitate the move to cleaner-burning engines, the Moyer Program’s $50 million is available for new and converted alternative-fuel engines.
Inglewood also received funds from California Air Resources Board (CARB), METRO, MTA Mini-Call program, and the Propane Energy Resource Council (PERC) totaling $3.2 million to fund replacement vehicles and infrastructure.
The estimated incremental cost to convert diesel- and gasoline-fueled vehicles to CNG or propane per class are:
- Passenger cars and trucks: $4,500.
- School Buses: $50,000.
- Transit Shuttle Buses: $35,000.
- Street Sweepers: $35,000.
Big Spending is Not Required The city’s green efforts also include tracking idling and other costs using GPS and deploying an automated Web-based motor pool system.
Inglewood installed GPS on more than 32 vehicles, improving routing and utilization identification, allowing the city to reduce fleet size, and trimming maintenance and fuel costs. The motor pool system has helped reduce maintenance and fuel costs through vehicle-sharing, which cut fleet size by five vehicles.
The city’s aggressive measures have resulted in dramatic cost savings and reduced emission levels, while providing a positive message to residents. It has received recognitions and awards from several organizations. Fleet administrative staff members have presented its green success story throughout California and across the country. “The transition towards a clean fleet establishes justification of equipment that otherwise may not be approved for replacement. In addition, a green fleet provides a positive message for the community, fleet recognition, and strong stewardship,” says Longobart.
NOTE: To learn from two grant writers who have helped their communities receive more than $5 million in fleet grant funds, attend the Government Fleet Expo and Conference June 8-10 in Denver. For more information, click here.
Grace Lauron is associate editor of Government Fleet magazine. She can be reached at [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.Government-Fleet.com.
