Capital District
Clean Communities
Capital District Clean Communities
November 21, 2002 Meeting
Meeting Notes
Attendance
Patrick Bolton, NYSERDA
Pat Boudreau, Niagra Mohawk
Ray Hull, NY Thruway Authority
Mary Marsh, CDTA
Kevin McGarry, NYSDEC
Jason Purvis, CDTC Staff
Carol Rodino, NY Power Authority
Mike Scarpino, USDOE
Deborah Stacey, CDTC Staff, CDCC Coordinator
Robert Steff, NY Thruway Authority
Ivan Vamos, NY Bicycle Coalition
Summary Notes
Deborah Stacey opened the meeting with introductions. Ms. Stacey initiated discussion on each agenda item:
1. Advance the Choice Event: The advance the choice event was successfully held on Thursday October 17 at the Albany International Airport. Approximately 50 people attended which fell short of goal of 100 attendees. However, there was very positive feedback from those that did attend regarding the speakers and the show and tell. At the end of the event, the Airport provided rides on their new CNG parking lot shuttle buses to the newly installed CNG station. Event participants were able to speak with OEM vendors in the fueling station lot and were given a fueling demonstration. Several “new” faces attended the event, and they have been added to CDCC’s mailing list.
2. NYSERDA: NYSERDA announced that the Clean Cities Challenge Round V grant application and guidelines will be distributed within a few weeks. Monies awarded under this program can be used to fund up to 75% of the incremental cost of light-duty dedicated alternate fuel vehicles, up to 75% of the incremental cost or the cost to retrofit medium/heavy duty vehicles to dual fuel and up to 75% of the cost of fueling infrastructure. In addition, up to 75% of the incremental cost of bulk fuel purchases (bio-diesel, ethanol) is eligible for reimbursement under this program. Proposals will be due on February 13, 2003.
3. USDOE: The Clean Cities Regional Coordinator’s meeting was held in Rhode Island November 6-8. This was a three-day event. Each coordinator gave an update on their coalition’s activities. The Deputy Director from Washington DC presented information on the status of the Clean Cities program and funding, and what new priorities coordinators will be asked to follow. Dave Henry from the Ford Motor Company unveiled an incentive program that Ford is offering to Clean Cities Coordinators which is intended to boost sales of AFV’s. The AFV market is currently flat, and Ford views this program as a potential to change this trend. GM will be unveiling a similar plan shortly.
The State Energy Plan Special Projects solicitation has not been released due to budget issues. It is expected that the solicitation will be issued in March and proposals will be due by the end of May. Eligible projects will include the incremental cost of AFV’s and fueling infrastructure.
The Federal Energy Bill was killed last week. Both the house and senate versions had generous incentives for alternative fuels (tax credits). The bill will likely be reintroduced in January.
4. NYS Thruway Authority: The Thruway Authority has implemented a bio-diesel pilot project on I-95 near Connecticut. All plow trucks in a 30 mile area will be running on B20. An ethanol station has been established in Buffalo. This is a 70% blend which should make its use problem free in the winter. It is the first of its kind in the Northeast. Currently only Thruway vehicles are fueling at this station, but it will be opened to all state fleets shortly.
5. Other Business:
a. Ivan Vamos distributed a two page paper summarizing the NY Bicycle Coalition’s position on the Segway. Briefly, the coalition feels that there is a place for the Segway, but is concerned that it will compete with space used for pedestrians and bicyclists. The NYBC proposes that the Segway be subject to existing pedestrian regulations when travelling at speeds up to 5 mph, and existing bicycle regulations at speeds over 5mph.
b. Rayna Caldwell reported that the City of Saratoga Springs is creating a committee to investigate AFV use on the Skidmore Campus and at the race track . This committee is spearheaded by an environmental science professor at Skidmore. Rayna will keep the CDCC informed about this committee.
c. Deb distributed a packet of information on CNG and LNG use in Garbage Trucks, and an article on the Bush Administration’s energy policy.
This group will meet again on Thursday March 6, 2003 from 10:00 am to noon at CDTC's offices (5 Computer Drive West, Albany, NY 12205).