Tag Archives: clean air

2021 “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest Winners Share Their Story

In the fourth year of the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC)’s “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest, students in North Carolina from kindergarten through high school submitted their artwork for a chance to be featured on billboards across the state. Students were asked to create art focused on actions that people can take to reduce air pollution from vehicles and help keep the air clean. NCCETC congratulated three artists located in Black Mountain, Hampstead and Cary, N.C.

Heather Brutz, Finance & Operations Manager of the Clean Transportation Program at NCCETC, and leader of the art contest, said her goals were to educate the public about what steps we can take to improve air quality, as well as engage young people’s creative talents to help get the word out. Brutz said she originally came up with the Student Art Contest while recalling a previous job as a middle school teacher and hoped that the contest would engage young people’s creativity to help spread the message about ways we can reduce air pollution from vehicles. 

“When I was a teacher, I would often try to engage students in a variety of different ways to teach a lesson. I applied that same thinking when I came up with the idea of the art contest. I wanted to engage a different audience than we sometimes engage in our other educational activities and I wanted to engage them in a different sort of activity than what we were already doing,” Brutz explained. “Artwork is so powerful and I wanted to work together with young artists to spread the message about ways we can keep our air clean.”

This year’s artwork was judged by a panel of four judges: Carla Davis, communications coordinator for NC State University’s Sustainability Office; Erin Champion, academic coordinator for the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State University; Traci Rider, assistant professor of architecture in the College of Design at NC State University; and Vincent Fazzio from Lamar Advertising. All of the winners selected by the judges were also voted in the top three artwork in their categories on NCCETC’s Facebook page.

The Center received a great number of submissions from students across the state. Brutz said, “I am very pleased at the number of submissions we received this year. We received 70 art submissions from all across North Carolina. It was a very competitive contest, and while we were only able to choose three winners to have their artwork displayed on billboards, every single young artist who submitted should feel proud of their artwork.”

We talked to winners of the contest about their artwork and what clean air means to them:

Ella Millwood – Elementary School Winner | Black Mountain Elementary School, Black Mountain, NC

Why did you want to enter the contest?

I wanted to enter because I wanted everyone to see what the world could become. 

What does your artwork mean/what were you trying to express?

That people should help keep our air clean.

What does “keep our air clean” mean to you? Why do you think keeping our air clean is important?

I think it is important because if the air is really polluted, we wouldn’t be able to breathe and there would be very little life on earth.

Are you doing things in your own life – like riding your bike, carpooling, etc?

We walk and carpool whenever possible. 

What was your reaction when you found out you won the contest?

I was surprised! I didn’t think I would actually win.

What do you hope will come out of your artwork being up on a billboard for people to see?

People to stop polluting our air and realize what the world could be.

Anything else you’d like to share.

I think that’s all!

Vivienne Butanis – Middle School Winner | Surf City Middle School, Hampstead, NC

Why did you want to enter the contest?

I wanted to enter the Student Art Contest because I wanted to express my disdain for the way we are treating our environment. It was an art class assignment to connect our art class to science. It was a way for me to see how I could interpret the current conditions of our environment into an art piece. 

What does your artwork mean/what were you trying to express?

My artwork is trying to express how badly we are currently treating the environment. My artwork depicts our earth from two points of view: the first point of view shows where the air is polluted, and another point of view of how our environment might look if taken better care of.

What does “keep our air clean” mean to you? Why do you think keeping our air clean is important?

Keeping our air clean is important to me because at the rate we are burning fossil fuels and destroying the ozone layer, the earth won’t be inhabitable much longer which is a big part of why taking care of the environment is vital. We are not protecting the environment for just ourselves but for generations to come.

Are you doing things in your own life – like riding your bike, carpooling, etc?

I like to ride my bike and skateboard so I can get to places without having to increase my carbon footprint. It’s easier to get around in a coastal community only using a skateboard and a bike.

What was your reaction when you found out you won the contest?

I was very surprised and happy because I saw this contest as a good opportunity to put myself out there. My teacher says that art is not meant to be hidden in a drawer. We should put our work out there to cause a change. Sometimes that change is as simple as a thought.

What do you hope will come out of your artwork being up on a billboard for people to see?

I hope that people can see the current state of our environment and strive to make it better. Hopefully it will spark a change in everyone. We can not do everything but we can all do something.

Anything else you’d like to share.

Thank you for the opportunity of this contest that allows us to connect and reach people outside of our communities. 

Ashleigh Smith – High School Winner | Cary Academy, Cary, NC

Why did you want to enter the contest?

I entered the contest because I thought that it provided a unique opportunity to spread an important message, and as an artist I really love to use my artwork to help out in my community if I can. It was also just really fun to make!

What does your artwork mean/what were you trying to express?

There is a really nice greenway near my house and my family and I love to use it to get some exercise or a breath of fresh air by walking, running, skateboarding, or riding our bikes. I was inspired by that greenway and my brother’s love for mountain biking to create a piece that incorporated both and displayed a love for the beauty of nature and the outdoors, which will hopefully help convince people to help keep their air clean.

What does “keep our air clean” mean to you? Why do you think keeping our air clean is important?

The state of our environment is more important to how we live our lives than I think a lot of people realize. If we care for our environment, it will care for us too and that can be as simple as carpooling with a friend or riding your bike to the store instead of driving. 

Are you doing things in your own life – like riding your bike, carpooling, etc?

Yes! I take regular walks with my mom around our neighborhood, and I always try to organize a carpool when going someplace with friends because it’s both environmentally-friendly and fun.

What was your reaction when you found out you won the contest?

I was so surprised, I couldn’t believe it! Everyone who submitted artwork is really talented and I’m glad that my work could be among theirs as well. 

What do you hope will come out of your artwork being up on a billboard for people to see?

I hope that it will inspire people to see the beauty and opportunities that nature holds, and further strive to understand how and why we need to take care of the air. 

Anything else you’d like to share.

Special thanks to my brother for modeling for me, as he is actually the person on the bike silhouetted in my art piece. He let me take pictures of him riding and then I used them to create my work.

Submit Your Artwork for the 2020 “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest

Due to interruptions caused by COVID-19, we have extended the submission deadline to around the end of the 2020 school year, Friday, June 12, to give students more time to submit their art.

Unfortunately, as of right now due to recent funding changes, Student Art Contest winners’ art will no longer be able to be featured on billboards this year. Winners in each category will still be featured in a blog post and receive a special certificate for their achievement. We apologize for the changes and any inconvenience this may have caused. 

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) has officially launched the 3rd Annual “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest, where students in North Carolina from kindergarten through high school can submit their artwork to show how to keep the air clean.  Winners will be featured in a blog post and receive special certificates.

Artwork should focus on actions that people can take to reduce air pollution from vehicles and help keep our air clean. Examples include walking, biking, using public transportation, carpooling, using electric vehicles or biofuels, and more. Please make artwork family-friendly, non-partisan and non-copyrighted. You can learn about the alternatives at cleantransportation.org or fuelwhatmatters.org.

The winner will be chosen based on:
• Relevance and appropriateness of the message
• Visual design
• Public votes on our Facebook account (link to vote to come once all submissions are received)

See last year’s winners here.

Art submissions will be accepted through Friday, June 12. Please submit here or by emailing Nicole Wilson at nadeck@ncsu.edu. Public voting will begin on Monday, June 15 and last through Sunday, June 21 – stay tuned for a link to vote once all submissions are received!

Artists who are over 18 or parents/legal guardians submitting on behalf of their children can submit artwork by directly emailing Nicole Wilson at nadeck@ncsu.edu. You are agreeing to the legal terms below. Teachers submitting artwork on behalf of their students must return a signed permission form.

Winners will be announced in July. Stay tuned on nccleantech.ncsu.edu and FuelWhatMatters.org!

For more information or any questions, email Nicole Wilson at nadeck@ncsu.edu.

Legal Terms
By submitting this photograph, image, graphic, or video (collectively the “work”) you hereby agree to the following:
• You certify and warrant that you are the legal guardian of the minor who is submitting the artwork or are the artist and are legally an adult.
• 
You certify and warrant that the work is your work or your child’s own original creative work and does not violate or infringe the copyright or other proprietary or intellectual property rights of others.
• 
You retain all copyright and equivalent rights but grant permission for NC State to use, reproduce, distribute, and/or release the work to the public in any manner and in any medium without payment of any fee, and in perpetuity.
• 
North Carolina State University reserves the right to use contestants’ names and works for educational publicity and/or promotional purposes, including website or exhibition of winning entries. You understand that the works will be shared with reporters covering these awards and for promotion of the competition itself. You hereby give North Carolina State University nonexclusive rights to use yours or your child’s name, likenesses, quotes and submissions for educational publicity and/or promotional purposes. This includes but is not limited to website display, print materials and exhibits.
• 
You hereby agree to indemnify NC State, its trustees, officers, agents, and employees, from any and all claims, demands, and liabilities (including attorneys’ fees) incurred as a result of a final judgment or settlement or any claim or legal proceeding arising out of or resulting from a breach or claimed breach of the foregoing representations and warranties.

Winners announced for the “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest

The winners of the second annual “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest have been officially announced! Artwork will appear on billboards around North Carolina.

Elementary School Winner

Elizabeth Leonard | Fourth Grade | Grace Classical School, Jacksonville NC

 

Middle School Winner

Adriana Ryder | Eighth Grade | Arbor Academy, Waxhaw, NC.

 

High School Winner

Catalina Scott | Northwest School of the Arts | Charlotte, NC.

 

College Winner

Megan McLaughlin | Freshman | Wake Tech Community College | Raleigh, NC.

 

Thank you to all who participated!

Vote Now: “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest Polls Open

The polls are open for the “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest – vote now for your favorites!

Vote for your favorite art in each age category (kindergarten through college). Artwork should focus on actions that people can take to reduce air pollution from vehicles and help keep our air clean. Examples: walking, biking, using public transportation, using electric vehicles or biofuels, and more.

Winners in each category will be featured on billboards across the state!

The contest poll closes at midnight this Sunday, May 12.

Winners will be announced soon. Stay tuned on nccleantech.ncsu.edu and FuelWhatMatters.org. For more information or any questions, email Heather Brutz at hmbrutz@ncsu.edu.

Posted by Nicole Deck

Submit Artwork for “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest

North Carolina students from kindergarten through college can submit their artwork for a chance to be featured on billboards across the state

***DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SUNDAY, MAY 5***

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) has officially launched the 2nd Annual “Keep Our Air Clean” Student Art Contest, where students in North Carolina from kindergarten through college can submit their artwork for a chance to be featured on billboards across the state! 

Artwork should focus on actions that people can take to reduce air pollution from vehicles and help keep our air clean.  Examples: walking, biking, using public transportation, using electric vehicles or biofuels, and more. Please make artwork family-friendly and non-partisan. You can learn about the alternatives at cleantransportation.org or fuelwhatmatters.org.

Artwork in a more horizontal rectangular shape (about the shape of a billboard) is recommended.
Recommended dimensions:
400h x 1400w pixels at 72 ppi in RGB mode
400h x 840w pixels at 72 ppi
Save as JPG, PNG or BMP at maximum quality

The winner will be chosen based on:

Relevance and appropriateness of the message
Visual design
Public votes on our Facebook account

Art submissions will be accepted through Sunday, May 5. Please submit by emailing Heather Brutz at hmbrutz@ncsu.edu.

Artists who are over 18 or parents/legal guardians submitting on behalf of their children can submit artwork by directly emailing Heather Brutz at hmbrutz@ncsu.edu. You are agreeing to the legal terms below. Teachers submitting artwork on behalf of their students must return a signed permission form.

Winners will be announced in May. Stay tuned on nccleantech.ncsu.edu and FuelWhatMatters.org!

For more information or any questions, email Heather Brutz at hmbrutz@ncsu.edu.

 

Legal Terms

By submitting this photograph, image, graphic, or video (collectively the “work”) you hereby agree to the following:

You certify and warrant that you are the legal guardian of the minor who is submitting the artwork or are the artist and are legally an adult.

You certify and warrant that the work is your work or your child’s own original creative work and does not violate or infringe the copyright or other proprietary or intellectual property rights of others.

You retain all copyright and equivalent rights but grant permission for NC State to use, reproduce, distribute, and/or release the work to the public in any manner and in any medium without payment of any fee, and in perpetuity.  

North Carolina State University reserves the right to use contestants’ names and works for educational publicity and/or promotional purposes, including website or exhibition of winning entries. You understand that the works will be shared with reporters covering these awards and for promotion of the competition itself. You hereby give North Carolina State University nonexclusive rights to use yours or your child’s name, likenesses, quotes and submissions for educational publicity and/or promotional purposes. This includes but is not limited to website display, print materials and exhibits.

You hereby agree to indemnify NC State, its trustees, officers, agents, and employees, from any and all claims, demands, and liabilities (including attorneys’ fees) incurred as a result of a final judgment or settlement or any claim or legal proceeding arising out of or resulting from a breach or claimed breach of the foregoing representations and warranties.

Clean Transportation Grants Now Available

Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project Round 2 Proposals Open

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at North Carolina State University announces the following request for proposals (RFP) through the 2019 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project. The CFAT project is supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds provided by the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT). The primary purpose of the CFAT project is to reduce transportation-related emissions in 24 eligible North Carolina counties.

The second round of CFAT 2019 funding Request for Proposals (RFP) period has opened.  In 2019, up to $2,350,000 in federal funding is being awarded. The 2019 funds will be awarded in three consecutive rounds of reviews and allocations, until all funds are allocated. The deadline to apply for the second round of funding is March 29, 2019.

Projects located in the following counties are eligible for CFAT funding: Cabarrus, Catawba, *Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, *Haywood, *Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Nash, Orange, Person, Rowan, *Swain, Union, Wake, (*Represents partial counties).

*Available funds: $2,350,000
Maximum per project award: $400,000
Minimum per project award: $10,000
Application deadline: March 29, 2019
Project period: June 14, 2019 – January 30, 2022

Click here for the 2019 CFAT Request for Proposals

Click here for the CFAT RFP FAQs

Click here for the 2019 CFAT RFP Application

NOTE: Applications should be emailed to Rick Sapienza.

The 50 States of Electric Vehicles Q3 2018 Report Released

Raleigh, NC – (November 7, 2018) The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its Q3 2018 edition of The 50 States of Electric Vehicles. The quarterly series provides insights on state regulatory and legislative discussions and actions on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The report finds that 32 states and the District of Columbia took actions related to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure during Q3 2018 (see figure below), with the greatest number of actions relating to Level 2 charging station deployment, followed by electric vehicle rate tariffs, rebate programs, and DC fast charging station deployment.

The report notes three trends in electric vehicle activity apparent or emerging in Q3 2018: (1) utilities proposing demand charge alternatives for fast charging stations, (2) electric bus investment ramping up, along with vehicle-to-grid testing, and (3) utilities collecting data on electric vehicle charging patterns.

A total of 211 electric vehicle actions were taken during Q3 2018. New Jersey, California, New York, and Massachusetts took the greatest number of actions during the quarter, accounting for over half of the quarter’s activity.

Q3 2018 Legislative and Regulatory Action on Electric Vehicles

“States continue to anticipate more electric vehicles on the road as a growing number of medium and heavy duty models are announced,” noted Allison Carr, Clean Transportation Specialist at NCCETC. “We’re seeing states and utilities work to advance electrification of medium and heavy duty vehicles by offering incentives, building out charging infrastructure, and testing vehicle-to-grid capabilities.”

The report notes the top electric vehicle actions taken during the quarter were:

• The Missouri Court of Appeals reversing a Public Service Commission decision on charging station regulation;

• Pepco filing its Transportation Electrification Program proposal with the DC Public Service Commission;

• Massachusetts and Rhode Island regulators approving electric vehicle programs for National Grid;

• PSE&G New Jersey filing a $261 million electric vehicle program proposal; and

• California utilities filing proposals to deploy charging infrastructure at schools and state parks and beaches.

“Utilities are playing a significant role in accelerating the build-out of charging infrastructure,” observed Autumn Proudlove, Senior Manager of Policy Research at NCCETC. “In addition to directly deploying infrastructure, utilities are proposing demand charge alternatives to encourage development of fast charging stations and launching rebate programs to reduce upfront costs.”

View the 50 States of Electric Vehicles Q3 2018 Executive Summary

View and Purchase the 50 States of Electric Vehicles Q3 2018 FULL Report

View other 50 States Reports – Solar, Grid Modernization and Electric Vehicles

Posted by John Bonitz and Nicole Deck

Learn More About New Air Quality Improvement Grant Projects

Earlier this month, the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) announced the results of a call for projects through the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project. The 2017-2018 $5.6 million initiative, focused on reducing transportation-related emissions, is supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT).

More than $1,100,101 is being awarded for ten projects to a variety of public and private entities. In total, the awarded equipment displaces 62,949 gallons of diesel/gas a year, reducing 54,042 kg of daily emissions.

The awards include:

• Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) purchase and conversions by UNC Charlotte

• Electric PTO (power take-off) bucket trucks by Viatec Incorporated and Town of Apex

• AFV conversions to bi-fuel propane by City of Charlotte and thyssenkrupp

• Diesel retrofit by North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division

• Electric motorcycle purchases by law enforcement in Davidson County, Orange County, and Town of Matthews

Learn more about each project:

Charlotte, NC skyline. (Wikimedia Commons)

City of Charlotte

The City of Charlotte, a large municipality with a fleet of more than 3,400 vehicles, will convert eleven vehicles to run on liquid propane gas (LPG) to further the City’s greenhouse gas reductions.  After the conversion, eight vehicles in the City’s Landscape Management Division and another three vehicles in Housing Code Enforcement Division will be able to run on either gasoline or propane, according to need, fuel availability, or economics.  NCCETC estimates that this project will displace more than 7,200 gallons of gasoline per year. This project is part of a larger effort to champion vehicle efficiency and pollution reductions by the City: Nearly 22% of the City’s total fleet is alt-fueled, including 30% of their light-duty fleet.  

 

Davidson County Sheriff’s vehicle (Source: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonCoSheriffsOffice/)

Davidson County Sheriff

Davidson County Sheriff’s Office in Lexington, NC, will add three 2018 Zero Motorcycles to its Motor Division, each with a projected 25,000 annual mileage per year. NCCETC estimates that this use of electric motorcycles will reduce 3,938 kg total emissions annually.  The Sheriff’s Department also plans to implement a data collection tool to capture mileage accumulation information, which will be compared to tracking of the Office’s existing gas fueled motorcycle fleet. The information will be used to determine the fuel economy as well as gallons of gasoline displaced.

 

NCDOT Rail Division train. (Source: https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/rail/Pages/default.aspx)

NC DOT Rail Division

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division in Raleigh, NC, has developed a specialized selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emissions reduction system that will be retrofitted onto a Piedmont passenger rail F59PH locomotive. The SCR system is known as a Blended Aftertreatment System, or BATS, and improves the locomotive’s emissions levels 55 to 80%. NCDOT’s Piedmont passenger rail service travels through nine counties between Raleigh and Charlotte, NC – Wake, Orange, Durham, Alamance, Guilford, Davidson, Rowan, Cabarrus, and Mecklenburg – all of which are indicated as EPA non-attainment for one or more pollutants (ozone, CO/CO2). The locomotive will be put into standard revenue service with an estimate of 300 days of use annually, and an expected annual mileage of 103,800 miles per year.  NCCETC estimates this project will reduce an astounding 19,275 kg emissions and reduce demand for 9,000 gallons of fuel every year.  This exciting project also delivers pollution reductions that are extremely cost-effective.

 

Orange County Sheriff’s vehicle. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/ocsonc/)

Orange County Sheriff’s Office

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office plans to acquire an electric motorcycle, expanding the capacity of the specialized Motorcycle Unit to patrol County parks, trails, and greenways along with traffic enforcement, funeral escorts, dignitary escorts, and outreach and education events.  The unit has been using gasoline Harley Davidson FLHP Electra Glide motorcycles, and looks forward to the addition of the stealthy electric motorcycle. The Orange County Sustainability Coordinator will work with the Sheriff’s Office to provide administrative support, tracking, and reporting on this project to estimate and publicize pollution reduction benefits.

Orange County has been diligently working on their fleet to improve fuel economy and reduce transportation pollution for years.  In 2018, the County reported more than 11% of their fleet being alt-fueled, including 23 hybrids and 15 bi-fuel propane vehicles.  Orange County owns and operates 16 Level 2 electric charging stations, and hosts two DC Fast Charge stations in Hillsborough and Chapel Hill.

thyssenkrupp / Alliance Autogas

Thyssenkrupp, an elevator company with a large fleet of light-duty maintenance vehicles, plans to convert seven vans and a truck to reduce pollution emissions in Mecklenburg County.  In Charlotte, NC, six 2018 Ford Transits and one 2018 Ford F-150 will be converted to run on either liquid propane or gasoline. The vehicles will be able to run on either gasoline or propane, according to need, fuel availability, or economics.  NCCETC estimates that this project will displace more than 13,000 gallons of gasoline per year. This is part of a larger corporate shift: Nationwide, in the last four years, thyssenkrupp has reduced their fuel use by over 2 million gallons by right-sizing their vehicles and by moving towards alternative fuels like propane and electric.  Locally, the project will be implemented in cooperation with fuel provider, Alliance Autogas, who will help thyssenkrupp establish necessary propane refueling infrastructure.

 

Downtown Apex. (Wikimedia Commons)

Town of Apex

The Town of Apex, NC, a rapidly growing municipality with 302 vehicles and over 201 pieces of equipment, will retrofit three bucket lift truck vehicles with electric PTO (power take-off) units, allowing the trucks’ diesel engines to reduce idling while operating on overhead utilities, signs, and signals.  By greatly reducing diesel truck idle time, these electric PTOs will significantly reduce vehicle emissions, improving local air quality and the health of bucket truck operators and workers as well as reduce engine maintenance costs. The Town will meticulously collect fuel and mileage data on each vehicle in operation.  By comparing these to historical data, the Town will be able to clearly quantify the benefits of this technology, both in terms of fuel usage and reductions in vehicle pollution, thus estimating the project’s positive effects on air quality in Wake County.

 

Town of Matthews Police vehicle (Source: https://www.facebook.com/matthewsncpd/)

Town of Matthews Police Department

The Matthews Police Department is purchasing an electric motorcycle in order to diversify their fleet, giving them an efficient and environmentally conscious means of accessing and patrolling areas that conventional vehicles cannot reach.  An electric motorcycle will allow MPD to promote safety and environmental protection to pedestrians, cyclists and others in areas such as the Four Mile Creek Greenway, a paved multi-use pathway that is popular for area hikers, bikers, walkers, and animal lovers.  The electric motorcycle will displace a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car, currently getting 18 miles per gallon of gasoline.

 

UNC Charlotte’s Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). (Contributed by UNC Charlotte)

UNC Charlotte

The University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) in Mecklenburg County will replace one heavy duty bucket truck with a hybrid vehicle, and conduct a hybrid electric conversions on one 15-passenger van to reduce emissions per mile.  They will also purchase new bi-fuel light duty trucks to run blends of ethanol. These replacements and up-fits will allow the campus to build on its successful fleet hybrid electrification that began as part of the state Petroleum Displacement program, which includes a fleet of over 100 GEM electric vehicles and awards for maximizing the use of E-85 in flex-fuel vehicles. NCCETC estimates these replacements and conversions will result in 53,975 kg total emissions reduced annually. Carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide reductions are estimated to cost only $2.25 and $2.10 per kilogram per year.

 

SmartPTO installed onto a truck. (Contributed by Viatec)

Viatec Inc

Viatec, a Pittsboro NC company (with locations in Greenville SC and Northern California) will retrofit 12 bucket lift truck vehicles with electric PTO (power take-off) units in NC municipalities with significant air pollution, including Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh and Cary.  This electric PTO allows bucket truck crews to turn off their engine and perform work in a safe, clean and quiet environment, benefiting the owners, operators and the communities in which they work. By greatly reducing diesel truck idle time, these electric PTOs will significantly reduce vehicle emissions.  NCCETC estimates that bucket trucks burn nearly a gallon of diesel fuels per hour of idling. Based on an industry study conducted by Quanta Services (Green Truck Show March 2018), an electric PTO system is estimated to save about 1800 gallons of fuel annually, in standard operations. In addition, eliminating the idling on the truck engine also reduces carbon emissions to the tune of almost 38,000 pounds of CO2.  The noiseless operation of systems creates safer operating conditions for the crew and the reduced wear-and-tear on the truck engine extends the truck life. This electric PTO is built around an EPA Certified production hardened electric power train and is “Buy America” compliant. The unit is fit for utilities, tree service, sign and light companies and other aerial device application. Industry proven and tested components deliver a reliable and near maintenance-free solution.  

2018 (DERA) School Bus Rebate Program will offer over $9M

School buses travel over four billion miles each year, providing the safest transportation to and from school for more than 25 million American children every day, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. However, diesel exhaust from these buses has a negative impact on human health, especially for children, who have a faster breathing rate than adults and whose lungs are not yet fully developed.

The 2018 School Bus Rebate Program will offer over $9 million to public and private fleet owners for the replacement of old diesel school buses with new buses certified to EPA’s cleanest emission standards. EPA will award selected applicants $15,000-20,000 per bus for scrapping and replacing old buses.

Eligible Entities

• Regional, state, or tribal agency that has jurisdiction over transportation and air quality, including school districts and municipalities
• Private entities that operate school buses under a contract with an entity listed above
• Fleets with up to 100 school buses may submit one application listing up to 10 buses for scrappage and replacement
• Fleets with more than 100 school buses may submit up to two rebate applications, each listing up to 10 different buses for scrappage and replacement

Eligible Old School Buses to be Replaced

• Used to transport 10+ pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to school or homes
• Driven 10k or more miles over the last 12 months or in use 3+ days/week during the school year
• Owned by applicant without any active liens
• Class 3-8 diesel-powered buses [greater than 10,000 lb Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)]
• Buses powered by 2006 or older model year engines must be replaced with buses powered by a 2017 or newer model year engine
• Engine and chassis must be scrapped before receiving rebate payment

Information from US Environmental Protection Agency website

Learn more about the rebate program, your eligibility, requirements and deadlines by going to https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-rebates.

NCSU Announces New Electric Vehicle Fast Charger

New Electric Car Charger Is More Efficient, 10 Times Smaller Than Current Tech

Earlier this month, it was announced that North Carolina State University (NCSU) researchers have built an electric vehicle fast charger that is at least 10 times smaller than existing systems and wastes 60 percent less power during the charging process, without sacrificing charging time, according to NCSU.

This new technology is called a medium voltage fast charger (MVFC).

“This new approach offers four times more power from the same system footprint, reducing the system installation costs at the same time,” said Srdjan Srdic, a research professor at NC State who also worked on developing the technology (in a press release.)

Learn more about the fast charger at https://news.ncsu.edu/2018/10/better-fast-charger/.

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