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Ohio Green Fleets – Program Launch |
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COLUMBUS, OHIO, Aug. 13 -/E-Wire/--
Clean Fuels Ohio (www.CleanFuelsOhio.org), is unveiling its Ohio Green Fleets Program (www.OhioGreenFleets.com) and logo on August 13th at the Whittier Peninsula. Whittier Peninsula is a joint reclamation project of the Audubon Society, Columbus Metro Parks and City of Columbus.
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The keynote speakers: Walter Kovalick, Acting Deputy Regional Administrator US EPA and Director Chris Korleski of the Ohio EPA Followed by the program and logo unveiling.
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This Kick-Off event will feature almost two dozen fleet vehicles with installed technology representing different aspects of Clean Diesel technology. The same technology will also have uninstalled representation and information as well for participants to learn about the technology and its application. One example will be a "cut-away" of diesel particulate filters and oxidation catalysts as well as other technology demonstrations.
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Ohio Green Fleets is a voluntary certification process to which Ohio Fleet Managers apply. The program goal, "To recognize those that deserve it, and help those that ask!" is the mission while reducing emissions from the transportation industry. This goal significantly improves the environmental performance of business and government vehicle fleets across Ohio through diesel cleanup and other strategies and is composed of three core components:
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1) Working with fleet managers to develop a Green Fleet policy tailored to their specific needs.
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2) Hands on support and assistance in implementing the policy.
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3) The development of a statewide rating system
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Why Ohio Green Fleets?
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These fuels and technologies offer great benefits including air quality improvements, attainment of federal air quality standards, reduction in tax expenditures, increased energy security, and benefits to Ohio’s economy.
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As petroleum prices continue to rise, cleaner, domestic fuel options also fit into a more cost-effective business strategy.
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People in government, the private sector, policy makers and the general public are hearing much more today about alternative fuels. They are receptive to these messages but are unsure about details of implementation.
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-The development of a uniform statewide recognition system will make it easy to determine who has become a leader in green technology use for transportation energy. This public recognition system can be a badge of pride for organizations and businesses.
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Reducing transportation emissions is important because, according to US EPA data, 79% of health risks from airborne sources are from diesel emissions. Motor carriers consume about 53 billion gallons of fuel each year to move more than 10 billion tons of freight as stated by the American Trucking Association. The US EPA Smartway program states, by 2012 ground Freight transport is expected to produce over 450 million metric tons of carbon dioxide—a 25 percent increase over today's levels. The need is obvious.
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Ohio Green Fleets is presented with support from the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority-Ohio Energy Office and Ohio Environmental Education Fund. Program support from the Ohio EPA, US EPA SmartWay, as well as several local and regional organizations such as City of Columbus Fleet Management, Earth Day Coalition, Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Ohio Environmental Council, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, as well as all founding partners served on this program committee. All members make this program possible.
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Exclusive Founding Partners also making this program possible are: Clean Energy, Cummins Emissions Solutions, Firm Green, Honda, Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Trucking Association.
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Clean Fuels Ohio (www.CleanFuelsOhio.org), an environmental non-profit based in Columbus, Ohio and focuses on reducing air pollution through the “greening” of the transportation industry.
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For directions to this event please go to http://www.metroparks.net/ParksWhittier.aspx).
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Contact Info: Brad Couch, Projects and Policy Director
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Clean Fuels Ohio
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3400 N. High St, Ste 430
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Columbus, Ohio 43202
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614-88-Green (4-7336)
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Website : Clean Fuels Ohio
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