Friday, August 29, 2014

Getting Behind Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles

When I was in middle school, a report was published suggesting that our oil supply as we know it would run out by 2050. At the time, I thought 2050 sounded close enough to motivate us to at least start THINKING about how to deal with this dramatic change, but far enough away to completely ignore it, too, which most of us did. Immediately.

Unfortunately, 2050 is no longer far enough away to allow Hummers and F-150s and 250s to stay on the road. Even more unfortunately, Americans (politicians and constituents alike) don't seem to care. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers declares that, in a mere 25 years, oil production will be 20% of our current consumption. Again, 25 years doesn’t sound super near, meaning it’s enough time to greatly increase populations world-wide and oil-driven industries. But don’t forget, in the scope of Earth’s lifetime, 25 years is nothing.

Europeans understood the severity of this long before we did. They also realized that to replace gas guzzlers with zero- and low-emission vehicles, they needed infrastructure to support it. Hydrogen-powered vehicles began to roll out this past spring and hydrogen fueling stations were already in place all over the continent.

Toyota FCV-R hydrogen fuel-cell concept car, 2012 Detroit Auto Show
Photo Source: Green Car Reports.
Toyota FCV-R hydrogen fuel-cell concept car.
Roll out in 2015.
The US is far behind, according to this article from the LA Times. Not only is the ratio of gas stations to ALL alternative fuel stations 16:1, but there are fewer than 25 hydrogen fueling stations in the entire country. Californians are lucky because about a third of them are in the state, but nearly all of those are concentrated in LA and Orange counties. This leaves few alternatives for those in the San Joaquin Valley.

American automakers and distributors would like to start selling hydrogen cars, like the Toyota FCV-R hydrogen fuel-cell car shown at the right, in 2015. However, 2015 is now! It's here! and without the necessary infrastructure to support these vehicles, no one will purchase them.

Sure, the automobile wasn’t invented in the United States, but the Oldsmobile factory in Lansing, Michigan did start the movement of mass producing affordable cars. We’re in the land of opportunity and, as Wikipedia declares, we Americans are “characterized by a strong work ethic, competitiveness, and individualism”. So why are we so behind in mass producing cars with the latest environmentally-friendly vehicles? We have the ingenuity to take the lead on this movement; so let's take advantage of it.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

REBATES! for Your New Alternative or Renewable Vehicle

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) offer a number of rebates, incentives and vouchers to promote the introduction of cleaner vehicles on California roads. So, if you’re looking to get a new (or used) car in the near future, seriously consider an alternative or renewable vehicle. It will save you your money and your lungs over the long term.

First thing’s first. What counts as an alternative or renewable vehicle? There are several technologies available and in development. Here are a few of our favorites:
Now for the incentive and rebates… the best part and probably the reason you’re reading this! 
Photo Source: Zero Motorcycles

CARB is sponsoring a CCSE- administered rebate program for zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Whether you want to buy or lease one of these light-duty vehicles, you can get up to $2,500 through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. The website has an extensive list of eligible vehicles, links to apply for the rebates easily online, project statistics, and informative FAQs.

The Drive Clean! Rebate Program, administered by the SJVAPCD, offers up to $3,000 for new vehicles purchases and leases. Check the eligible vehicle list and apply for your well-deserved rebate using this fillable W9 form. If you need more information about all these vehicles, check out this DriveClean Buying Guide. You can access a quick vehicle compare and a Plug-In EV Resource Center or even calculate your savings by rebates and incentives.

The SJVAPCD also has a Vanpool Voucher program to promote carpools for SJV residents. So many people commute 20 miles or more for work by themselves in inefficient vehicles, and this rideshare program would alleviate congestion on the roads and vehicle emissions. The incentive is worth up to $360 a year and you can apply using this fillable form. The SJVAPCD has a number of other grants and incentive programs that target improving our air quality. Check them out here!

I want. If only! The new Tesla Model X.
If you manage a fleet that only operates in California, you could be eligible for this Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Vouchers are somewhat limited, but they are worth anywhere from $6,000 to $45,000 for each qualified new hybrid or electric truck or bus you buy. Eligible vehicles can be found here and the website has information for all dealers, fleets and vehicle makers. As long as your fleet operates only in California, it is eligible for this project, no matter the size or whether it is private or public.

There is a lot to take advantage of and I suggest you look into these if you’re considering a new vehicle! The technologies are only getting better and our air seems to only be getting worse, especially with this recent drought. So, do your part!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Statewide LG EE Best Practices: Weekly Update

For those of you who know who Joseph Oldham is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week.  We are grateful that Joseph has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update.  If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Joseph's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.  


1.  2013 Non-Residential Energy Code Checklists Now Released 
The California Statewide Codes & Standards Program is pleased to announce the release of 9 new Checklists designed to help "decode" California's 2013 building energy code. These easy-to-use checklists provide step-by-step guidance on Title 24, Part 6 requirements for nonresidential plans checks and field inspections. Download and print them for easy "low-tech" use in the field.  To access more information, go to these links: 
2.  City of Berkeley Seeking Examples of RFPs
The City of Berkeley is seeking examples of RFPs for water and energy performance contracts.   If you have one, please send it to Neal De Snoo at ndesnoo@cityofberkeley.info.

3.  Solar Roadmapping Update
Cities and counties interested in increasing use of solar in their communities should consider a solar road mapping program funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE).  Solar Roadmap makes it easier, faster, and more affordable for communities to install solar and transform their solar market.  Solar Roadmap works by unlocking communities’ full solar market potential through five key focus areas: Solar Market Development; Project Financing Tools; Permitting Process Improvements; Planning and Zoning Standards; and Interconnection Processes.
This DOE-led program:
· Requires minimal staff time involvement;
· Provides proven approaches to streamline processes, reduce staff staff time. and increase efficiency;
· Requires no financial commitment or cost to participate.  Funding already provided by DOE; 
· Provides free solar technical feasibility assistance for sites and consulting over the next 2 years; and,
· Currently has over 70 city and county participants in California.
If you would like to learn more or determine how you might participate in this program, please get in touch with Karly Zimmerman at Strategic Energy Innovations at  415.507.1430karly@seiinc.org

4.  100 Resilient Cities Challenge
The Rockefeller Foundation has announced their 100 Resilient Cities Challenge.  For more information about how your city can participate, go to this link:  http://www.100resilientcities.org/pages/100-resilient-cities-challenge?utm_medium=display


5.   SCHEDULE CHANGE for Public Workshops on the Investment of Cap-and-Trade Auction Proceeds to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities
OAKLAND WORKSHOP HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO SEPTEMBER 3.

The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and Air
Resources Board (ARB) invite you to participate in public
workshops to discuss investment of Cap-and-Trade auction
proceeds.  Topics will include: the identification of
disadvantaged communities, development of guidance on maximizing
the benefits to disadvantaged communities, and how to determine
what counts as benefiting those communities.

The workshop will be held in three locations as indicated below;
each workshop will cover the same topics.

FRESNO Workshop: August 25, 2014
LOS ANGELES Workshop: August 26, 2014
OAKLAND Workshop: September 3, 2014 (NEW DATE)

The dates that workshop materials will be available have also
been updated.  CalEPA will release information about approaches
to identifying disadvantaged communities by August 15th and ARB
will release draft interim guidance for State agencies to
maximize benefits in disadvantaged communities, including
criteria to determine which projects benefit disadvantaged
communities, by August 20th.

The detailed notice for these workshops and workshop materials on
the investment of auction proceeds to benefit disadvantaged
communities will be made available at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/auctionproceeds


6.   Program Opportunity Notice - PON-14-305 - Demonstrating Bioenergy Solutions That Support California's Industries, the Environment, and the Grid
Program Opportunity Notice - PON-14-305
Electric Program Investment Charge
Demonstrating Bioenergy Solutions That Support California's Industries, the Environment, and the Grid

Deadline to Submit Applications: November 7, 2014 by 3:00 p.m.

Purpose of Solicitation
The purpose of this solicitation is to fund technology demonstration and deployment projects that demonstrate and appraise the operational and performance characteristics of pre-commercial biomass conversion technologies, generation systems, and development strategies.

Pre-Application Workshop

Energy Commission staff will hold one Pre-Application Workshop to discuss the solicitation with applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged.  Applicants may attend the workshop in-person, via WebEx, or via conference call on the date and at the time and location listed below.

August 21, 2014 workshop:
California Energy Commission
1:30 p.m.
1516 9th Street
Sacramento, CA  95814
Hearing Room A

August 26, 2014 workshop:
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Auditorium
1:30 p.m.
21865 Copley Drive
Diamond bar, CA 91765

https://energy.webex.com

1st Workshop (8/21)
Meeting Number: 920 500 358
Meeting Password: meeting@130
Topic: PON-14-305 Pre-Application Workshop #1

2nd Workshop (8/26)
Meeting Number: 922 158 195
Meeting Password: meeting@130
Topic: PON-14-305 Pre-Application Workshop #2

Telephone Access Only:
Call 1-866-469-3239 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada). When prompted, enter the meeting number
For more information:
http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/epic.html#PON-14-305


7.  Whole House Draft Report Posted for Review and Comment on Public Document Area Site
The draft report for the Whole House Impact Evaluation has been posted to the PDA siteTo view the document and/or provide comments on the report visit the PDA athttp://www.energydataweb.com/cpuc, click on the “Search” tab at the top of the page then scroll down to the bottom and type the following in the search box:
Comments should be uploaded to the website by clicking the comment box.
Comments are due by August 27, 2014 on the Public Document Area.  Final report will be posted on September 5, 2014. 

Questions?

Please contact Mona Dzvova at Mona.dzvova@cpuc.ca.gov