Empire Clean Cities Newsletter Spring 2013
IN THIS ISSUE
make New Name, Same Mission
Welcome Empire Clean Cities! US DOE Awards for Petroleum Reduction Green Vanguard Award Biodiesel Blends for the Big Apple – REG EV Readiness Roundtable Event The Transportation & Climate Initiative of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic States Centre for Sustainability & Excellence Empire Green Fleets Program Overview Guide to Greening Your Fleet Upcoming Events _______________________________________________________
Empire Clean Cities is officially here! This past October, NYCLHVCC proudly announced its new name: Empire Clean Cities. Empire Clean Cities will continue NYCLHVCC’s mission to ensure clean air for future generations by Promoting Green Fleets for a Sustainable New York City and Lower Hudson Valley. Christina Ficicchia, Executive Director, says: “Empire Clean Cities is a strong, regionally identifiable, memorable name that will allow us to work harder for our region and have a greater positive impact to the environment!”
Nationally Recognized For Our Work! Empire Clean Cities received four Honorable Mention awards from the U.S. Department of Energy for reducing regional petroleum usage. The awards were distributed at the 2012 Clean Cities Peer Exchange and Vehicle Technology Deployment Workshop hosted in Estes Park, Colorado in late September. Empire Clean Cities Received Four Honorable Mention Awards: Greatest Displacement of Petroleum Using Hybrid Electric Vehicles Greatest Displacement of Petroleum Using Biodiesel Greatest Increase in Biodiesel Fuel Use Most Improved in Idle Reduction Upon receiving the awards, Christina Ficicchia, Executive Director, said, “We are proud to represent a group of stakeholders that are committed to Empire Clean Cities’ mission to ensure clean air for future generations and thank the U.S. Department of Energy for recognizing the positive impact that the New York City and Lower Hudson Valley-based fleets are making. Congratulations to the fleets for helping us reach our goals.”
(Empire Clean Cities Announcement at Center for Sustainable Energy, Alternative Vehicle & Technology Conference Lehman College)
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Empire Clean Cities Newsletter Spring 2013
Mayor Thomas Roach of White Plains Awarded 2012 Green Vanguard Award! Mayor Thomas Roach was presented with Empire Clean Cities’ 2012 Green Vanguard Award for his work in advancing sustainability in the City of White Plains. Steven J. Levy, Board President, Empire Clean Cities, said, “We are proud to acknowledge and congratulate Mayor Roach for his environmental stewardship as Mayor of the City of White Plains.” Mayor Roach’s achievements in sustainability include improving local air quality, increasing citizens’ access to affordable forms of alternative transportation, and encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles. Mayor Roach, together with Public Works Commissioner Joseph Nicoletti, Jr. has been instrumental in encouraging the adoption of alternative vehicles in the city’s fleet. In 2011, White Plains added two new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuse trucks to its alternative vehicle fleet. These two CNG refuse haulers displace an average of 18,000 gallons of diesel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 35 tons per year. “I am honored to receive the Green Vanguard Award,” said the Honorable Mayor Thomas Roach, “we have worked closely with Empire Clean Cities to make the City of White Plains greener, more sustainable, and more energy efficient.”
(Green Vanguard Award Presentation at Lehman College)
Platinum Members
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/home/home.s html
Earlier this year, Mayor Roach succeeded in bringing the rideshare company Zipcar to the City of White Plains, thereby ensuring that residents have access to an affordable, alternative form of transportation. Perhaps most forward thinking of all the Mayor’s initiatives is his work to bring electric vehicles to White Plains. Under Mayor Roach’s administration, the City has installed 10 EV-charging stations in public parking spaces. The City plans to install at least 15 more such stations over the next year. In addition, the City has used public forums such as the City of White Plain’s 2012 Earth Week to showcase the electric vehicle options currently available to consumers. Empire Clean Cities has played a pivotal role in Mayor Roach’s efforts. “Our partnership on electric vehicles is creating a national model for bringing electric vehicles to full scale implementation,” Mayor Roach explained, adding that he “looks forward to a long partnership with this trailblazing organization.”
http://www.nycgovparks.org/
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Empire Clean Cities Newsletter Spring 2013
Biodiesel Blends for the Big Apple: Fleet Sustainability Just Got Easier In November, the nation’s largest biodiesel producer and marketer announced plans to market high quality biodiesel and Bioheat® through four New York metropolitan locations. Today, wholesale biodiesel is available in Whippany, N.J. and New York locations in Brookhaven, Port Chester, and New Hyde Park. “REG is focused on developing regional markets for our REG-9000 biodiesel,” explained REG’s Jon Scharingson who works with biodiesel veterans Michael Cooper, Danny Falcone and Paul Predaris in the Northeast market. “New York State offers an attractive biodiesel blending incentive for retailers which should make biodiesel more competitively priced for fleets across the state.” Biodiesel available here, now. Renewable Energy Group, owns and operates more than 225 million gallons of owned/operated annual production capacity at seven biodiesel plants. The company has more than 20 terminal positions across the country and is working with fuel retailers in the city to bring biodiesel blends to the pumps. Biodiesel does not face a “blend wall.” Nearly any biodiesel blend percentage can be used in existing diesel engines without modifications. Retail fuel pumps are already manufactured to offer biodiesel at blends greater than B20 (a blend of 20 percent by volume biodiesel with 80 percent by volume petroleum diesel). For example, every diesel engine in Minnesota runs on biodiesel 365 days of the year. Several fleets in Peoria, Illinois run on B20 year-round. Mining operations across the country use biodiesel blends of 80 percent (B80) or more to meet their underground air emission requirements. Both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty equipment in Europe have been using biodiesel blends for decades. Biodiesel is an efficient, lower cost option. Because biodiesel can be used in any existing diesel engine and with current retail fueling systems, it essentially removes the initial capital costs required for making a change to a more sustainable fuel. With the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), biodiesel is becoming increasingly more available across the petroleum supply chain. Truly a renewable fuel. Biodiesel is produced from the leftover fats, oil and greases produced by processing and manufacturing food. The more food the American farmer produces, the more raw materials are available for producing biodiesel. With this renewable cycle, harmful greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by up to 86% as compared to petroleum diesel. The higher the blend, the better. B20 has demonstrated significant environmental benefits with a minimum increase in cost for fleet operations and other fuel consumers. When a fleet first moves to higher blends like B20, they can expect their engines to be “cleaned.” Biodiesel is cleaner than diesel fuel and, as a cleaning agent, reduces particulate build-up in the engine which may clog fuel filters initially. In the long run, biodiesel enhances engine performance with a cleaner, more efficient burn and optimized efficiency. “Growing our distribution network in the New York City area expands the opportunity for ratable, high quality biodiesel when and where fleets need it,” explained Scharingson. Fleets can learn more about biodiesel blends online at http://biodiesel.org/using-biodiesel/guide-to-buying-biodiesel.
Empire Clean Cities Newsletter
Spring 2013
Fleets that pay tax on their diesel fuel are eligible for a tax exemption/incentive. Check out the graphic below for more information!
B-20 Tax Rate Comparison Total New York State, Local & Federal Taxes on a Gallon of Diesel Motor Fuel Effective July 2007 Tax Rate Cents Per Tax Component Gallon Excise Tax 8 cents Petroleum Business Tax 14.85 (PBT) cents State Sales Tax 8 cents Spill Tax .3 cents 31.15 Total State Tax cents Local Sales Tax* 11.6 cents Federal Excise Tax 24.4 cents
Total New York State, Local & Federal Taxes on a Gallon of B-20 Blend of Biodiesel Fuel* Effective July 2007 Tax Rate Cents Per Tax Component Gallon Excise Tax 6.4 cents Petroleum Business Tax 11.88 (PBT) cents State Sales Tax 6 cents Spill Tax .3 cents 24.58 Total State Tax cents Local Sales Tax** 9.3 cents Federal Excise Tax*** 4.4 cents
* The typical local sales tax rate on diesel motor fuel is now 4.25%--. Using $3.00 pump price per gallon. The rate per gallon is 11.6 cents.
* Effective September 1, 2006, sales of B-20 are subject to reduced State and local tax rates. The rate reduction is 20% of the otherwise applicable taxes for petroleum diesel fuel under the State excise. PBT and sales taxes.
** For local % rate taxes-20% of the receipts otherwise subject to sales tax are excluded for sales of B-20. This calculation assumes a $3 per gallon pump price.
*** The Federal excise tax blenders’ credit is 1 cent for each 1% blend of agribiodisel. For a 20% bio blend the credit is 20 cents per gallon against the 24.4 cent federal excise tax imposed on petroleum diesel fuel.
NYS Department of Taxation & Finance
Spring 2013
Empire Clean Cities Newsletter
EV Readiness Roundtable Event This past December, Empire Clean Cities, the New York Power Authority, and the City of White Plains hosted an EV Readiness Roundtable, drawing attendance from local businesses and municipalities. The group reviewed draft siting and design guidelines and discussed policies for consumer charging at retail locations and workplace charging. The event was part of a larger effort targeted at the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States, funded by the US Department of Energy and implemented by the Transportation and Climate Initiative at Georgetown University’s Climate Center.
The Transportation & Climate Initiative of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic States The TCI is a regional collaboration of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions that seeks to develop the clean energy economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. Already, TCI jurisdictions have taken action by forming the Northeast Electric Vehicle Network and all TCI states have agreed to regional sustainability principles that make sustainable development a top regional transportation goal. Core Work Areas Creating Sustainable Communities Adopting Innovative Communication Technologies Advancing More Efficient Freight Movement http://www.georgetownclimate.org/stateaction/transportation-and-climate-initiative
For more information check out Transportation & Climate Initiatives documents on Electric Vehicles EVSE CLUSTER ANALYSIS Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Support Study CREATING EV-READY TOWNS AND CITIES: A GUIDE TO PLANNING AND POLICY TOOLS EV Information for Utilities Learn About EVs Brochure. The Future is Now!
Spring 2013
Empire Clean Cities Newsletter
CERTIFIED SUSTAINABILITY (CSR) PRACTITIONER TRAINING New York | June 13-14, 2013 The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) offers a 2-day training program which provides professionals with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues, including defining and executing stakeholder engagement, principles of sustainability reporting, life-cycle analysis (LCA) & carbon footprint, and green marketing. Professionals will engage in: Learning to effectively communicate your sustainability strategy Understanding current global & local legislation for CSR and GHG emissions In-depth plenary and interactive sessions on global concepts & topics for designing and implementing effective sustainability strategies Informative videos, updated case studies, and advanced training material Highly intensive, intimate group setting An opportunity to create a CSR Action Plan for your organization or sector CSR-Practitioner Certification (upon successful completion of a final assignment) Join Walmart, Unilever, Honeywell, Blackberry (RIM), Pfizer, ABM, United Airlines, Grainger, US Postal Service, Sears Holdings, Quaker Chemical, and many other organizations who have attended CSE’s global trainings. The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence is a global training and consulting organization with operations in over 20 countries. Since 2005, CSE has held advanced certified trainings for executives and managers in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Brussels, Athens, Dubai, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.
Limited seating! Click here and register today! 15% discount with promo code ECC15 CSE is a global advisory and training organization that specializes in Sustainability, and is an Approved Training Provider by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. IEMA is a third-party not-for-profit organization which supports members by providing recognition of knowledge and skills through professional qualifications and the provision of membership services.
www.cse-net.org
Empire Clean Cities Newsletter Spring 2013
Welcome New Executive Board Members: Empire Clean Cities is pleased to welcome four new members to the Executive Board! John Markowitz is a Lead Engineer in the Clean Energy Technology Group at the New York Power Authority (NYPA), where he manages the electric transportation program and other projects in the areas of renewable energy and energy storage.
Edward Taylor is the President of Down East Seafood, which deployed the first all-electric food delivery truck in New York. Down East delivers to Westchester, Southern Connecticut, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, and the Five Boroughs using their fleet of energy effective vehicles.
Mark Simon is the Director of the Alternate Fuels Program at the NYC Department of Transportation, a program that he has been heavily involved with since its inception in the late 1980’s, which includes Empire Clean Cities and the NYC Clean Cities Program.
Luke Tonachel is the Director, Vehicles and Fuels Program and Senior Analyst, Transportation Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council where he has been an advocate for state and federal policies that promote clean vehicles and fuels.
Louis Calcagno of NYC DOT and Ronald Gulmi of Emerald Alternative Energy Solutions, Inc. have served on the Executive Board since 2007 and now join Tria Case, Ruth Horton, Patrick Bolton, Donna Decostanzo and Kerry-Jane King as Emeritus Board Members.
Empire Clean Cities Newsletter Spring 2013
Become an Empire Green Fleet Efficiency = Reduced Fuel = Money Saved The goal of Empire Green Fleets (EGF) is to improve the environmental performance of local public and private fleets. EGF is a partnership: we work with fleet managers to track vehicle emissions and develop strategies to improve fleet efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and decrease environmental impacts. We collect fleet vehicle information and measure your organization’s emissions in five key areas: CO2, PM 2.5, NOx, CO, & HC. Fleets with emissions lower than expected are awarded points. Highscoring fleets are designated as an “Empire Green Fleet”. What does Empire Green Fleets accomplish? Saves Money: EGF provides fleet managers a tool to identify fuel cost reductions. Switching your vehicles to alternative fuels may save you money. We provide tailored attention necessary to ensure maximum fleet efficiency.
Earns Recognition: EGF certification provides independent, third party verification of your commitment to the earth. Certified fleets receive recognition on our website, at our public events, and at our annual Green Fleets award cermony. EGF certification is a useful marketing tool for cutomers and other concerned stakeholders. PreparesYour Fleet: Businesses that engage in sustainable practices already have a competitive advantage. As we move forward in an increasingly carbon constrained world, fleets that have adopted alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies will be quicker to adapt to the shifting business landscape.
Guide to Greening Your Fleet Empire Clean Cities Guide to Greening Your Fleet is a resource for fleet managers and companies to use as a guide on ways to establish a greener fleet. Each step was created to guide you through a process that can help you achieve the most environmentally friendly fleet possible. This guide will help you determine specific goals for your fleet and which steps will help you reach those goals. Steps: Step 1: Measure emissions and set goals Step 2: Improve vehicle selection Step 3: Improve vehicle use Step 4: Educate employees Step 5: Provide public transportation incentives Step 6: Consider carbon offsets Step 7: Report progress
Step 8: Establish infrastructure
Empire Clean Cities Newsletter Spring 2013
Empire Clean City Events
Industry Events
CNG 101 Workshop – May 9th, Learn the basics on using CNG in
CO2 E Drive
your Fleet.
Date: April 21, 2013 Location: New York, NY About: In celebration of Earth Day 2013, Earth Day New York will produce the third annual CO2 E Drive, followed by a green vehicle runway show and exhibition in Union Square. More Info: http://goo.gl/gp1nc
5th Annual Empire Clean Cities Stakeholder Meeting – May 30th, ECC will be hosting its 5th Annual Stakeholders Meeting in conjunction with New York City Parks 25th Annual Vehicle & Equipment Show. Location: Queens Museum of Art, Queens, NY
Understanding ROI of Natural Gas & Moving Towards RNG Renewable Natural Gas Workshop – May/June, Learn how your fleet can save money by switching to natural gas. Learn about how more renewable natural gas can become part of the grid.
CNG Building & Vehicle Maintenance Workshop – June, Learn from experienced building & fleet managers on how to prepare your facility to house an operate natural gas vehicles.
ACT Expo Date: June 24-27, 2013 Location: Washington, D.C. About: ACT Expo is North America’s largest alternative fuel and clean vehicle technology conference – representing electric, hybrid, hydrogen, natural gas, propane autogas, & valuable network opportunities. ACT Expo will be showcasing the success & progress of the US DOE’S national Clean Cities program, with Empire Clean Cities as our local designated coalition. Additionally, Empire Clean Cities is on the Planning Committee for this event. More Info: http://goo.gl/p4RDv
Biodiesel Workshop – Summer 2013, Biodiesel has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel, and as a domestically produced resource can reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Empire Clean Cities Staff: Christina Ficicchia, Executive Director Michael Reed, Empire Green Fleets Coordinator Kevin Kraft, Graduate Intern Empire Clean Cities Executive Board: President Steven J. Levy, Interim Treasure Mark Simon, Secretary Luis Torres, Patrick Gerdin, Thomas Lubas, Joseph “Bud” Nicoletti, Lucius Riccio, John Markowitz, Edward Taylor, Luke Tonachel
Emeritus Board Members: Louis Calcagno, Ronald Gulmi, Tria Case, Ruth Horton, Patrick Bolton, Kerry-Jane King
Empire Clean Cities 55 Water Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10041 w| www.empirecleancities.org p| 212-839-7228 e| info@empirecleancities.org