Promote the use of alternative fuel sources.
Low-emission alternative fuels (like electricity and CNG) have lower impacts on our air quality than traditional, petroleum-based fuels.
Tool: Improve local and statewide networks of charging stations.
In recent years, electric vehicle sales have jumped tremendously. In 2014, approximately 119,710 electric vehicles were sold in the United States in 2014, representing a 23% increase from 2013 and a 128% from 2012.[iv] Although electric vehicle sales represented less than one percent of car sales in 2014, as their availability, reliability, and affordability increase, the sales trends will likely continue.
Case Study
- Utah Paperbox (UPB) in Salt Lake City installed five electric vehicle charging stations. UPB partnered with Utah Clean Cities and received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to support the station installation. http://www.afdc.energy.gov/case/1569
Tool: Improve network of available alternative fuel stations (CNG, EG, etc.).
Car buyers who are considering purchasing low-emission vehicles might be deterred from doing so because of a shortage of alternative fueling stations. Increasing the supply of alternative fuels in Provo will make owning low-emission vehicles easier and improve air quality.
Resource
Tool: Recommend natural-gas use for heavy vehicles, like buses and trucks.
Converting heavy vehicles to natural gas will have a large positive impact on our air quality because those vehicles emit more pollution than standard cars do.
Help customers understand the impacts emissions have on community health. Distribute information pamphlets about low-emission vehicles. Link fuel economy more closely with its impact on emissions (e.g. every gallon of fuel saved puts money in your pocket and reduces smog). Draw attention to the EPA window stickers for their fuel economy ratings and smog ratings.[ii]