Air Outreach

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION

Air Outreach

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Air Outreach

School Bus Retrofit Project

AQM retrofitted nearly 400 older model schools buses with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts. These pollution control devices reduce harmful tailpipe emissions, protecting sensitive groups such as children and the elderly. Annually, these devices remove over 5 tons of carbon monoxide, 3 tons of unburned hydrocarbons and 2 tons of particulate matter. Partial funding for this project was provided by the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean School Bus USA grant.

Idle Reduction Campaign

AQM spearheaded a campaign to reduce vehicle emissions from idling vehicles at elementary schools in Orange County. Through a collaborative effort with County leaders, Orange County Schools, the Central Florida Clean Air Team, and the American Lung Association: AQM launched a successful educational campaign at eight elementary school to reduce the number of idling vehicles waiting to pick students after school. In addition to protecting young lungs, student volunteers' acquired "hands on" data collection experience and gained valuable leadership & interpersonal skills. Through this program, vehicle idling at participating schools was reduced by over 50%.

Climate Change Education Center (CCEC)

Orange County received a State grant to construct a 1 Mega-Watt solar array, four 100 kW demonstration arrays and an educational center focusing on energy efficiency, recycling, and promoting alternative sources of energy. Inside the CCEC's 3000 sq ft showroom are the latest solar, wind, electric, lighting, educational and transportation technologies. The CCEC is open by appointment only to school groups, businesses, and residents.

Grant Writing

AQM applies for Federal and State grants to fund projects that will improve the air quality in Orange County. Since 2007, the AQM has received nearly $300,000 in grant funds to retrofit older model school buses and construction equipment.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure

AQM Spearheaded a pilot project allowing National Freight Industries (NFI), a major national trucking company, the opportunity to use biodiesel on a potion of their truck fleet. AQM provided NFI with a 550-gallon biodiesel-fueling tank powered exclusively by solar energy for a one-year trial period. The tank was later relocated to another facility for continued trial use. Additionally, AQM helped finance and research the construction of the County's first E85 (85% Ethanol) fueling station. This 12,000 gallon tank is located at the County's primary fleet fueling station.

Conferences and Events

AQM works with national and international agencies to bring educational conferences and seminars to Orange County. In 2008, AQM participated in the planning for the "Worlds Largest" Alternative Vehicle Conference, which brought thousands of dollars to the local economy, attracted high profile speakers, and educated the public about alternative vehicle and fuel technology.

Educational Assistance

The AQM staff provides educational assistance to businesses, schools and community organizations about energy efficiency, alternative energy and transportation. Staff participate and sit on the boards of several professional organizations including:

Environmental Protection Agency's Southeast Diesel Collaborative
Environmental Protection Agency's Leadership Committee
Space Coast Clean Cites Coalition (Chairman)
Central Florida Clean Air Team (Chairman)
Central Florida Electric Vehicle Alliance (Chairman)
Air & Waste Water Management (Treasurer)

Contact Info

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