RAQC staff and its Simple Steps. Better Air. program were recently featured in a television news story about how “simple steps” really do work to improve our region’s air quality. You can view the story here.
News
RAQC Staff Featured in Denver Metro Clean Cities Blog on Used Electric Vehicles
Sarah Clark, the RAQC’s Charge Ahead Colorado program coordinator, was recently featured in this Denver Metro Clean Cities blog. The blog post highlights how used electric vehicles are affordable, have good mile-range limits, are easily charged at home and help improve our air quality.
RAQC’s Simple Steps. Better Air. and Suffer Better Partner Featured on FOX31 News
The RAQC’s SSBA team was happy to once again partner with Suffer Better and sponsor their inaugural Ride & Tie event on May 15th at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colo., to raise awareness about the air quality issues we face in the Denver metro area. SSBA and Suffer Better were featured in a story about the event and how to improve air quality on FOX31’s Colorado’s Best program. You can view the story here.
The RAQC and CEO Open Charge Ahead Colorado Application for Electric Vehicle Charging Station Funding
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) and Colorado Energy Office (CEO) have opened the Charge Ahead Colorado application for electric vehicle (EV) charging station funding. At this time, the RAQC has funding for EV charging stations for applicants within the Denver Metro Area, and the CEO has funding for charging stations for applicants outside the Denver Metro Area. All charging stations are required to be networked.
An application guide, informational webinar, application and other grant resources can be found on the Charge Ahead Colorado Homepage.
State Releases Draft Language for Transportation Rule, Including ETRP
The Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) released draft language, available now on the Air Quality Control Commission’s website here, on their state transportation rule, which includes Employee Traffic Reduction Program (ETRP) as a potential greenhouse gas reduction strategy for employers within Colorado’s Ozone Nonattainment Area. The APCD’s proposal builds off of work done by the RAQC to develop an ETRP framework.
In addition to ETRP (under Regulation 22), the draft proposal includes language on the Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (under Regulation 11), as well as minor revisions to the Colorado Low Emission Automobile Regulation (Regulation 20). The GHG Pollution Standard rule language is still being developed and more information will be available soon on next steps.
The APCD encourages interested parties to remain engaged in and updated on the upcoming rulemaking process at the AQCC website. Interested parties can also sign-up for Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) notices by emailing your contact information to cdphe.aqcc-comments@state.co.us Subject: Email Distribution List. You can also send written comments on these rules to the same email address.
More information can be found on the APCD Webpage.
RAQC’s Simple Steps. Better Air. Program Sponsors Suffer Better’s Air Quality Awareness Event
The RAQC’s Simple Steps. Better Air. team is happy to once again partner with Suffer Better and sponsor their inaugural Ride & Tie event on May 15th at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colo., to raise awareness about the air quality issues we face in the Denver metro area, especially as warmer weather is headed our way. The Ride & Tie teams will – as they ride and run 20 miles of gorgeous mountain trail – show how they, and you, can take simple steps to lower emissions by running and cycling. Find more information about the event here, and contact Sara Goodwin with questions.
The RAQC and Home Depot Launch 2021 Mow Down Pollution – Lawn Mower Exchange Program!
In an effort to reduce ground-level ozone and improve air quality in the Denver Metro/North Front Range areas, the RAQC and our program partners are excited to launch this year’s Mow Down Pollution – Lawn Mower Exchange program with The Home Depot! The RAQC will offer $150 vouchers to people who choose to recycle and replace their gas-powered lawn mowers with rechargeable or corded electric lawn mowers at participating Home Depots.
Get more information at the Mow Down Pollution program website and flyer.
RAQC Reopens Application Round for ALT Fuels Colorado Grant Funding
To improve air quality throughout the state of Colorado, today the RAQC reopened its ALT Fuels Colorado application round to continue incentivizing the replacement and scrappage of pre-2009 vehicles with fully Electric and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) fleet vehicles. These funds are available to all public, private, and non-profit fleets statewide within Colorado. Go to the program website for more information and to apply.
The RAQC Welcomes Three New Staff Members!
The RAQC is excited to announce the hiring of three new staff members! Sarah Clark joined the RAQC in March as Air Quality Program Coordinator and is managing the Charge Ahead Colorado program. In late-April, Jennifer Shriver joined the staff as Development Director, and Wayne Chuang joined as Air Quality Planner & Analyst. Welcome to the RAQC team!
The RAQC is Accepting Nominations for “Clean Air Champions” Recognition Program
The RAQC is looking to award their second round of Clean Air Champions! Aligning with its mission to “improve air quality and protect Colorado’s health, environment and economy,” the RAQC is looking to recognize entities (i.e., public, private and nonprofit organizations, local governments and municipalities, etc.) that demonstrate a commitment to improving air quality in our region. The RAQC has identified the following categories as being of interest:
- Diesel: The RAQC wants to recognize entities that are working towards reducing emissions from medium and heavy-duty diesel engines – both on and off road. Diesel engines emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) which contribute to the formation of ozone pollution. The Denver Metro / North Front Range needs to dramatically reduce these emissions in order to attain our air quality goals.
- Electrification: The RAQC wants to recognize entities that are working towards reducing emissions through supporting electrification efforts. Electrification is a critical strategy for reducing both pollutants that contribute to ozone pollution and climate change.
- Transit Outreach Options: The RAQC wants to recognize entities that are promoting programs and projects that encourage low/no emission transit options.
If you know of any entities you believe should be recognized for their efforts, or would like more information, please contact Jessica Ferko.