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.
News
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.
The RAQC Releases Tenth Edition of “The Air Monitor” Quarterly E-Newsletter
In an effort to keep interested stakeholders informed of current happenings with RAQC programs, partners, and air quality news and events, the RAQC created The Air Monitor quarterly e-newsletter. You can read the most current issue here and see all past issues here. If you are interested in subscribing to the newsletter, sign up here or contact Sara Goodwin.
Ozone Modeling Forum – April 14, 2021
Please join us for an Ozone Modeling Forum on April 14th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to hear an update on our 2023 modeling efforts for future year planning. Agenda and additional materials will be made available on the RAQC’s Modeling Forum event page.
Registration is required and can be completed using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvdeutqTMrGtTGhgHXppzTP1A5-Af0Tuf9
RAQC’s ALT Fuels Colorado Program Helps Fund First Electric School Bus in the State
Yesterday, the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) welcomed Colorado’s first electric school bus to its fleet! Funded by the RAQC’s ALT Fuels Colorado program, the Blue Bird Vision Electric replaces a 30-year old diesel bus that was scrapped last year at a Denver metal recycler. The RAQC’s Charge Ahead Colorado program has also funded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the district and two of the three district plug-in passenger EVs that are used by staff to travel between schools. Read here for more information and see below for recent news stories about the electric bus.
Colorado school district adds first electric bus to its fleet
RAQC’s TV Meteorologist Advisory Group Meets To Discuss Region’s Air Quality Challenges and Solutions
The Regional Air Quality Council’s (RAQC) TV Meteorologist Advisory Group met virtually in late-February to discuss the region’s current air quality issues, simple steps we can each take to improve air quality, and the RAQC’s Simple Steps. Better Air. (SSBA) messaging and resources that are available to them as the summer ozone season approaches. The Advisory Group is comprised of meteorologists from all local television stations and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE). Look for SSBA content and Ozone Action Alert Day notifications in future weather forecasts in your favorite local broadcast.
The RAQC Releases Ninth Edition of “The Air Monitor” Quarterly E-Newsletter
In an effort to keep interested stakeholders informed of current happenings with RAQC programs, partners, and air quality news and events, the RAQC created The Air Monitor quarterly e-newsletter. You can read the most current issue here. If you are interested in subscribing to the newsletter, sign up here or contact Sara Goodwin.