Policy proposal: HydroBuses

Résumé du document

The following policy proposal seeks to reduce GHG emissions through the introduction and implementation of a hydrogen powered fuel cell bus in a small municipal transit system. Implementation on the small scale would reduce financial risks since the initial investment costs would be significantly lower. The model for this proposal is Redding, California. Redding is located in the northern portion of the Sacramento Valley. Situated along Interstate 5, it is northern California's largest, most central city. It is home to nearly one hundred thousand people, and with an annual growth rate of two percent per year, it must be prepared to make infrastructural adjustments in order to accommodate the influx of people. Such changes need to be made with prudence for future generations and with compliance with current state regulations. Improvements to Redding's public transit system must be at the forefront of such infrastructural adjustments.

Background

Road transport is one of the primary sources of GHG emissions in the United States. According to an article featured in the Environment News Service, "U.S. Emits Nearly Half the World's Automotive Carbon Dioxide," the United States is responsible for contributing forty-five percent of CO2 emissions from automobiles in the world (ENS). Therefore, in order for the U.S. to significantly reduce its GHG emissions, the transportation sector must undergo a transformation of its current methods in both the production and use of energy. While introducing and implementing more efficient fuel sources on a national or state level would be extensive, requiring widespread cooperation and expensive modifications, a more practical and expedient approach is to start at the municipal level, specifically with city bus transit. Although there are a variety of technologies available that provide alternative energy sources to fuel vehicles, the most attractive solution is the use of hydrogen energy to power fuel cell buses.

Extraits

[...] Also, it could collect revenue through the sale of advertisements on the bus. Most importantly, it would significantly reduce the amount of GHG emissions. The CAFCP's research determined, “Transportation accounts for 38% of California's greenhouse gas emissions (cafcp.org). Additionally, according to a publication featured on EarthTechling.com, “California Air Resource Board estimates fuel cell buses will deliver a net reduction of 2.7 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile using hydrogen reformed from methane, and 6.3 pounds per mile using hydrogen derived from solar, wind, or other renewable sources" (“Hydrogen Powered Buses Take HyRoad in California,” EarthTechling). [...]

[...] Concerns include the durability of fuel cells, vehicle range, the storage of hydrogen at fueling stations, and the initial investment and maintenance costs. A common concern for some is the safety of using hydrogen since it is such a volatile and reactive element. However like other elements, hydrogen is only hazardous under certain conditions. According to the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CAFCP), more than 50 years, hydrogen has been produced and used for commercial and industrial purposes with an exemplary safety record” (cafcp.org). [...]

[...] Another consideration is the current storage tanks ability to only hold approximately enough fuel to travel one hundred fifty to two hundred miles. Nevertheless, recent technological advancements in hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles have addressed, if not resolved, many of these concerns. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) research and contribution to hydrogen and fuel cell technology have included hardware and system improvements to dispenser hose leak guards, enhanced software controls, improved alarms, and improved preventive maintenance procedures (“Hydrogen Fueling Station,” EPA). [...]

[...] As the bus route will not travel large distances each day, the bus's fuel storage tank range need not be extraordinary. To increase ridership, the City of Redding could subsidize ridership cards. It could advertise the subsidized ridership program in local news publications and send out mass letters with information on how to participate. In addition, local networks and organizations could promote awareness. For instance, Viva Downtown Redding, a non-profit organization that has fostered the revitalization of downtown Redding over the past few years, could play an important role in advertising and encouraging ridership. [...]

[...] Also, it would provide the opportunity to follow the progress. After hearing the initial proposal, the city council would allocate time to hear and consider the project at a future specified date and time. Investing in hydrogen and fuel cell technology boasts many advantages for Redding. First, it is consistent with efforts to comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which aims to reduce the state's reliance on carbon fuel. Second, it would help to diversify Redding's energy portfolio. [...]