Event highlights Clean Air Options for Airports, Airlines and Ground Transportation Operators
Oakland, California – June 27, 2014 – Executives from Northern California commercial airports – Oakland International (OAK), San Francisco International (SFO, Sacramento International (SMF), and Mineta-San Jose International (SJC) – convened at the Oakland Maintenance Center on Wednesday, June 25th for a green fleet workshop and exposition to update and educate the aviation community on regional alternative-fuel vehicle policies, mandates and regulations, as well as technology and funding opportunities.
CALSTART, a non-profit organization with the goal of making California a model state for building the broader, national alternative fuel and advance vehicle technology marketplace, developed and produced this event to highlight regulations and mandates affecting transportation vehicles that airports utilize. The workshop included technology solutions, best practices and opportunities for funding to enable airport fleets to comply with regulations set forth.
Featured presenters are from CALSTART, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, U.S. Clean Cities Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Best practices from the airport perspective will be presented by OAK, SFO, SJC, SMF, as well as San Diego International (SAN). FedEx, Alaska Airlines and SFO Shuttle Bus also shared their best corporate practices at the workshop.
On display were alternative-fuel vehicles used at airports such as shuttles, vans, taxis, work trucks, and aircraft ground support equipment. These vehicles are hybrid-electric, plug-in electric, or powered by compressed natural gas or hydrogen fuel-cell. Providers of alternative-fuel infrastructure and diesel retrofit devices were also in attendance.
Key to the mission of the Port of Oakland, is to improve the environment through innovation and collaboration. “Hosting an event like this for our regional partners to share ideas and programs furthers our mission and we’re very pleased to welcome other California airports and business partners to join in this important discussion” ” said Deborah Ale Flint, Director of Aviation.
Linde, a leader in design, construction and operation of the most efficient and reliable hydrogen vehicle fueling systems was recently awarded $2 million by the California Energy Commission to bring a hydrogen fueling station to Oakland International Airport. “This demonstrates that OAK is a leader in providing an alternative fuel infrastructure that serves our tenants, our customers and the public, while reducing our carbon footprint. Working with Linde and the CEC to bring hydrogen fueling to the airport is consistent with the innovative approach that has brought other air quality improvements (or lower emission technologies) such as CNG fueling, EV chargers and electrification of baggage tractors to OAK. This presents a great opportunity for the airport to showcase its commitment to air quality by creating transportation alternatives based on low-emission technologies,” said Ale Flint.