Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "sacramento metropolitan air quality management district"

Check Before You Burn: Wood Stove & Fireplace Change Out Incentive Program

2011-11-29T00:05:47Z

With the Check Before You Burn season underway, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District wants to let the public know about its Wood Stove & Fireplace Change Out Incentive Program. Low income residents or landlords of low income rental properties may be eligible to get a voucher for up to $1,500.

To find more information about the Wood Stove & Fireplace Change Out Incentive Program please visit the following link http://airquality.org/woodstove/SpecialNotice.shtml

###

Check Before You Burn Starts November 1 in Sacramento County and its Cities

2011-10-28T22:16:15Z

Check Before You Burn Starts November 1 in Sacramento County and its Cities

The fifth season of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s Check Before You Burn program starts November 1 and runs through February 29, 2012. Residential wood burning will be restricted or prohibited on days when fine particle pollution is forecast to be high. The law is in effect in Sacramento County and its cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento. Residents are required to Check Before You Burn.

The District will restrict or prohibit the use of indoor and outdoor fireplaces and wood stoves, and fire pits and chimineas that burn wood, pellets, manufactured logs or any other solid fuel to keep fine particle pollution down. A voluntary request to discourage burning will be issued when air pollution levels are on the rise.

Check Before You Burn Categories:
Stage 2 – All Burning Prohibited

All burning is prohibited in any device when fine particle pollution is forecast to exceed 35 micrograms per cubic meter. It is illegal to burn any solid fuel, including wood, manufactured logs and pellets.
Stage 1 – No Burn – Unless Exempt
It is illegal to burn when fine particle pollution is forecast to be 32-35 micrograms per cubic meter unless EPA certified fireplace inserts or stoves, or pellet stoves are used.
Burning Discouraged – Voluntary
Burning is discouraged when fine particle pollution is forecast to be 26-31 micrograms per cubic meter. The AQMD asks you to voluntarily choose not to burn.
Legal to Burn
When the forecast is 25 micrograms per cubic meter or lower then it is legal to burn and the use of manufactured fire logs is acceptable at this level. If you choose to burn please follow clean burning techniques in order to burn as cleanly as possible.

Exemptions:
The following exemptions apply to both Stage 1 and Stage 2 categories:

Homes where wood burning is the sole source of heat
Financial hardship waiver approved by the Air Pollution Control Officer – must be renewed each burn season
Devices that operate exclusively with natural gas or propane
Cooking devices
Ceremonial fires related to specific religious activities

Enforcement:
Enforcement will be through complaints (800-880-9025) and sightings of visible smoke by Air District enforcement staff. First time violations will result in a $50 fine or a requirement to complete and pass a wood smoke awareness course. Fines for subsequent violations are higher.

Check Before You Burn:
1. 1-877-NO-BURN-5 (1-877-662-8765)
2. Visit www.AirQuality.org
3. Subscribe to Air Alert at www.SpareTheAir.com and check the Daily Air Quality Forecast box to receive a daily email
4. Check the Sacramento Bee’s weather page located on the back of the Our Region section
5. Listen to television and radio weather forecasts
6. Follow us at twitter.com/aqmd

Residents can visit www.AirQuality.org or call 916-874-4800 for more information.

Disclosure: On behalf of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

Daisies, Tomatoes and Parsnips, Oh My!

2011-10-14T17:58:11Z

Daisies, Tomatoes and Parsnips, Oh My!

The relationship between what you grow and the air you breathe

Researchers at the University of Virginia found that air pollution is destroying flower fragrance, making it harder for bees to find flowers when foraging. This proves that the relationship between the air we breathe and what we grow can be a crucial factor on whether your garden will have the best petunias on the block or whether they fall flat. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and the air districts of the region want to provide tips on how you can make the most out of your garden. This can be done while reducing pollutants in the air you breathe and bringing to your attention avoidable health risks when outside tending to your plants.

Getting The Most Out of Your Garden
You can help Spare The Air by practicing simple tips while gardening or taking care of your lawn. In order to breathe easier, consider the following:

• Try using air friendly pesticides or biopesticides as an alternative. Certain types of vegetables and plants, such as spinach and certain varieties of bell peppers, require heavy pesticide use to cultivate crops. When you use pesticides, the residue gives off small particles that are dispersed into the air. These particles get into our lungs and create many health risks. Instead use biopesticides derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. For example, canola oil and baking soda have pesticidal applications.
• Dispose of your pesticides safely. Leftover pesticides can leak or give off fumes that, if not disposed of correctly, can contribute to the region’s poor air quality. If you have leftover pesticides, see if your neighbor can use them. If not, contact your local solid waste management authority for information on hazardous household cleanup days. Do not pour the remaining pesticides down the toilet, sink or street drains as this may affect the waste water treatment system. If the container is empty, follow the directions on the label or throw it directly into your trash.
• Plant native plants. The great thing about native plants is they grow naturally in our region, making them easy to find locally and cutting down on travel to find non-native species. They are low-maintenance and help reduce the impact on the environment. Plus, they look great!
• Use electric gardening equipment. It is a fact that gas mowers represent five percent of U.S. Air Pollution (EPA). By using electric mowers, weed whackers and other air friendly garden equipment you can help Spare The Air.
• Recycle old lawn equipment. By recycling you are reducing your carbon footprint and getting rid of air polluting gas mowers and weed whackers.
• Composting. In a special bin or a well maintained pile, collect cardboard rolls, clean paper, coffee grounds, leaves, non-treated grass clippings, cotton rags, tea bags and other compostable items. This can later be used as soil to cultivate plants and vegetables. By adopting a holistic approach when it comes to lawn care you can lessen your impact on the environment.

Your Gardening Lifestyle
Adopting a “green” lifestyle is a step in the right direction to keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy. This lifestyle choice may not only include how you garden but also where you buy your products.

Consumers and farmers that locally grow their fruits and vegetables contribute greatly to reducing the air pollution. When fruits and vegetables are grown locally there is no need for trucks to transport these items to far destinations, which cuts down on air pollution. Also, when you know that your produce is coming from your own backyard or even a local farm you can ensure that the product is fresh.

Can You Dig It?
Vegetables, fruits and plants are usually seasonal and every season usually has a time of day when it is best for you to be outside planting them, such as the morning or early evening. Not only are these the best times for your plants, but they’re also when air quality is best, making it healthier for you. Gardening is fun and relaxing but it can bring about some avoidable health risks. Sign up for Air Alert at www.SpareTheAir.com to receive an email containing the daily air quality forecast each day before noon; this will help ensure you always plan your gardening hours with your health in mind. Take these facts into consideration before you decide to garden:

Health risks associated with being outside during a high air pollution day include:
• Aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness
• Added stress to heart and lungs, which must work harder to supply the body with oxygen
• Damaged cells in the respiratory system
• Wheezing, coughing and watery eyes

Using an electric mower and disposing of your pesticides safely are just a few things you may have picked up in this article. Most importantly, be aware of the health risks you face if you’re outside when air pollution is elevated and the steps you can take to avoid them.

Over the years your hard work has paid off to keep Spare The Air days to a minimum, so keep up the good work! To stay up to date on the Spare The Air campaign and fun activities, follow us on Twitter @AQMD or become Scooter’s Facebook friend at SpareTheAir Scooter. For more information on how to receive free educational materials or to sign up for Air Alert, please visit www.SpareTheAir.com.

Disclosure: On behalf of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

Air Quality in the City: Top Five Ways to Breathe Easier in Your Stilettos

2011-09-19T19:20:08Z

Living in the city and wondering how you can do your part to Spare The Air and maintain your glamorous self? The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and the air districts of the Sacramento region have five trendy tips to help you learn how to help improve the air quality while being chic in the Sacramento region.

1. Be a Nerd
Doing your part to help the environment and society is not always easy. You are studying for your biology midterm and not quite sure why it has to involve frogs. Then, last week you picked up an extra shift at the coffee shop to pay for that can’t-take-my-eyes-off-every-time-I-walk-past-the-window scarf at the boutique on J Street. On top of work and school you will be volunteering at the senior center over holiday break because the ladies there are a hoot and offer the best advice for vintage fashion. With your busy schedule, it’s hard for you to be informed and do your part to help the environment, too. Luckily, Air Alert makes it easy! Air Alert is a service provided by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District that informs residents about air quality for the day. When you sign up for Air Alert, you receive a daily email of the current air quality forecast, as well as the forecast for upcoming days. This free service gives you the chance to be informed about the air quality and plan ahead to help reduce air pollution. For instance, you can plot your route when making multiple stops on the MapQuest Route Planner to drive less and save time. Signing up for Air Alert is easy, just go to SpareTheAir.com/airalert.cfm.

2. Beauty Queen
Some people say that beauty is only skin deep and the older that you get, the more you realize the truth of the statement. You want to make over your inner beautiful self, but you are not sure where to begin. Well, luckily you read this article because here are a few Spare The Air beauty tips to help improve your inner glow and air quality at the same time! Always avoid aerosol products and chose non-aerosol instead, like solid sticks and gels when buying beauty products. Plus, don’t those girls from Jersey use enough hairspray for all of us? For consumer products use solids, sticks, and gels instead of sprays. Also, there are many organic beauty product lines that carry various products made with certified organic ingredients. Organic products save your skin and our air from absorbing unwanted chemicals and pesticides.

3. Independent Woman
Singing and bobbing your head, you have driven down Interstate 80 listening to Independent Women Part I and Part II by Destiny’s Child. You can so relate to their message, but what are ways you can be a more independent woman? Well, you don’t need your dad, your brother, or the hunky neighbor to help with this one. Here are a few easy ways to take charge and be independent while helping to improve air quality in your community at the same time: First, get regular tune-ups for your car so the engine will pollute less, run smoothly and save you money! Second, please get your car's fuel filter and air filter changed at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles - check your manufacturer recommendation for the most suitable replacement periods. Come on girl, you don’t want a dirty air filter. Dirty air filters have restricted airflow and cause the engine to operate less efficiently. Third, don’t top off your tank when you fill up- it’s messy, it smells and then it evaporates and contributes to smog levels. Fourth, get gas after dark when it is cooler and the emissions can’t react with sunlight to form ozone. Finally, make sure your tires are properly inflated. This helps to reduce your car’s emissions and also saves you money on gas. What are you going to do with all this extra money you will be saving from helping air quality?

4. Socialite Sweetheart
You have nickel and dimed your sparkly coin purse more this summer than ever. Gas prices are taking a considerable toll on your social life, and you are down to counting your Lincoln’s, and I do mean pennies! Filling up your tank is competing with summer concert tickets, VIP access to your favorite lounge, and dinner reservations with your new crush. What could a smart and sassy girl with a booked up social planner do? Find alternative transportation! In Sacto there are many options for you to consider, including Regional Transit buses and light rail. For short distances, you can strap on your favorite gladiators and walk to your destination - plus it comes with the added benefit of a little extra exercise for you! There is also finally the excuse to purchase that periwinkle blue beach cruiser with the basket on the front for Sunday mornings at the farmers market. Whatever the option, you know what you need to do: commit to saving money and helping air quality by reducing your driving, and find other forms of transportation around town whenever you can.

5. The Trendsetter
You know that girl. The one wearing the new aviators and who had the Victoria Beckham inspired A-line before anyone else. She is the one who walks into a room like she is walking on a catwalk, and the girls want to be her and the guys want to be with her. She is a trendsetter and she is walking the walk when everyone else is talking the talk. Don’t stand by anymore, be THAT girl. With all of the great tips on being eco-friendly and helping to reduce pollution in this article, you can start your own trend among your girlfriends. Commit to signing up for Air Alert and being informed on air quality. Choose to purchase non-aerosol beauty products that give you the photo shoot curls while protecting the air we all breathe. Save your wallet and reduce pollution by driving less and taking alternative forms of transportation. Finally, when you must drive, take charge, be independent and maintain your car to help lower vehicle emissions. You can’t save the world alone, but with the help of your friends and a few simple changes in your daily life, you can make a big difference.

Want to connect with Spare The Air or its mascot Scooter? Find Spare The Air on Twitter at @AQMD. You can request Scooter as a friend on Facebook at SpareTheAir Scooter-- that dog loves new friends, and always has fun things to share and give away! For more information and to find out other ways you can help Spare The Air, visit http://SpareTheAir.com/.

Disclosure: On behalf of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management

How to Care for Your Car and Spare The Air

2011-09-09T22:50:29Z

How to Care for Your Car and Spare The Air
Tips on Taking Better Care of Your Car While Reducing Air Pollution

We all know that owning a car is an ongoing responsibility that requires dedication, time, effort and money. Ultimately, the lifespan and value of a car depends on the amount of care it’s given along the way. The everyday care and simple “tune-ups” can be quite easy to brush to the side in the rush of our everyday lives, but a task that we wish we would have stayed on top of by the time we’re forking over the big bucks to pay for parts and labor to fix major car problems.

Personal car use is the nation’s biggest contributor to air pollution. For this reason, keeping up with the everyday general maintenance of your car is not only a benefit to you, but a huge benefit to the environment as well. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and the air districts of the Sacramento region recommends these quick and easy tips to avoiding bigger car problems down the road, while reducing the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere, which is a major contributor to air pollution.

1. Drive smart
There are a number of things that you can do while driving that will save gas, cut down on the wear and tear on your car and reduce air pollution:

Try not to brake and accelerate abruptly. The constant revving of your engine is sometimes unnecessary and only wastes gas, releasing more emissions into the atmosphere. If you’re in stop-and-go traffic, or on a long stretch of stop lights, taking it easy on the gas pedal will save you money and reduce your car’s emissions.
Idle less. If you find yourself waiting for the train or in stopped traffic for more than 30 seconds, turning your engine off instead of idling will actually save gas and release fewer emissions than if you were to keep your car running.
Take advantage of your cruise control. A steady speed on the freeway can save up to 33 percent of the gas you burn, while using less energy and reducing the release of emissions.

2. Drive less
Most of us have grown to be quite dependent on our cars. So much so, that we forget the simplicity of using other means of transportation which can be quite beneficial to our health. Using alternative transportation also cuts down drastically on air pollution. Here are some other options to consider:

For close, quick errands, ride your bike. A one-hour bike ride can burn off the amount of calories that are in a quarter pound burger. If you’re going to burn something, it’s better to burn off calories that you don’t want than gas you will have to replace!
Carpool or take public transportation. Driving less will help keep the air clean, but it will also cut back on gas expenses and keep the mileage on your car low so it will last longer and have a higher resale value. If you want to carpool, but don’t know anyone going in the same direction, you can become a member of the Sacramento Region Commuter Club at SacramentoCommuterClub.org. Thousands of its members are saving money and doing their part to Spare The Air by carpooling with others.
Pick one day a week to avoid driving all together. Bike to work if it’s close enough. Otherwise use public transportation or carpool. Leaving your car at home one day a week will prevent 55 pounds of pollution from being emitted into our air each year while preserving the value of your car.

3. Keep up with your car’s maintenance
Making sure that your car is “up-to-speed” on its maintenance will extend its life, increases its resale value and save you money in the long run. The healthier your car is, the fewer emissions it will release into the atmosphere while on the road. Here are some things to remember:

Get those tune-ups. Pick a day for your errands and while you’re out, find a close and convenient place to drop off your car for a quick tune-up. There are parts of your car that require maintenance or replacing, which sometimes aren’t evident until examined by a mechanic. These can include vacuum and coolant hoses, transmission belts, engine belts, air filters and staying on top of your car manufacturer’s recommended frequency of oil changes.
Fill up in the evening, and don’t top off. Fueling your car once the sun goes down releases fewer emissions. Once your tank’s full, avoid spilling gas and “topping off” because as it evaporates, the gas turns into air pollution.
Keep your tires properly inflated. When you stop to fill up your tank, make sure your tires have the recommended amount of air. This will minimize wear on your tires while increasing your car's ratio of miles per gallon.

As a result of a joint community effort, high readings of air pollution have declined in the region resulting in fewer Spare The Air days. But our work isn’t done! We’re still being exposed to levels of ozone pollution that can cause long-term health effects. For more information on the Spare The Air campaign, follow us @AQMD on Twitter, SpareTheAir Scooter on Facebook or visit www.SpareTheAir.com where you can find facts on air pollution, helpful tips on avoiding exposure to air pollution and a free daily Air Alert email which provides information on the quality of air all throughout the Sacramento region.

Disclosure: On behalf of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District

Don’t Be Tardy for Scooter’s Clean Air Pet Fest and 1st Birthday Party!

2011-05-20T16:52:55Z

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District will host Scooter’s Clean Air Pet Fest and 1st Birthday Party this Saturday, May 21, 2011. The festivities will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. alongside the dog park at Howe Avenue Park, located on the corner of Howe Avenue and Cottage Way in Sacramento.

This free, pet-friendly event will kick off the 2011 Spare The Air season, which takes place every year from May through the end of October. The Spare The Air program offers different tips and tactics that can be used to help reduce air pollution in the Sacramento region.

Scooter and several of his mascot friends will gather to celebrate Scooter’s first birthday and provide ongoing support for a pollution free region. Scooter, along with mascots from the Sacramento Mountain Lions, Mr. Pickles, Jelly Belly and the California State Fair, will participate in a dance-off competition to showcase their best moves to determine the best dancer in the Sacramento region! The festival will feature mobile food unit, Leaven and Earth, an onsite radio remote by 107.9 The End, live music by the Indestructibles, K-9 demonstrations with the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and more than a dozen businesses that cater to families and pets.

“Everyone’s hard work is paying off. Air pollution readings have declined in the region resulting in fewer Spare The Air days, but that doesn’t mean our work is done,” stated Lori Kobza, spokesperson with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. “We must all continue to make a difference to help improve our air quality. Scooter helps teach parents and children about how they can help further reduce air pollution, so we can all breathe cleaner air.”

Activities this year also include face painting, a fire truck tour and other family friendly activities. The first 200 people that arrive will receive a free goody bag filled with snacks, dog treats, and much more! There will also be an hourly raffle and attendees will have a chance to win one of several prizes, including a weekend stay at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort in Calistoga. Event attendees are also encouraged to bring their family pets, take a picture with them and Scooter and post to Scooter’s Facebook page where Scooter’s friends will have the opportunity to vote for Scooter’s Best Friend. The entrant’s photo with the most “like” votes will receive concert tickets to the upcoming Usher concert on Saturday, May 28 at Power Balance Pavilion in Sacramento - sponsored by 107.9 The End.

This event is a great opportunity for families to get out and enjoy their time together, check out Scooter’s dance moves and learn what they can do to make a difference in air quality. No matter what the age, everyone can help improve the air we breathe. For more information, please visit www. SpareTheAir.com. You can also become Scooter’s Facebook friend at www.facebook.com/scooterthesparetheairdog or follow the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District on Twitter at Twitter.com/aqmd.

Get ready to hit the pavement: May is bike month

2011-05-05T00:15:48Z

Oil your chains, pump up your tires and get geared up for Sacramento Bike Month. May is bike month in Sacramento, and there are many bike-related activities and events going on in the region whether you’re an advanced bicyclist or a recreational rider.

May is a good month for biking, and it’s the perfect time to campaign for bike awareness, according to Sacramento Area Council of Governments co-chair Sonja Atkins.

“I think it’s about getting people out there for their health, for air quality, to save money and for safety,” Atkins said. “There’s so many pieces to this puzzle, and it’s such a great mode of transportation that I see is important in many realms.”

The campaign, in its sixth year, was put together by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), the Sacramento County Department of Transportation and the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) to promote bicycle awareness in the Sacramento region, according to SACOG spokesman Erik Johnson.

“It’s important to Sacramento because we are a growing region, and as we’ve grown we’ve expanded the types of bicycle amenities we have in our community,” Johnson said. “This is just one way of showing people that they have other options other than driving.”

During the month of May, people can register and begin logging their bike miles for Sacramento either as an individual, family or as a team. This year’s goal is to reach more than 2 million miles. With more than 7,000 participants signed up this year, the events going on, and the pedal saver program, where local stores and restaurants offer discounts to bikers, there is a lot of incentive to get out there and bike, according to Atkins.

“I think it brings people together and people start talking to one another more. People that are around town start talking about events to see or things to do on the weekend around biking. it shows you the fun and excitement of what you can do on a bike,” Atkins said.

There are tons of events going on in the area throughout the month and plenty of opportunities to ride. So grab your bike and hit the streets, and don’t forget your helmet.

“Bicycle Dreams” film screening
Crocker Art Museum
216 O St.
Thursday, 7 - 9 p.m.
$6 members, $12 non-members
Ticket info: crockerartmuseum.org
The Crocker Art Museum is partnering with the Bicycle Film Fest to showcase “Bicycle Dreams,” a documentary about the intense 3,000-mile bicycle race, Race Across America. The film features cyclists racing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. Many enter the race, but few finish. Filmmaker Stephen Auerbach will also be present for a question-and-answer session following the film.

Vélo & Vintage
Hot Italian
1627 16th St.
Saturday, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Free to the public
More information: Vélo & Vintage Facebook page

When fashion and bicycling collide at Hot Italian for bicycle month, the result is Vélo & Vintage. The fashion show will feature vintage bikes and vintage and current fashion on two wheels at Hot Italian, a restaurant that is all about bikes. The event, in its second year, will feature fashions from Krazy Mary’s Boutique and The Sugar Shack.

Bicycle Film Festival Launch Party
Crocker Art Museum
216 O St.
Thursday May 12, 5 - 9 p.m.
Free with museum admission
More information: Bicycle Film Festival Launch Party at the Crocker

Get ready for the Bicycle Film Festival a day early by heading out to the Crocker courtyards. Sponsored by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the event will feature bicycle film shorts, bike art and bike workshops. There will also be a barbecue hosted by the Crocker Café and music from DJ Billy Lane.

Bicycle Film Festival
Fremont Park and Hot Italian
1515 Q St. (Fremont park is across from Hot Italian)
Friday and Saturday, May 13 - 14
Various times
More information: http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/sacramento

This is the one film festival in Sacramento dedicated to everything bikes. The festival will feature free full-length films in Fremont Park from around the world and through time. The film festival will take you to Brazil to learn the art of BMX; to Japan, a biking country that is constantly on the go; and to show mountain biking around Zurich. Watch art be created by bicycle. Catch a flick about competitive bike tricks, mini bikes and urban bike shorts.

Friday, the pre-party will be held at Hot Italian, and the post-party will at Sol Collective featuring Phono Select DJs, Sierra Nevada on tap, custom bikes and music. The DJs return to the park on Saturday for Music in the Park, and Hot Italian will close out the festival with its Bicycle Film Festival after party.

NorCal AIDS Cycle
Sacramento Valley
Thursday, May 12 - Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
More information: http://norcalaidscycle.org

The seventh annual NorCal AIDS Cycle will kick off on Thursday to raise money and awareness for HIV and AIDS. Cyclists will ride 330 miles through the Sacramento Valley, the Sierra foothills and other areas in the region for the charity. You can either register to participate in the event, or sponsor a registered biker. The challenging four-day volunteer-based race will be fun for spectators, and it’s for a good cause.

Tour de Cluck
Central Park in downtown Davis
401 C St., Davis
Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
More information: http://www.tourdecluck.org

In Davis, chickens and biking go hand-in-hand. The second annual Tour de Cluck is not your average bicycling event – it features a bike crawl along the trails of Davis with pit stops at chicken coops. The event will benefit the Davis Farm to School programs. Fun events in the park include the chicken-inspired art and workshops, the Davis Farmers Market, the Bicycle Hall of Fame and a silent auction. Chicken suits are optional.

Amgen Tour of California
Various locations
Sunday, May 15 - 22
More information: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

The Amgen Tour of California is the largest cycling event in America, according to its website, and it is a race modeled after the Tour de France. The eight-stage tour that begins at the California-Nevada border and ends in Thousand Oaks. It makes its Sacramento pit stop for stage two on Monday, May 16, ending at the State Capitol.

This is the biggest event for bike month because it is the the most anticipated, according to Sonja Atkins, SACOG co-chair. In its sixth year, the event founded for cancer awareness brings out some of the most notable professional cyclists. The excitement of seeing the cyclists, the race and the routes is what will brings people out to cheer. The tour spans Northern and Southern California and has various pit stops along the way, including Lake Tahoe, Auburn, Modesto and San Jose.

Capitol Bike Fest
State Capitol
1315 10th St.
Thursday, May 20, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Capitol Bike fest will feature booths about bicycle care, maintenance, recreation and more. The event is put on by cycling organizations and local bike shops in Sacramento. There will be plenty of fun activities, music to hear and ice cream to eat. There will also be free bike safety checks. There will be T-shirts available for those who have been logging their miles and a chance to win prizes and be entered in the bicycle raffle. Bring a printout of your miles to get your T-shirt and your bike for a good time.

Race for the Ring
Raley Field
400 Ball Park Drive, West Sacramento
Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.
$40 per team
More information: Race for the Ring

Rogers Jewelry’s Race for the Ring returns for a third year. The race benefits the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the charity. Participants racing can bike, walk, run, or operate a vehicle through downtown Sacramento guided by clues sent via text message to find the “ring” and have a chance to win more than $35,000 in prizes. It’s like television’s “The Amazing Race.” Participants will have the chance to win diamond jewelry from Hearts on Fire and A. Jaffe, jewelry from Pandora, and watches from TAG Heuer, Tissot, Seiko and Bulova.

Sacramento Bike Swap in the Park
Fremont Park
1515 Q St.
Sunday, May 22, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free

The Sacramento Bike Kitchen and the Friends of Fremont Park will host their Spring Bicycle Swap Meet in Midtown for bicycle month. The event is free and open to the public. There will be deals on used bikes, parts, and clothing from other Sacramento bikers just like you. You can reserve a space for $10 to sell your own old bikes, parts and clothing. Proceeds from the event will benefit nonprofit organizations the Sacramento Bike Kitchen and the Friends of Fremont Park.

For more of the month’s bike events and information on bike month, check Mayisbikemonth.com.

Sacramento Area Grant Program for Diesel Reductions Popular in 2010

2010-12-14T19:43:04Z

SECAT (Sacramento Emergency Clean Air & Transportation Grant Program) had a banner year in 2010, closing out the application process early due to “overwhelming response” and ending its first decade with over $75 million already allocated to help replace on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles in the Sacramento area with lower emission vehicles.

Created by California Assembly Bill 2511 to help the Sacramento region meet its air quality attainment commitments under the State Implementation Plan (SIP), SECAT is a partnership between Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) that provides grant funds to replace on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles that have 2002 or older engines. Participants in the program are refunded for either replacing the entire vehicle, or in some cases, the engine alone. The outcome, in either case, results in cleaner emission vehicles on Sacramento area streets and highways.

“This year was especially busy compared to past years for several reasons,” explained Kristian Damkier, Associate Air Quality Engineer with SMAQMD, going on to list “increased demand for 2010-compliant technology, ARB rule compliance deadlines, and lack of other regional funding opportunities," as reasons. Due to these and other possible inputs, Damkier explained, SECAT "received far more applications than funding which prevented us from funding all projects.”

SECAT incentive funds are expected to be available again in October thanks to anticipated additional funding of $3-4 million from the federal Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) program, with additional comparable annual funding through 2018.

Since its inception, SECAT has relied on external funding to support its particulate-decreasing initiatives. In 2000, the program received $70 million; and in 2007, received additional funding from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. SECAT anticipates receiving CMAQ funding periodically through 2018, allowing its program to continue toward its ultimate goal of air quality attainment by reducing the nitrogen oxide emissions in our air from heavy-duty vehicles to meet the 2019 federal 8-hour ozone standard.

A variety of heavy-duty vehicles are eligible for SECAT upgrades and exchanges, such as refuse trucks, delivery vehicles, cement trucks, freight-haulers, transit and school buses and most vehicles over 14,000 lbs. And while the amount of incentive funds awarded per truck depends on several factors, the money a diesel-engine owner will receive goes a long way toward making CARB compliance more financially palatable.

How much of a refund can a Sacramento area diesel-engine owner expect to receive from SECAT when replacing a 2002 or older engine with a cleaner emission vehicle? According to information on their website, SECAT funding varies from $40,000 - $100,000, depending on compliance-year achieved, NOx reductions, or number of compliant trucks involved in the purchase.

A recent story in Sac Press by Tony Sheppard referenced a Forbes lists that placed Sacramento at sixth place for short-term particle pollution in a metropolitan area. SECAT, with the cooperation of local on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicle owners and operators, is working hard to change that.

Johnson, SMUD official protest Prop. 23

2010-10-15T01:16:13Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson and representatives from public agencies and small businesses said Thursday that ballot measure Proposition 23 would harm the environment, green businesses and air quality.

The November ballot measure would overturn the state’s climate change law, AB 32, until the state reaches an unemployment rate of 5.5 percent or lower for four consecutive quarters. AB 32, which the California Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger passed in 2006, aims to cut California’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Backers of Prop. 23, officially called the “California Jobs Initiative,” argue that AB 32 hurts businesses that must pay the expense of making mandatory changes to comply. The Sacramento City Council, which includes Johnson, unanimously opposed Prop. 23 in a symbolic vote in August.

Texas oil companies Valero and Tesoro are high-profile financial contributors to Prop. 23.

“We don’t want to be addicted to oil,” Johnson said at a press conference on Thursday.

Josh Daniels, who owns an environmentally friendly home materials business called Green Sacramento, also spoke with Johnson. “We’ve definitely benefited a lot in (the green building) industry from AB 32,” Daniels said.

In her comments, Genevieve Shiroma, president of the board of directors for the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, said the utility helps to advance economic development and create jobs through its environmental programs.

Larry Greene, executive director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, said that passage of Prop. 23 would be the “wrong thing to do for air quality and public health.”

Meanwhile, the Yes on Prop. 23 campaign contends that an overturn of AB 32 would maintain jobs. The campaign’s website says the measure focuses on “protecting jobs, preserving environmental protections, and holding the line on costs for California’s struggling families.”

Photo by Kathleen Haley.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Amtrak locomotive gets an eco-makeover

2009-07-23T07:20:19Z

California's air may start to look a little cleaner, thanks to the California Department of Transportation and its project partners.

Caltrans's revolutionary "green locomotive" debuted Wednesday morning at the Amtrak Sacramento Valley station.

Members of Caltrans and its project partners assembled within the train station at a press release to make statements regarding the new locomotive, considered a major step toward reducing California's carbon footprint.

It is one of the 15 F59PHI model locomotives owned by Caltrans and operated by Amtrak that is now installed with a 710ECO Repower upgrade package. The package is said to consist of the latest microprocessor-controlled locomotive engine technology for lower emissions, increased fuel economy and predictable maintenance costs.

The F59PHI models were initially built by Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. in October 2001 to meet Tier 0 Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards, the minimum EPA requirement for fuel emissions from passenger locomotives.

James Goldstene, executive officer of the California Air Resources Board, explained that in other words, the newly-installed technology in the F59PHI model makes the engine run cooler and uses fuel more efficiently, allowing the locomotive to advance from Tier 0 to Tier 2 EPA emission standards, resulting in a 50 percent reduction of operating emissions.

Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson said that the development is "an illustration of our willingness to work with anyone and everyone to clean up the air for Sacramentans." He added that climate change and global warming is an issue that must be addressed at the local level by communities, and that the newly-introduced technology makes riding the train a "smarter and better" decision than ever before.

Following the statements, the representatives of Caltrans, the EPA and other organizations descended into the tunnel beneath the Sacramento Valley rail tracks, resurfacing to stop and admire the "green locomotive."

The retrofitted model has already begun operating on the intercity passenger rail service Capitol Corridor between Sacramento and the Bay Area as of three weeks ago.

The Capitol Corridor serves the Sierra Foothills in addition to Sacramento and the Bay area, and it is operated by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority in partnership with Caltrans and Amtrak.

Along with Amtrak California’s Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquin intercity rail line, Capitol Corridor is the third busiest rail line in the nation with a ridership of 1.7 million.

Capitol Corridor alone is responsible for eliminating 559 million miles worth of highway travel, said Eugene Skoropowski, Capitol Corridor managing director.

Caltrans is working to convert the remaining 14 Amtrak-operated locomotives to this upgraded model — which is the cleanest diesel electric passenger locomotive in the country — as quickly as possible, stated Caltrans Division of Rail chief Bill Bronte. So far there is available stimulus funding for seven of the 14, he said.

Money for the project came from the Carl Moyer Program, a partnership between the California Air Resources Board and local air boards in the state that provides grants for projects reducing pollutants from heavy-duty engines. Retrofitting the F59PHI involved both the Sacramento Metropolitan and Bay Area Air Quality Management districts.

Kevin Bahline of EMD said that the company is in the process of launching the eco-friendly technology globally.

See also: Eco train engine unveiled

Photo Credit: Images 1, 2, 4 & 5 by Ed Fogle; images 3 & 6 by Kati Garner.