Fairbanks, AK Urging Development of Hydrogen Fuel
Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 8/28/03
Source File: http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/Meetings/Resolutions/2003/2003-44.pdf
Text:
FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH
RESOLUTION NO. 2003 - 44
A RESOLUTION URGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN FUEL, ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE IN THE FAIRBANKS AREA, AND REQUESTING THAT THESE EFFORTS BE PLACED IN THE MAINTENANCE PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) NO LATER THAN JANUARY 1,
2004 AS PART OF THE IM PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Fairbanks North Star Borough is an EPA designated non-attainment area even though there has not been an excedance of air quality standards since February, 8, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Fairbanks North Star Borough has worked diligently to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by implementing programs such as free bus service during the winter months. This program was funded using Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds but was only available for a three year period and will not be available in 2004; and
WHEREAS, by January 1, 2004, the Fairbanks North Star Borough is required to submit a maintenance plan to the EPA showing with 90% certainty how the Borough will maintain attainment of CO emissions. To do this CO reductions will be necessary; and
WHEREAS, if an adequate maintenance plan is not submitted by the deadline, the Borough could lose funding for any statewide transportation projects that use federal highway dollars. Companies bidding and working on these projects will be required to show “conformity” by providing a statement or report verifying the project will not contribute to or increase CO in order to obtain funding. Without an effective plan, no company will be able to show “conformity” on any project; and
WHEREAS, vehicles produce approximately 80% of CO emissions in the Fairbanks area; and
WHEREAS, car manufacturers have begun developing and producing cars that are powered by hydrogen fuel cells. A chemical reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen generates electricity which can be used to power vehicles while producing no air pollutants, the only waste products are water vapor and heat; and
WHEREAS, President George W. Bush announced in January a $1.2 billion FreedomCAR (Cooperative Automotive Research) and Fuel Initiative. The Initiative will invest $720 million in new funding over the next five years to develop the technologies and infrastructure needed to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen for use in fuel cell powered vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the Fairbanks community could be positively impacted by the development and use of hydrogen fuel. Not only would CO emissions be greatly reduced, but also building the infrastructure needed to develop, produce and transport hydrogen fuel would bring jobs and economic development to the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Assembly of the Fairbanks North Star Borough supports the development of hydrogen fuel.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that efforts being made to bring hydrogen fuel and hydrogen powered vehicles to the Fairbanks area in order to reduce CO emissions will be listed within the maintenance plan to be submitted to the EPA by January 1, 2004 as part of the Borough’s IM Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution will be sent to President George W. Bush, the Governor of the State of Alaska, the Congressional Delegation, the Interior Delegation, the President of the University of Alaska, the Alaska State Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation and the United States Administrator of Environmental Protection Agency.