Leonardo Academy Helps Reduce Diesel Emissions from Wisconsin Ferries
(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) Madison, WI - February 27, 2012 -The inhalation of diesel emissions can trigger adverse health problems, including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and congestion and can worsen bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Emissions from older marine vessels can contribute to air pollution by producing particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that can be harmful to not only the ferry operator and passengers, but also to the surrounding communities and environment. Leonardo Academy, through a grant provided by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, is facilitating efforts to reduce emissions from two Wisconsin ferry operators.
Madeline Island Ferry Line (MIFL) and Washington Island Ferry Line (WIFL) have been awarded funds to help offset the cost of repowering the engines on MIFL’s MV Bayfield and WIFL’s MV Robert Noble. Operating approximately 280 days per year, these ferries serve as the primary provider of transportation to and from the islands for passengers, vehicles, and freight. These repower projects will assist the ferry lines in achieving better fuel efficiency and help improve air quality by producing fewer emissions. They expect to reduce their fuel usage by almost 20 percent, and over the lifetime of the two ferries it is estimated that 350 tons of nitrogen oxides, 3 tons of particulate matter and 1,350 tons of carbon dioxide will be reduced.
“Leonardo Academy is dedicated to advancing sustainability. We develop sustainability strategies for companies and organizations that reduce environmental impacts and help drive economic success,” explained Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy. “Part of Leonardo Academy’s goal in advocating the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign is to improve air quality by reducing emissions from all types of diesel-fueled engines throughout Wisconsin. We believe that this project will be a vital step in encouraging other communities throughout the Midwest to explore opportunities to reduce emissions and achieve better fuel efficiency from their diesel engines.”
About the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program
The Diesel Emissions Reduction National Program (DERA) authorized by Title VII, Subtitle G (Sections 791 to 797) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) enables EPA to offer funding assistance to eligible entities on a competitive basis. Fiscal Year 2008 was the inaugural year of funding for DERA. Approximately 60 assistance agreements totaling over $28 million were awarded nationwide through EPA’s FY08 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program’s regional competitions. In addition, on February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law No. 111-05) (Recovery Act) which provided funding for DERA.
Under the Recovery Act funding for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, EPA awarded agreements totaling $50 million for projects that demonstrated the ability to be commenced expeditiously, reduce diesel emissions, and maximize job creation and/or preservation and economic recovery through a variety of diesel emission reduction strategies. Specific information on these funded projects can be found at: epa.gov/cleandiesel/projects/.
Upcoming Opportunities
Should a fleet or organization be interested in signing up for future funding opportunities, please contact Leonardo Academy as soon as possible. For more information contact Andrea Bachrach at (608)280-0255 or email andrea@leonardoacademy.org .
About Leonardo Academy
Leonardo Academy is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability by leveraging innovative tools and information to motivate the competitive market. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability strategies, education and implementation, we strive to make sustainability practical for everyone.
We develop integrative sustainability solutions designed to enhance the environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic prosperity of organizations, corporations and individuals. We see a world filled with sustainable opportunities that can transform the way we live today and ensure the prosperity of future generations.
For More Information about Leonardo Academy
Web: www.leonardoacademy.org
Phone: 608-280-0255
Email: info@leonardoacademy.org
