urban planning

TO: Mirle Bussell, Executive Director of SANTRANS FROM: Name, USP 100 DATE: January 24, 2013 RE: Analysis of SANDAG’s Regional Alternative Fuels, Vehicles and Infrastructure Report The purpose of this memo is to evaluate possible policies and projects promoting alternative fuels, vehicles and the supporting infrastructure in the San Diego region. I will accomplish this by reviewing the need for such programs and the ultimate recommendations presented in SANDAG’s 2009 Regional Alternative Fuels, Vehicles and Infrastructure Report. Based off the report, I believe that a private-public partnership must regionally build upon the most sustainable form of fuel: electricity. Harnessing established alternative fuels and their complementary technologies offers stability of fuel sources and prices, less greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and the creation of clean energy jobs. The current petroleum-based system is not sustainable as it is a non-renewable resource that has environmentally damaging effects which exceed the earth’s carrying capacity. New methods of transportation fuel have already been examined and some are in use, but SANDAG recognizes that there is a lack of unity on the regional level in moving towards a new transportation system. In examining the region’s available funding and comparing electricity, natural gas, propane, biodiesel and hydrogen as alternative fuel sources it becomes evident that regional action is feasible. While this report focuses on our region, it has larger implications in that SANDAG’s recommendation of public-private partnerships working to create an economically and environmentally self-sustainable fuel source is valid for other regions across the United States. The San Diego Region has access to both federal and state funding and programs to pursue the use of alternative fuels by government, private and public vehicles. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the region was expected to receive 33.6 million dollars to support the development, manufacturing, implementation and tax incentives for energy programs. The existing financial commitment to finding fuel sources means regional large scale projects can be supported. The public sphere will pay to utilize and build infrastructure that supports more sustainable fuels as it upholds the larger goals of environmental protection, creation of jobs and the evolution of technology. In addition to intergovernmental support, the private sector can also draw upon public resources to convert to alternative fuel methods. SANDAG’s report was correct in recommending a “coordinated infrastructure strategy” to actualize recommended programs. While federal and state governments provide the money, it is the local governments which oversee the network of new fuel systems. Regionalism is important in assuring that a widespread impact occurs, rather than a “green” urban oasis. SANDAG’s comprehensive vehicle and fuel recommendations presented the idea that the analysis of a fuel source is dependent on its use. Depending on what type of vehicle --passenger versus heavy-duty truck-- is in use, some alternative fuels are more efficient than others. For example a biodiesel blend of B20 is not typically accepted by manufacturers of passenger

vehicles, while it is a viable option for trucks. This type of dynamic must be taken into consideration when pursuing future research. Many of these alternative fuels have not reached their full potential, and should continue to be investigated. Also, existing vehicles and infrastructure should not be wasted. However, in order to promote the regionalist unity that SANDAG describes and that our region desires, I believe that the majority of our efforts should be concentrated on adapting to a fuel source which would have the most impact. Evidence of this source can be found in the list of Transportation Project Recommendations. The majority of projects deal with light-duty vehicles, whose number one alternative fuel recommendation is electricity. SANDAG finds that electricity is more energy efficient than gasoline, reduces harmful environmental effects like greenhouse gas emissions and can easily be supported by the current electricity grid. As of 2009 there were 32 electric charging station in the San Diego region, which is not enough to support large usages and which need to be repaired or refitted to accommodate new vehicle technology. However, charging stations are less expensive to build than gasoline pumping stations and they are flexible. The government can support public charging stations as well as incentivize private companies and homes to install their own charge bases. Electricity is superior than the second recommended fuel of natural gas. Unlike its counterpart, electricity is not a finite source, and therefore better adheres to the vision of a sustainable fuel source. Other forms of fuels are not viable for the San Diego region due to costs or availability. By building upon existing electric technology, the region can generate needed infrastructure to implement electric “fuel” for both its anticipated and established projects. It would also also continue to connect the region to the larger national web of transportation as more cities research and manufacture electric infrastructure. Upon exploring SANDAG’s Regional Alternative Fuels, Vehicles and Infrastructure Report, it is evident that an effective change to current transportation systems must be approached at a regional level with federal, state and private cooperation. While more research should be conducted on all types of fuel sources, electricity proves to be the most promising as it is already being integrated into the region’s economic, political and physical structures. SANTRANS and other regional bodies should examine how to incorporate electric vehicles into existing and future transportation projects as well as how to assure the general public in the use of electricity over gasoline. Regional use of electricity will ensure significant improvements in environmental issues, an increase in clean energy jobs of manufacturing, training and maintenance and the political stability of reducing dependency on foreign sources.