EP-ACT Newsletter

Driving together, toward a greener tomorrow

January 2020 News & Events

EP-PACT Kicks Off 2020 at New Office Space

EP-ACT has a new home at WeWork's 1900 Market St location. The office is located on the top story of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, with coworking space that’s a playground for businesses. The office design brings a lighthearted, creative vibe to EPACT's Executive Director, Tony Bandiero.  "It's refreshing to be in a workspace that's so alive with activity" says Bandiero.  EPACT will host meetings with existing and new members, as well as organization events and regional meetings in the new space. A single floor wraps around an enormous, sunlit winter garden, offering inspiring views. a coffee bar, private offices as well as social engagement opportunities with the diverse residents in this shared office space. This is an eclectic workspace to envision, collaborate and integrate new ideas - come stop by for a visit!

EP-ACT Organizational Changes

EP-ACT is delighted to share several organizational announcements. Our former chairman, Caroline McCallum, will be taking on a new role as Program Director with EP-ACT. Caroline will provide outreach and membership support and help Tony with various program initiatives.  Caroline is excited to collaborate with EP-ACT's stakeholders, members and partners.  You'll be hearing more from her in the future!

We welcome Michelle Marsh as our new Chair of EP-ACT! Michelle brings with her an extensive knowledge of alternative fuels and a savvy business background.  Michelle has been an EP-ACT Board Member since 2013, holding several roles including Marketing Sub-Committee Chair, Secretary and Vice Chair.  With Michelle's guidance, LCSWMA hosted Lancaster's First Responder Training, a CNG Listening Session and participated in NASEO's Alt Fuel Vehicles project. Her inspiration in this new role is to continue to drive the Momentum of the organization forward.  

Mike Matijkiw joined the EP-ACT Board of Directors over the summer.  As Fleet Manager for AAA, he brings with him a depth of understanding of the needs of our fleet members and stakeholders.  He has been an avid support of EP-ACT and member for over 8 years and has participated as a project partner for both vehicle and fueling projects.  

We wish everyone much success in their new roles with EP-ACT!

Annual Fuel Displacement Report

EP-ACT will be sending out to our online survey to collect data for the annual fuel displacement report later this month. Your fleet's data is vital to demonstrate the progress Eastern Pennsylvania has made toward impacting energy use in the transportation sector through alternative fuels and energy efficiency projects. This information is used to calculate the total impact Clean Cities is making across the nation.  The graph shows the programs cumulative energy use impact through 2018 - almost 10 billion Gasoline Gallon Equivalents have been offset!

Gov. Wolf’s GreenGov Council Invites Public Feedback on State Agency Green Practices

The Wolf Administration’s interagency GreenGov Council is inviting the public to learn about efforts to boost green and sustainable practices in state government during a meeting at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2020, at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 310 Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg.

Co-chaired by the departments of General Services, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources, the council will give an update on its first year activities and plans for 2020. The public will be invited to provide feedback on the program and discussion on the next steps for the GreenGov Agency Checklist.

DERA Clean Diesel Request for Applications

EPA anticipates awarding approximately  $44 million in competitive grant funding under the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) National Grants Program.  The program is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions and exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas.  Deadline for Applications is Wednesday, February 26, 2020 - contact Tony if you'd like to discuss a project application.

New International Maritime Fuel Regulations Effective Jan. 1

On January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations regarding use of high sulfur fuel in vessels went into effect.  The IMO changes restrict use of fuels containing 5,000 to 35,000 parts per million of sulfur, unless the vessel has a scrubber.  Preparations for a lower-sulfur bunkering fuel have been underway. Although initial stocks have met early demand, the potential need for lower sulfur fuels may impact the diesel market.  Alternative fuels, such as LNG, are another option for vessels to meet these new requirements. 

Northeast Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative Invites Comments to Draft Program to Cap GHG Emissions

The Transportation and Climate Initiative is now accepting comments on a draft Memorandum of Understanding between states in the Northeast to establish a cap-and invest greenhouse gas pollution reduction program for transportation fuels.  Comments are due February 28.

In Pennsylvania, this initiative builds on the Driving PA Forward clean transportation program funded by the VW settlement, the AFIG grant/rebate programs, the PA Electric Vehicle Roadmap developed by the Drive Electric PA Coalition and initiatives like DCNR's effort to put EV charging stations in State Parks and PennDOT's public-private partnership initiative to install 29 CNG refueling stations around the state.

EPA Seeks Clean Truck Initiative Comments

On January 6, 2020, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed an Advance Notice of Proposed Rule (ANPR) soliciting pre-proposal comments on the CTI.  The ANPR describes EPA’s plans for a new rulemaking to establish new emission standards for NOx and other pollutants for highway heavy-duty engines and opportunities to streamline and improve certification procedures to reduce costs for engine manufacturers.  Read more information on the ANPR HERE.

Energy Independence Summit

February 10-12, 2020

Washington, DC

Transportation Energy Partners will host its annual Energy Independence Summit in Washington D.C. for Clean Cities Coalitions and others in the industry to build unique partnershipsRegister today!

Green Truck Summit

March 3, 2020

Indianapolis, IN

Green Truck Summit, held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show®, features intensive programs on clean energy trends and initiatives for commercial vehicles. Green Truck Summit Conference & Trade Show Package required.


Office: 215-990-8200  Address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia PA 19103

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