Incorporating "green" into gas stations (new or existing) calls attention to previously unidentified ways to improve the environment which includes, but is not limited to, the reduction of green house gas emissions, the reduction of volatile organic compounds, the reduction of particulate emissions, the reduction of solid waste, the reduction of energy use, the reduction of storm water runoff and the reduction of hazardous pollutants with the final goal of improving the health of citizens.
Some examples of green gasoline station projects could be: solar panels or wind turbines for on-site energy production; the use of recyclable items into building or parking lot construction (i.e. incorporate bits of glass into concrete mixed and poured as parking materials); the use of low-energy light sources and more.
"Green" education is a necessary component of each project and may include such components as advising motorists that correctly inflated tires yields greater gasoline mileage; providing a recycling center on site. Or if the applicant proposes to install a rain garden, what will the applicant do to demonstrate the environmental benefits of that project to the public?
Both E85 and biodiesel are considered alternative fuels and projects including these and other alternative fuels are eligible for funding.
The program will only be available to retailers in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Depending on the number and type of projects received, CenSARA anticipates awarding between three and five projects. Proposals are due July 31, 2009.
Click herefor a Request for Projects document.
The Blue Skyways Collaborative was created to encourage voluntary air emissions reduction in North America's heartland.
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