Fort Collins Air Quality Board 04/21/24

This report has been revised to correct current board titles and phraseology as suggested by board members Mark Houdashelt, Dan Welsh and staff liaison Selina Lujan.

Main Topics

This was the first meeting for the newly elected board members Christina Swope and Howard Gebhart.

The city is working internally on its overall Our Climate Future plan led by the Environmental Services Manager Depew, while the Transportation Planner Bubar-Hall will soon submit a roadmap to the state specifically about the role he sees for EVs in our community.

1. Depew created a draft presentation for EV Readiness and Electrification which was reviewed with the board in preparation for being presented at the Fort Collins Council meeting on May 13.
2. Bubar-Hall reviewed his draft presentation for Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap (EVRR) with the board in preparation for presentation to the state regulators in June.

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This was the first meeting of the new board year 2025-2026, and for the newly elected board members Swope and Gebhart. Each board member introduced themselves and gave their area of expertise. Some areas of expertise include meteorologists, environmental sociology, indoor pollution and radon, and physics. Several others on the advisory board said they are there because they have an interest in air quality and pollution. Council Liaison Ohlson said, “This is important work. You don’t need a degree to be on this board.” Ohlson gave board members recommendations on the best method of communication with the Fort Collins Council.

Environmental Services Manager Honore Depew reviewed his draft presentation, Council Priority Update: Reduce Climate Pollution and Air Pollution Through Best Practices, Emphasizing Electrification scheduled to be presented to the Fort Collins Council at the May 13 work session. Depew was looking for feedback, questions, and possible changes from the advisory board. Depew said he is working toward achieving the City’s goals to improve the climate future:

1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
   1. 50% below 2005 baseline by 2026
   2. 80% below 2005 baseline by 2030
   3. Carbon neutral by 2050
2. 100% renewable electricity by 2030
3. Zero waste, or 100% landfill diversion by 2030

According to Depew, Fort Collins has 4 key tools to drive progress to electrification and decarbonization:

1. Economic drivers, such as:
   1. Utility rates and incentives
2. Regulations and policy, such as:
   1. Building codes and standards
3. Infrastructure investments, such as:
4. Behavior change, such as:
   1. Education and awareness

Depew reminded the board that State Regulation 29 takes effect this summer, restricting federal, state, and local agencies and their contractors from using gas-powered push and small hand-held lawn and garden equipment June 1 through August 31, when the ozone pollution is highest.

Transportation Planner Dashiell Bubar-Hall reviewed his draft for Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap (EVRR) that is scheduled to be presented to state regulators in June. Below is Fort Collins EVRR Mission Statement:

Fort Collins will promote the community’s adoption of electric vehicles through equitable access to charging infrastructure, engaging outreach and education, innovative policy approaches, and leading by example.

Below are the goals Bubar-Hall proposes:

Mobility: Support the electrification of shared transportation options in Fort Collins, including car share, rideshare, shared micromobility, and transit, to ensure equitable access and foster a sustainable, interconnected transportation system.

Equity: Engage disproportionately impacted communities to develop suitable EV-related outreach, projects, and incentives that increase awareness and access to electrified transportation options.

Environmental: Reduce local contributions to climate and air pollution from transportation sources through increased adoption of electrified transportation options.

Utility/ Grid Infrastructure: Identify the need for additional level 2 and 3 public charging infrastructure throughout the city and support the installation of needed infrastructure and corresponding improvements.

Residential Charging: Increase access to charging infrastructure for rental properties and multi-family units, prioritizing the most affordable housing stock.

Policy: Review and update existing City policies related to electric vehicles, electric transportation devices, and charging infrastructure. Recommend additional policies to facilitate increased adoption and access to alternative electrified transportation options.

According to Bubar-Hall, studies show that the production of EV batteries creates large amounts of greenhouse gases. He said EV’s do not become carbon neutral until after approximately 25,000 miles. He said it’s likely that future improvements will reduce the production of gases.

A community survey was conducted in 2023 and some of the barriers to consumers purchasing EV’s are:

1. Public charging availability
2. High purchase price
3. Multi-family and renters’ access to home charging stations
4. Single vehicle households
5. Anxiety about driving range
6. Awareness and education

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Next Meeting: May 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. online Zoom, or in-person at 222 Laporte Avenue, Colorado River Room, Fort Collins, Co

Members’ Present: Chair Dan Welsh, Mark Houdashelt, Michael Cheeseman, Maria Moore, Matt Ayers, Christina Swope, Adam Schmidt, Michael Johnson, Howard Gebhart.

Others Present to Note: Staff Liaison Selina Lujan, Council Liaison Kelly Ohlson, Environmental Services Manager Honore Depew, Transportation Planner Dashiell Bubar-Hall, Energy Services Director Brian Tholl.

Documents:

• Meeting agenda summary
• Meeting agenda and packet

From the Advisory Board website:

The Air Quality Advisory Board advises the City Council regarding policies, plans, and programs to improve and maintain the City's air quality. The Board may, without limitation, biennially review air quality indicators and recommend adjustments to the Air Quality Action Plan, review and recommend revisions of the Air Quality Policy Plan and advise the Governor-designated lead agency for air quality planning on matters pertaining to the Fort Collins element of the State Implementation Plan. The Board may also convene ad hoc citizen task groups to provide additional technical expertise to the Board. The Board coordinates its work with the Energy Board, Transportation Board, Natural Resources Advisory Board, and the Planning and Zoning Board.

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