EPA, Delta Air Lines and Clean Cities Atlanta "Kick-Off" Smog Days of Summer with Technology Workshop on May 13

Atlanta, GA, May 10, 2013 --(PR.com)-- As the “smog days” of summer fast approach metro Atlanta, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) kicks off the season with a technology showcase on May 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to preview newly converted all-electric ground service equipment (GSE) and to educate the public and media on the EPA’s emission reduction program. The event will be held at the Delta Air Lines Ground Service Equipment facility, 2100 Central Cargo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30354.

EPA’s NCDC promotes clean air strategies by working with manufacturers, fleet operators, air quality professionals, environmental and community organizations, and state and local officials to reduce diesel emissions. The Delta GSE Emission Reduction Project is a public/private investment in air quality improvement for Atlanta, with EPA, Delta, and the Center for Transportation & the Environment collaborating to repower diesel GSE with all-electric drive systems.

“EPA Region 4 identified airports as one of the key focal points for addressing our regional air quality issues,” says Don Francis, Executive Director of Clean Cities Atlanta. “This project targets ground transportation at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA), which is part of the metro-Atlanta non-attainment area for both ozone and particulate matter 2.5. Most of the metro area surrounding Atlanta is in non-attainment status for these two criteria pollutants.”

Conversion of GSE is a relatively quick and easy way of reducing airport emissions and improving air quality. As part of the NCDC, Delta Air Lines has successfully electrified 35 diesel GSE for use at HJAIA. The project is utilizing the electric vehicle charging stations that were installed at several HJAIA terminals, including the new, LEED-certified International terminal. The project is expected to conserve over one million gallons of fuel over the life of the converted equipment.

The human health impacts of poor air quality can lead to asthma and respiratory issues especially in highly susceptible individuals such as children, the elderly or those in minority and/or disadvantaged populations. For more information on the impacts of diesel emissions and the NCDC program visit the EPA NCDC program site.