JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph is answering the call to consume less energy with the addition of new fuel-efficient vehicles to the base motor pool.
Dennis Bazzel, 902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance manager, said JBSA-Randolph received three new Ford Fusion hybrids, purchased by the Air Force, and that 20 more are expected to arrive on base by late summer.
"This is an Air Force-wide effort to push for using alternative fuel," Bazzel said. "Hybrids use less fuel and will be environmentally friendly, especially on a low-speed driving base like Randolph because the cars will use more battery power. All of the Air Education and Training Command bases will be receiving Ford Fusion hybrids."
In addition to fuel efficiency, the new vehicles will have lower carbon dioxide emissions, which will enhance the Air Force's commitment to 'green' initiatives.
Carbon dioxide pollution is still rampant in the United States with an annual carbon output of 20 tons per person. That's 16 tons more than the world average, according to the United Nations Environment program.
Another major pollutant tracked by the Environmental Protection Agency is ground-level ozone.
There is a direct relationship between temperature and concentrations of ground-level ozone. As temperatures increase, primarily from the amount of carbon dioxide vehicles emit, ground-level ozone increases, creating smog.
Kerry Williston, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron air quality program manager, said this can greatly damage our overall health.
The reduction of air pollution should be everyone's concern, Williston said.
"We (San Antonio) are close to reaching a nonattainment level during ozone season, which means the city is at risk to breathe in sub-par levels of air quality from May to December," she said.
These months are especially pertinent to Texas because of perpetually dry climates and high temperatures that create the perfect storm for air pollutants to stagnate into the atmosphere.
In fact, the northwest region of San Antonio registered nine days during summer 2011 on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's monitor where the city exceeded the eight-hour ozone average. These days occurred from May to October. The air quality during those days was unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children and people with heart and lung disease.
"Younger children with developing lungs and elderly people with depressed immune systems are also the most affected by poor air quality," Williston said. "With poor air quality, they have to limit their time outdoors."
Because of summmertime outdoor activities and vacation travel, Williston placed a heavy emphasis on drivers to improve their fuel efficiency, reduce their carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average American drives 13,476 miles per year. There are a variety of ways to help slash that average.
"It's not so much what type of vehicle you drive, even though that is important regarding your fuel efficiency, but it's how you drive your vehicle," Williston said. "Combine as many errands as possible into one trip. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as longer, multipurpose trips.
"Taking advantage of carpools, ride-share programs and public transportation can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters."
Also, avoiding long idles when your engine is on and avoiding high speeds should be on every driver's mind. Depending on your vehicle, taking these measures can save up to 3 cents and 24-80 cents per minute on the road respectively, Williston said.
Keeping your tires properly aligned and inflated, avoiding carrying unnecessary items in your trunk, reducing the use of air conditioning and getting regular engine tune-ups are also great fuel economy benefits that can save you money.
"Try not to drive during rush hour if possible, and fill up your gas tank after 6 p.m., when the heat waves begin to dissipate," especially in the summertime during ozone season, Williston said.
Driving less equates to a lower carbon footprint, which decreases ground-level ozone and can help improve overall quality of life.
Katy Breyer, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental section chief, said that you can learn more about what you can do to reduce your environmental footprint during the Earth Day celebrations at the end of April.
Check out the fuel economy your vehicle at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml, or see what your carbon footprint is at www.carbonfootprint.com.