MEDIA ROOMNews Releases

RAQC, DRCOG & Denver B-cycle Team Up to Care for Summer Air

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayor Vidal Announces the Start of Summer Ozone Season & Colorado Bike Month

DENVER (June 1, 2011) – Mayor Guillermo (Bill) V. Vidal, members of the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC), Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and Denver B-cycle announced the start of the summer ozone season and Colorado Bike Month today at a press event, held at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The press conference detailed the importance of improving air quality in the Front Range and how the work of RAQC, DRCOG and Denver B-cycle will continue to help move Colorado to a cleaner future.  

“Summer ozone season is upon us, and we should be aware of how our daily actions directly effect our air quality and ozone pollution,” said Mayor Vidal. “While ozone awareness and bicycling may seem like very different topics, they are intertwined, with bicycling and public transit serving as one of the many helpful tactics anyone can take to help alleviate ozone pollution.”

Colorado is a premiere bicycling state; and to celebrate bicycling for transportation, fun and fitness, June is known as Colorado Bike Month. Colorado joins a nationwide effort to encourage cycling novices and enthusiasts to experience the fun and freedom of safely riding a bike to work, school, errands and recreation, which helps reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality. The highlight of Bike Month is the region’s annual Bike to Work Day on June 22 – a day to celebrate bicycle commuting.

“DRCOG coordinates Bike to Work Day each year to introduce more metro residents to the many advantages of bicycle commuting, which include reducing vehicle emissions causing ground-level ozone,” said DRCOG Executive Director Jennifer Schaufele. “Last year, more than 17,000 people participated in Bike to Work Day, keeping nearly 300,000 miles from being driven by car – a number that’s a big help during our high ozone season.” 

In an effort to help Denver B-cycle members participate in Bike to Work Day, Denver B-cycle will be encouraging all those planning on riding a B-cycle on June 22 to register for Bike to Work Day at www.drcog.org/biketowork. Denver B-cycle enables more extensive use of transit by oftentimes filling in the last mile of trips, giving downtown dwellers and visitors a way to move around without their cars. Denver B-cycle also provides members with a personal account page that not only highlights miles ridden, calories burned and money saved, but also carbon offset to help users track the many benefits of bicycling. 

Summer ground-level ozone pollution is the Front Range region’s biggest air quality concern and is formed when emissions from everyday items combine and “cook” in the heat and sunlight. Sources of such emissions include local industry, gasoline-powered vehicles, lawn equipment, household paints, and stains and solvents.  Ozone pollution can trigger attacks and symptoms in people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory diseases. High levels of ozone pollution also affect healthy people who work or exercise outdoors and can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and reduced resistance to lung infections and colds with exposure for prolonged periods.

The Denver region fell out of compliance with the federal standard for ozone pollution in 2007 and air quality experts forecast the region to remain out of compliance with stricter standards set by the EPA in 2008. Federal officials are expected to announce even stricter standards in July 2011 making it even more critical this summer for local residents, businesses and industry to do their part to help reduce ground-level ozone help reduce the health risks associated with summer ozone pollution.

“Ozone pollution continues to be a challenge for our community and all of us need to do our part to help reduce it,” said Andy Spielman, Chairman of the RAQC.

Ozone-causing emissions come from a wide range of sources. Front Range residents can take the following actions to reduce ground-level ozone:

• Sign up for Ozone Action Alerts to know when alternate behavior is imperative

• Drive less – Ride your bike, walk when you can, group your errands, take public transit and carpool whenever possible
• Mow in the evening after 5 p.m.
• Refuel in the evening after 5 p.m.
• “Stop at the click” – do not overfill gas tanks when refueling
• Keep vehicles regularly maintained
• Tighten gas caps after refueling
• Use new, earth-friendly lawn equipment
• Avoid solvent-based products; use water-based paint, stain and sealants

For more information about RAQC, please visit OzoneAware.org.

ABOUT THE REGIONAL AIR QUALITY COUNCIL
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality-planning agency for the seven-county Denver metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, business, and local governments.  The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region. For more information, follow us on Twitter @OzoneAware, Find us on Facebook, visit RAQC.org or call 303-629-5450

ABOUT DENVER BIKE SHARING

Denver B-cycle, presented by Kaiser Permanente in association with a variety of community sponsors, is owned and operated by Denver Bike Sharing, a Colorado charitable, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Denver Bike Sharing exists to promote health, quality of life and preservation of the environment in Denver. Through operating a citywide bike sharing system, Denver Bike Sharing offers residents and visitors an alternative form of public transportation, which is both environmentally friendly and affordable. It complements and integrates into the city’s overall transportation system and helps to implement the Greenprint Denver’s Climate Action Plan. www.denver.bcycle.com

ABOUT THE DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) is a nonprofit collaborative association of 56 county and municipal governments in the metro area working together to make life better.  In its sixth decade of regional service, DRCOG is proud of its focus on quality-of-life issues. These include mobility, service to older adults, environmental concerns, planning for the future, public safety, and the provision of information for sound decision-making. For more information, follow us on Twitter @DRCOGorg, find us on Facebook, visit www.drcog.org or call 303-455-1000.

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RAQC Helps ‘Mow Down’ Ozone Pollution

Mow Down Pollution lawn mower exchange event on May 1

DENVER—April 19, 2010—The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) will host its annual “Mow Down Pollution” lawn equipment exchange for Colorado residents on Saturday, May 1. Residents are encouraged to trade in their gas-guzzling lawn mowers in exchange for discounts on eco-friendly models. Mow Down Pollution will be held at the RidgeGate community in Lone Tree just off of Lincoln and I-25. Enter the event near the corner of RidgeGate Parkway and Belvedere Lane just southeast of Target and northwest of the Lone Tree Recreation Center. Participants must register in advance of the event by visiting ozoneaware.org or by calling 1-800-457-8651; a limited number of lawn mowers are available at the event.

With nearly 10 percent of the Denver area’s ozone precursor emissions coming from lawn equipment, the switch to eco-friendly alternatives has the potential to make a significant impact on our air quality and health for years to come. At ground level, ozone is a health hazard for everyone, especially the young and elderly. Those who are active and exercise outdoors may experience breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may result in reduced resistance to lung infections and colds. Ozone can also trigger attacks and symptoms in individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory infections like chronic bronchitis and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). “Ground-level ozone pollution is the Denver-area’s biggest air quality concern. Its health impacts are becoming more recognized everyday,” said Ken Lloyd, Executive Director of the RAQC. “It is important
to remember that citizens have the ability to improve our air quality by making simple changes, such as purchasing an eco-friendly lawn mower or only mowing after 5 p.m. if you own a gasoline mower.” At the event, Colorado residents are invited to bring in an old, gasoline-powered lawn mower to exchange it for a discount on a new, Earth-friendly alternative. Neuton provides the eco-friendly mowers. Several models will be available:

• The CE 5 model (retail price $399) will be sold for $150 for those with a mower to exchange and $175 to those without a gasoline lawn mower to recycle.
• The CE 6 model (retail price $499) will be sold for $250 for those with a mower to exchange and $275 to those without a gasoline lawn mower to recycle.
• The Neuton Reel Mower (retail price $99) will be sold for $55 for those with a mower to exchange and $65 to those without a gasoline lawn mower to recycle.

To learn more about these models, please visit www.neutonpower.com/raqc. REGISTER NOW!

For more information about RAQC or the Mow Down Pollution event, please call Sarah Anderson, communications manager, at 303-629-5450 x 220 or visit OzoneAware.org.

About Regional Air Quality Council (www.RAQC.org)

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality-planning agency for the seven-county Denver-metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, businesses and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region. The RAQC has partnered with the RidgeGate development for the Mow Down Pollution event to help raise awareness of air quality issues in Colorado and provide the residents of Colorado with cost effective earth-friendly lawn care options.

The RidgeGate development is a mixed-use sustainable community that will eventually span more than 3,500 acres in Lone Tree, Colorado. For more information on RidgeGate, please visit www.ridgegatecolorado.com.

Summer Ozone Season Begins June First

Denver (June 1, 2009) – Summer ozone season officially begins June 1 in Front Range region.

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) and its partners are kicking off the fifth year of their Ozone Aware campaign to raise awareness of ozone pollution by asking Denver area residents to “chill” on hot summer days. The RAQC asks citizens to avoid ozone-causing behaviors in the heat of the day such as mowing the lawn, driving, or painting or staining projects.

The Denver region violated the federal ozone standard in 2007 and a new, stricter standard in 2008, making it even more important this summer for local residents, businesses and industry to do their part to help reduce ground-level ozone, meet federal air quality standards in 2009 and help reduce the health risks associated with ozone pollution.

At ground level, ozone pollution can be harmful to everyone, especially the young and the elderly. The highest ozone levels are usually recorded in summer months when temperatures approach the high 80s and 90s and when the wind is stagnant or light.

“The more stringent standards this year make it that much more important that we all do our part,” said Ken Lloyd, executive director of the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC). “Awareness is critical during the summer ozone season, and so the RAQC has expanded the resources available this year to provide additional avenues for people to learn how to reduce their impact.”

An Ozone Action Alert day is announced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) when weather conditions are forecast for unhealthy ground-level ozone concentrations.

Ground-level ozone pollution is formed when emissions from everyday items combine with other pollutants and “cook” in the heat and sunlight. Sources of such emissions include local industry, gasoline-powered vehicles and lawn equipment, and household paints, stains and solvents.

Ozone can trigger attacks and symptoms in people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory diseases. High levels of ozone pollution often affect healthy people who work or exercise outdoors and can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation and reduced resistance to lung infections and colds with exposure for prolonged periods.

This year, the Ozone Aware program will utilize social media to engage residents, share tips and information about the program, answer questions about ground-level ozone and interact with the community in a brand new way. People can interact with the campaign via:

• Web site – OzoneAware.org
• Facebook – Become a fan of Regional Air Quality Council – Ozone Aware
• Twitter – @ozoneaware

For the fifth straight year, the RAQC and its partners are kicking off the “Ozone Aware” campaign to help increase awareness of ground-level ozone and asking residents to “chill” on hot summer days – that is, to avoid activities that can cause ground-level ozone pollution such as driving, mowing the lawn and painting or staining projects.

Ozone-causing emissions come from a wide range of sources. Actions Front Range residents can take to reduce ground-level ozone include:

• Drive less – walk when you can, group errands, take public transit and carpool whenever possible.
• Mow in the evening after 5 p.m.
• Refuel in the evening after 5 p.m.
• “Stop at the click” – do not overfill gas tanks when refueling.
• Keep vehicles regularly maintained.
• Tighten gas caps after refueling.
• Use new, earth-friendly lawn equipment.
• Avoid solvent-based products; use water-based paint, stain and sealants.
• Sign up for Ozone Action Alerts.

For additional information on ground-level ozone, please visit http://www.OzoneAware.org or the RAQC’s Web site at http://www.raqc.org or call 303-629-5450.

Mow Down Pollution with a Green Tech Solution

Denver (April 8, 2009) – Emissions from gas-powered lawn mowers contribute to ground-level ozone on hot Denver days, which can cause or worsen health problems for many residents. Earth-friendly lawn equipment can reduce the pollution, which is why the Regional Air Quality Council wants your mower to be as green as your lawn.

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) has partnered with Neuton Lawn Mower Company to host three “Mow Down Pollution” lawn equipment exchanges across the Denver metro area – all on the same day, May 2.

Because the goal of the event is to improve air quality in Denver and surrounding cities, attendees are encouraged to bring their old lawn mowers to the event and exchange them for a discount toward one of Neuton’s cordless, battery-powered mowers, which will be available to test drive.

“Newer, greener technologies mean we don’t have to rely on older, gasoline-powered lawn mowers that produce far too much pollution,” said Ken Lloyd, executive director of the RAQC. “Emissions from lawn equipment contribute to poor air quality when they’re allowed to cook in the hot summer sun. By reducing those emissions, we ensure that our air quality stays at healthy levels this summer.”

At ground level, ozone pollution is harmful to all of us, especially the young and elderly. Ozone can also trigger attacks in individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma and other respiratory infections.

Mow Down Pollution will take place simultaneously in Denver, Commerce City and Longmont on May 2. Residents who attend will be able to:

• See low-emissions and electric lawn mowers and other equipment.
• Learn about chemical-free lawn products and composting.
• Discover low environmental impact lawn-care practices.
• Explore ways to save water, including xeriscaping.
• Find out how to get discounted earth-friendly products and services.

Attendees must reserve their electric, cordless mower in advance by calling 1-800-457-8651 starting April 14.

Event details:

Denver Event

Saturday, May 2, 2009 – 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Garland Park, 1001 South Kearney St., Denver – just off Cherry Creek Drive North

Commerce City Event

Saturday, May 2, 2009 – 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Civic Center, 7887 East 60th Ave., Commerce City – Next to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Boulder County Event

Saturday, May 2, 2009 – 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont – South parking lot

For more information on the Mow Down Pollution lawn mower exchange, please visit http://www.OzoneAware.org or contact Sarah Anderson (email address) at 303-629-5450, ext. XXX.

About Regional Air Quality Council

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality planning agency for the seven-county Denver-metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, businesses and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region. The RAQC has partnered with the City of Greeley for the Mow Down Pollution event to help raise awareness of air quality issues in Colorado and provide the residents of Weld County with earth-friendly lawn care options.

About the Neuton Cordless Electric Mowers

Neuton® CE 5

Event Price $140 (normally retails for $399) 

Neuton® CE 6

Event price $240 (normally retails for $499)

New Vehicle Salvage Program Aims to Get Highest Polluters off Denver Roads

DENVER (July 3, 2008) – Ozone season is heating up and the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) has launched a new voluntary program to identify and salvage high-emitting vehicles in the Denver metro area. Under the program, eligible owners of high-emitting vehicles will receive $1,000 and $60 in RTD passes when they turn their vehicle over to the RAQC and its partners for salvaging.

The RAQC’s goal is to salvage 220 vehicles prior to December 31, 2009, removing high polluters of hydrocarbons (HC) from area roads and helping to reduce air pollution in the region. The program aims to achieve reductions in carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and green house gases (GHG), in addition to reducing petroleum usage by replacing older vehicles with more fuel efficient vehicles.

“High-polluting vehicles pose a major challenge to efforts to reduce air pollution in the region," said Steve McCannon, RAQC program manager. “Ten percent of the vehicles on the road account for approximately 50 percent of the emissions. By taking part in this program, owners of high-emitting vehicles have a real incentive to help significantly reduce emissions. And by salvaging the vehicles, we get them off the road and ensure they never pollute again.”

For the 2008 ozone season, vehicles will be identified and recruited through the state’s high-emitter program and screened by Emissions Technical Center (ETC) staff. In addition, vehicles that are eligible for the Colorado Department of Revenue’s waiver program and cannot be fixed will be included in this effort. The RAQC will work with ETCs to notify vehicle owners they are eligible for the vehicle salvage program at the time of compliance testing failure.

Program vehicles will be purchased at a centralized collection point once per month. Eligible vehicles for the program must start readily through ordinary means without the use of starting fluids or external booster batteries and the vehicle must arrive at the ETC under its own power.  Vehicles must also meet two of the following minimum threshold criteria:

• The vehicle must fail an emissions test for hydrocarbons (HC);
• Be more than 10 years old;
• Have high-evaporative emissions;
• Emit visible smoke; or
• Be deemed irreparable or face repair costs that exceed the value of vehicle.

The RAQC’s partners in the vehicle salvage program include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), the Old Car Council of Colorado (OCCC), Envirotest Systems Products (ESP) and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Additional incentives for participants are also being offered by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA).

More information on the vehicle salvage program can be found at www.OzoneAware.org or by contacting the Regional Air Quality Council at (303) 629-5450.

About Regional Air Quality Council

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality planning agency for the seven-county Denver-metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, business, and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region. The RAQC has partnered with the City of Greeley for the Mow Down Pollution event to help raise awareness of air quality issues in Colorado and provide the residents of Weld County with earth-friendly lawn care options.

Summer Ozone Season Begins June First

Denver (June 2, 2008) – Summer ozone season officially begins June 1 for the Front Range region.

In August 2007, Denver violated the EPA ozone guidelines, making it even more important this summer for local residents, businesses and industry to do their part to help reduce ground-level ozone to meet federal air quality standards in 2008 and reduce the health risks associated with ozone pollution.

At ground level, ozone pollution can be harmful to everyone, especially the young and the elderly. The highest ozone levels are usually recorded in summer months when temperatures approach the high 80s and 90s and when the wind is stagnant or light.

“Last year’s violation put a spotlight on Colorado’s summer air quality,” said Ken Lloyd, executive director of the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC). “The summer ozone season is a critical time and, because ozone comes from so many various sources, everyone must do their part, especially on Ozone Action Alert days when conditions are ripe for the formation of ozone.”

An Ozone Action Alert day is called by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) when weather conditions can lead to unhealthy ground-level ozone concentrations in the metropolitan Denver and Front Range region.

Ground-level ozone pollution is formed when emissions from everyday items combine with other pollutants and “cook” in the heat and sunlight. Sources of such emissions include local industry, gasoline-powered vehicles and lawn equipment, and household paints, stains and solvents.

Ozone can trigger attacks and symptoms in people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory infections. High levels of ozone pollution often affect healthy people who work or exercise outdoors and can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation and reduced resistance to lung infections and colds with exposure for prolonged periods.

For the third straight year, the Regional Air Quality Council and its partners are kicking off the “Summer Chill” campaign to help increase awareness of ground-level ozone and asking residents to “chill” on hot summer days – that is, to avoid activities that can cause ground-level ozone pollution such as driving, mowing the lawn and painting or staining projects.

At events throughout the summer and on the campaign’s Web site http://www.OzoneAware.org, residents can take a pledge to chill – a promise to drive less, mow the lawn after 5 p.m. and refuel vehicles in the evenings. These small steps are critical to keeping ground-level ozone in check on Ozone Action Alert days.

Ozone-causing emissions come from a wide range of sources. Actions Front Range residents can take to reduce ground-level ozone include:

• Drive less – walk when you can, group errands, take public transit and carpool whenever possible.
• Mow in the evening after 5 p.m.
• Refuel in the evening after 5 p.m.
• “Stop at the click” – do not overfill gas tanks when refueling.
• Keep vehicles regularly maintained.
• Tighten gas caps after refueling.
• Use new, earth-friendly lawn equipment.
• Avoid solvent-based products;.use water-based paint, stain and sealants.
• Sign up for Ozone Action Alerts.

For additional information on ground-level ozone, please visit http://www.OzoneAware.org or the RAQC’s Web site at http://www.raqc.org or call (303) 629-5450.

About Regional Air Quality Council

The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is the lead air quality planning agency for the seven-county Denver metropolitan area. In existence since 1989, the Council’s main purpose is to develop plans and programs to keep the region in compliance with federal air quality standards, with significant input from area citizens, business, and local governments. The RAQC also oversees the development and implementation of air quality outreach and education programs throughout the region.