The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56421

Anthony J. Ferraro, MPH, Ashley Yelds, MA Economics, Alexander Kolpakov, and Stephen L. Reich, Program Director. Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. CUT 100, Tampa, FL 33620, (813) 974-2004, ferraro@cutr.eng.usf.edu

The goal of increased alternative fuel use, which can surely enhance the public’s health on many levels, requires a great fundamental shift in the way most people live, what they consume, and how they travel. The Clean Fuel Florida Advisory Board (CFFAB) was established in 1999 to study alternative fuel vehicles and formulate policy recommendations to promote the development of the alternative fuel market in Florida. Representing diverse private sector, public agency, and citizen perspectives; the CFFAB has sought to influence statewide policies through consensus decision-making. The Florida Department of Community Affairs contracted with the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida to serve as staff to the CFFAB and to develop its educational materials and legacy document, which will be released in 2003. This presentation will report the efforts of the CFFAB and describe suggestions and recommendations developed over the past 4 years. Specifically, attendees will hear background on alternative fuels and a description of the alternative fuel vehicle market in Florida and the obstacles to expanding their implementation. The presenter will also report on recommended mid- and long-term actions that have the potential to remove these obstacles, improve air quality, and reduce dependence on imported oil. The presentation will also highlight successful AFV programs already underway in the State. In addition, the presentation will identify key participants necessary to the successful expansion of AFV use and describe the critical link between environment, energy, and economic development, which can affect government policy and consumer awareness.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• 1.List several types of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, and describe issues related to each.
• 2.Discuss why the expanded use of alternative fuels is important.
• 3.Identify examples of successful applications of alternative fuel vehicles in Florida.
• 4.Prioritize recommendations for increasing the use of alternative fuels and alternatively fueled vehicles.

Keywords: Air Quality, Environment

Related Web page: www.dca.state.fl.us/fhcd/programs/sep/cffabbro.pdf

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.