Bringing Plug-In Vehicles to the Midwest

New Technology for Cleaner Transportation

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are next generation clean cars that use electric batteries charged from an external source. With smart strategies and the right locations, these vehicles present an exciting opportunity to reduce air pollution, save drivers up to $1,200 per year on gasoline and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Some plug-in vehicles already on the market, and almost every major auto manufacturer is working to develop their own plug-in models for the coming years. Car makers are developing a range of technologies, from all electric vehicles, to hybrids that combine batteries with a gasoline engine, to models with batteries that can be swapped out for charging.

Location Matters

Plug-in electric vehicles’ effect on reducing pollution and dependence on foreign oil varies according to when and how the electricity they use is generated.

The environmental benefits of plug-ins are smaller if they are charged with electricity from coal plants, and larger if the electricity is generated with no or low-carbon fuel sources like solar & nuclear power and particularly wind energy.

Analysis from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

In areas with substantial wind and nuclear power, surplus energy may be available at night to charge plug-in vehicles. Overall demand is lowest at night, and when strong wind power is often available and many nuclear plants “run negative,” meaning that the cost of generating the power exceeds the selling price. In these areas, strategies that encourage plug-in charging at night can make the difference in reducing pollution

ELPC’s Advocacy

ELPC is working to promote policies that will create a smart and strategic integration of plug-in vehicles, focusing on areas where low-cost, low-carbon electricity is available to make plug-ins part of the solution to global warming.

The first area we are focusing on is Northern Illinois.  Illinois is home to Chicago, the third largest metropolitan area in the nation, and is among the top ten states for new registrations of gasoline hybrid-electric vehicles. Studies have found that large metropolitan areas are the best market for plug-in vehicles.

With low-carbon energy available from wind and nuclear power, especially at night, the charging scenario in Northern Illinois is optimal. ELPC is working to promote off-peak charging, solar public charging stations and other programs that will maximize the benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

An off-peak vehicle charging rate would offer consumers a monetary incentive to charge up while electricity demand is low and coal plants are in the “off” position.  On-site solar power could be used to power public vehicle charging stations, ensuring that the electricity that charges plug-ins comes from the sun, rather than highly polluting coal plants.

Plug-ins Create Clean Energy Opportunities

In the near future, with a large number of plug-ins on the road and a smart electrical grid, plug-in vehicle batteries could have a two-way charging relationship with the power grid.  Vehicle batteries could store excess clean energy when it’s available. When electric demand peaks, utilities could pay to draw power from plugged-in vehicle batteries. This source of clean reserve power could make renewable energy more efficient and eliminate the need for new coal plants while offering financial benefits for both consumers and utilities.

Learn more about vehicle to grid opportunities here and here

Learn More:

Watch ELPC’s Webinar on Plug-in Hybrid Strategies for Reducing Pollution

Project Get Ready – a non-profit initiative working to help cities prepare for the growth of plug-in vehicles

Greening Chicago’s Restaurants

Chicago has long been known for its great restaurants, wide variety of cuisines and local favorites. More recently the city has earned a reputation for being one of the greenest cities in America. The time is ripe for Chicago restaurants to “go green.” Chicago’s restaurant industry has untapped potential for greener practices and policies that can have a significant impact on this business sector’s impacts on the environment. With its Green Restaurants Program, the Environmental Law & Policy Center is working to help restaurants “green” their practices to create a healthier environment for staff and patrons.

To learn the ways you can green your restaurant, visit ELPC’s GreenRestaurants.org site.

Promoting Green Architecture

The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. Breakthroughs in building science, technology and operations are available to designers, builders and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance.

Doing energy efficiency “right” at the new construction and major rehab stage is by far the most cost-effective time to make these pro-environmental and energy cost reduction investments. This is the single most important policy step that a state can take to increase energy efficiency in buildings and reduce pollution through avoided electric power and natural gas use.

ELPC waged a successful public advocacy campaign for energy efficiency building codes in Illinois. In 2004, The Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Energy Efficient Commercial Building Act, HB 4099 requires all new construction or substantial rehab of existing buildings to meet energy efficiency standards established by the International Energy Conservation Code. It covers all commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential properties.

In 2009, the General Assembly passed HB 3987 that amends the energy efficient building code to include all residential and commercial buildings.

ELPC’s own eco-office is a case study of how environmental protection and economic development go hand-in-hand.

Learn more about the benefits of building green.

Improving the Environment and Promoting Economic Growth

At the Environmental Law & Policy Center, we are helping to build growing markets for recycled paper, environmentally preferable building products and products that combat global warming. ELPC finds solutions that demonstrate how environmental preservation and economic development can be achieved together. In doing so, we continue to work with our colleagues around the Midwest to preserve our ecological treasures for future generations. We are public interest entrepreneurs who engage in creative business deal-making that puts into practice our belief that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together.