Data show that a typical fossil fuel powered food truck generator produces more than four times as much carbon dioxide (CO2) each year as a passenger vehicle. The MEA grant will enable the County to provide funding assistance to up to 25 food trucks out of a total of 185 licensed food businesses in the County.
“The Food Truck Electrification Pilot represents another milestone in our county’s commitment to sustainability,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “By transitioning food trucks from diesel to electric generators, we are reducing our carbon footprint while fostering small businesses and healthy communities. This program exemplifies Montgomery County’s dedication to innovative solutions that benefit business, the environment and public health.”
This pilot program is expected to cut carbon pollution by 515 tons annually over the lifetime of the battery generators and jump start demand from more food truck businesses in the future.
“Our OPEN Energy initiative exists to propel innovative efforts like Montgomery County’s Food Truck Pilot that are visionary, practical, and, above all, effective at reducing harmful emissions,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “We very much appreciate the amount of forethought and planning that Montgomery County put into this new effort and look forward to strengthening our partnerships in the future.”
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=45990