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by pltm
(PLTM) - A new energy policy tabled in the House of Assembly last week, is proposing that a ban be placed on old vehicles coming into the territory.
According to the policy, which was tabled by Communications and Works Minister, Hon. Mark Vanterpool, a study should be commissioned on actions that should be taken, which include establishing emissions requirements for vehicles to prevent the import of old cars that do not pass emissions requirements in other countries and/or periodic emissions checks on existing vehicles.
"Policy considerations could include limiting the age of vehicles imported to the BVI, or requiring imported vehicles to pass an emissions test prior to purchase," the policy states.
The policy also suggests that the study will examine the feasibility, suitability (given performance vs. terrain factors), cost and benefits of promoting hybrid and electric cars. It states that the economics of plug-in hybrid and electric cars depend on stable and low electricity rate options.
According to the policy, although hybrid and electric cars would improve overall fuel use efficiency and diversify fuel sources, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles would not significantly reduce carbon emissions as long as the BVI's electricity generation mix is mostly carbon-based, so options for non-fossil charging stations (e.g solar) should be encouraged.
Further, the study needs to account for future electricity rates (e.g off-peak rates for charging), fuel mix of the power sector, costs of building out a charging infrastructure, as well as the impact of electric vehicles on the electric grid.
Also, the study needs to establish fuel efficiency standards for ground, maritime and air transport.
The policy suggests that the study will determined the options for efficient fleet management, which should include a survey or focus groups of organizations with fleets to determine the feasibility of alternate fuel fleets and carpooling.
For example, if conversion of electric vehicles is justified, BVI should identify fleets that could have centralized infrastructure---postal, other deliveries, school bus, taxis, minibuses and public buses (when available).
Vehicle conversion should be considered concurrently with public transportation planning, including use of PV, supplemented with batteries, for charging to avoid use of fossil fuel from the electric grid, especially during peak conditions.
Also, surveys of consumers and businesses, especially those operating fleets, should be conducted to understand the feasibility of alternate modes of ground transportation (e.g public transportation, walking and biking).
The policy has further suggested that consideration be given to fuel tax in ground, maritime and air transportation to reduce use and provide revenue to fund alternatives.
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