Two installation sites in Cochise County, AZ along Interstate 10 have been agreed upon for electric hookups for long-haul diesel trucks, according to a recent announcement from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The installations will be part of a truck anti-idling project designed to reduce engine emissions along southern Arizona highways.
A total of $1.7 million in contracts, from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, have been awarded to Shorepower Technologies to install up to 100 parking spaces.
A minimum of 60 units will be installed at the Gas City Truck Stop, located at the intersection of State Highway 90 and I-10 in Benson. Thirty more units also will be installed at Sun Mart Truck Stop, located at Exit 378 on I-10, in the community of San Simon, 12 miles west of Arizona’s border with New Mexico.
According to the announcement, each of the parking spaces will include cooling and heating units for heavy-duty trucks. The cost of electricity is projected to be less than half of what it would cost to power the trucks’ onboard systems by leaving the diesel engine running. Payment for the electricity will be made at on-site kiosks which will accept credit cards.
Groundbreaking on the two projects is expected in mid-September and the units are expected to be in operation by mid-October. ADEQ will work in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation, South Eastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO), other local governmental entities and Shorepower to implement the project.
The projects are expected to make a significant contribution toward reducing emissions in Arizona’s border counties. Cochise, Santa Cruz and Yuma counties have areas that are in non-attainment for exceeding the health standards for particulate matter (10 microns and smaller or PM10). In addition, Santa Cruz County has an area that is in non-attainment for both PM10 and fine particulate matter pollution, also called PM2.5.
“This is a major surge for greener truck stops that will pick up speed throughout the state,” said ADEQ director Benjamin H. Grumbles. “With technology and innovation, we can say no to wasteful idling and yes to clean air and energy conservation.”
