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. Among the findings of the study were the following (9): . Over 40% of the garbage trucks in use are more than 10 years old. Fuel efficiency is at its lowest, and environmental pollution is at its highest in this stage of vehicle life. . Garbage trucks consume an average of 8,600 gallons of fuel per year - more than any other kind of vehicle except tractor trailers and transit buses. . Diesel garbage trucks are a major source of air pollution, including particulate matter, greenhouse gasses and compounds that have a negative effect on respiratory health and quality ofIife. . Diesel garbage trucks generate noise levels up to 100 decibels, a level that can cause hearing damage - both to people who live along the routes and to the truck operators. . Dependence on diesel fuel threatens our national security. The study found that natural gas burning trucks produce significant reductions in both air pollution and noise. These trucks have an "impressive level of fuel safety." However, despite their availability from most major truck manufacturers, they still comprise less than one percent of the garbage trucks in operation. Despite the benefits of conversion, it happens slowly. A natural gas garbage truck costs 15 to 25 percent more than a comparable diesel truck. According the study, cost "can be a significant disincentive to voluntary action by refuse collection agencies." . The study's conclusion calls for all levels of government to provide incentives to speed up the replacement of diesel vehicles by cleaner, natural-gas fueled trucks. Stricter envirOnIDentallaws have provided motivation, as well as court-issued mandates and citizen lawsuits. But there are also economic incentives such as tax incentives, grant programs and lower fuel costs. "In areas where there is competition in the refuse industry, some haulers were motivated to use natural gas vehicles to give their organization a marketing edge over competitors." (10) Among the specific recommendations for local governments and communities are: . "Inform decision makers about the benefits of switching garbage truck fleets to cleaner fuels. Local clean-fuels programs and advocacy groups such as Clean Cities Coalitions, utility clean air vehicle programs, state chapters of the American Lung Association, and other grassroots environmental and public health organizations can play an important role in disseminating information about opportunities to expand the use of clean fuel garbage trucks." (11) . "Develop and participate in public/private partnerships specifically creatcd to implement alternative-fuel garbage truck programs. Many parties have an interest in the success of a campaign to shift to natural gas garbage trucks. Private companies can malce or save money, government officials stand to gain from successfully implementing programs that provide significant public benefits, and community residents get healthier air to breathe. By collaborating, these parties can achieve their . goals in a cost-effective manner." (12) City of Falcon Heights Final Report on Organized Collection October 13, 2004 15