=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/news/archive/2004/01/21/s= tate0810EST0035.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, January 21, 2004 (AP) Southwest switching to electric-powered ground equipment at Burbank's airpo= rt (01-21) 05:10 PST BURBANK, Calif. (AP) -- The Bob Hope Airport has reached an agreement intended to cut down on emissions in which Southwest Airlines will switch within two years from diesel-powered ground equipment to electric-powered machines. The deal approved Tuesday by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority says the airport will provide electricity chargers and wiring at its 14 gates by the end of summer. By the end of 2005, Southwest is to swap out its diesel ground equipment, including about 40 baggage-towing vehicles, air stairs, tractors and conveyors. The agreement will allow the airline to beat a 2010 deadline, when major airlines are required by state and federal agencies have at least 30 percent of their ground equipment at major Southern California airports produce zero emissions. Southwest operates about two-thirds of Bob Hope Airport's ground equipment. The deal "helps reduce emissions in the air around the airport and it shows the commitment of Southwest of being a good corporate citizen," said airport authority president Charles Lombardo. Ground service equipment is blamed for 6 percent to 15 percent of all airport emissions, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2004 AP