Gas can exchange program starts in June

A university-funded program to cut ozone levels through a free exchange of old gasoline storage cans for new, environmentally friendly ones will kick off on Saturday, June 11, at Madison’s Franklin Field, 1402 Wingra Creek Parkway.

“Fighting ozone and keeping our air healthy is a priority, and this program is a way to spread an environmental ethic on a household level,” says Rob Kennedy, senior transportation planner at UW–Madison.

Officials announced on Earth Day that they expect to distribute more than 4,000 spill-proof cans, which limit the release of volatile organic compounds — an ingredient in ozone.

There is a limit of two, 2.5-gallon gas cans per household, while supplies last.

The program, along with one funded by Madison Gas & Electric to prevent emissions from large commercial gas storage tanks, is expected to cut VOC emissions by 19 tons per year — the equivalent of removing 450 cars from Dane County highways.

The efforts are part of an agreement to offset emissions at the new West Campus Cogeneration Facility. The university is a founding member of the Dane County Clean Air Coalition.