ANAHEIM, CA (January 4, 2006) - Anaheim Public Utilities has developed the Greener Cleaners Incentive Program to assist Anaheim businesses in transitioning from the traditional dry cleaning process to alternate methods that protect the environment and conserve electricity. The new program is in response to the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) phasing out the use of perchloroethylene, a known air-quality contaminant, groundwater pollutant and possible carcinogen currently used in most dry cleaning processes.

By 2020, all dry cleaners using perchloroethylene will have to replace existing equipment to meet new SCAQMD standards,” said Earl Lasley, Utilities Resource Program Specialist. “We want to assist them in selecting the most efficient new equipment so that in addition to meeting these standards their investment will reduce future operating costs. Recent studies indicate the new cleaning technologies can provide reductions of 20 to 40 percent in energy consumption.”

The program features up to $6,000 for up-front equipment costs, and also provides each participant with a free analysis of their operations to assist in selecting the technology best-suited to their individual business.

Interested business owners can find vendor lists and additional sources of funding through the California Air Resources Board (www.arb.ca.gov 916/322-2990) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (www.aqmd.gov 800/CUT-SMOG).

For more information about the Greener Cleaners Incentive Program, call 714/765-4259 or visit www.anaheim.net. Click on Public Utilities under City Departments, then Advantage Services.