One Week, Two Bills: Senators Throw Support Behind Alternative Fuels

This week, U.S. Senators introduced two pieces of legislation that could help spur the deployment of more alternative fuel vehicles.

At the headquarters of propane company AmeriGas, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., unveiled on Monday the Clean Vehicle Corridors Act. The bill aims to designate U.S. Department of Transportation funding and establish new policies for the development of clean fueling stations on federal highways throughout the nation.

According to Casey's office, other provisions include changing weight restrictions for heavy-duty alternative fuel trucks and creating parking spaces specifically for clean vehicles.

"Pennsylvania has quickly become a leader in alternative energy, which has had a substantial impact on jobs and economic growth," Casey said. "This legislation can help Pennsylvania take the next step in the development of alternative fuels. Putting in place more clean energy infrastructure and making it easier for businesses to transport their goods using alternative energy will help these businesses grow and create jobs."

Separately, Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced the Alternative Fueled Vehicles Competitiveness and Energy Security Act of 2013, on Wednesday. Read more here and see the video below.

Two CleanFUEL USA Products featured in Government Product News

The GM G4500 cutaway chassis as well as the Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G were both featured in this month's Government Product News. Both vehicles feature CleanFUEL's LPI system.

Click here to read the publication.

Automakers look for new ways to emit fewer emissions

From heavy duty trucks to consumer sedans, commercial vans to armored vehicles, automakers across the globe are finding new ways to emit less.

“There are no emissions being emitted at all,” says Gregory McKay of Griffin, Inc. “There’s nothing here.”

Outside the Washington Convention Center Wednesday, auto industry experts gave special guests an alternative fuel Ride and Drive, the chance to get a first-hand look at a wide range of alternative fuel options from clean diesel to propane, hybrids, and hydrogen. Read more here.

‘ACT 2013′ Expo Wows Washington, D.C.

North America’s largest alt-fuel expo ends this week, having hosted dozens of executives and policy makers from the fuel and transportation industry. The Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo ran from June 25 to June 27 at the Walter E. Washington convention center. This year’s event highlighted the role the Dept. of Energy has played, and helped celebrate the government agency’s twentieth anniversary of its Clean Cities program. Some of the corporate leaders who spoke at the ACT expo included representatives from companies that have invested heavily in alternative fuels, including UPS, Frito-Lay (see video), FedEx, GE, and Proctor & Gamble. Read more here.

Propane an Important Part of Obama's "Climate Action Plan"

Following the release of President Obama's "Climate Action Plan," NPGA released the following statement.

"Propane can be a key asset as the United States seeks to achieve its clean energy and climate change goals. Principally derived from natural gas, propane is a clean, efficient, domestic fuel, and it is a critical resource in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

"When used in core residential applications, such as space and water heating, propane lowers GHG emissions by 64 and 52 percent respectively when compared to electricity. In on-road engines and vehicles, using propane instead of gasoline lowers GHG emissions up to 25 percent. For example, when used in school buses, propane-powered engines produce 17 percent lower GHG emissions than their gasoline-fueled counterparts. In all of these applications, propane produces lower criteria pollutants than gasoline, diesel, or electricity. Moreover, propane has the benefit of being a portable low- emissions fuel that is not itself a GHG.

"The propane industry is already partnering with communities to put this readily available fuel to use. Earlier this week, the National Park Service announced it would be utilizing propane-powered mowers on the National Mall. Commercial mowers powered by propane produce 48 percent lower GHG emissions than gasoline-fueled mowers and significantly lower criteria pollutants.

"As the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency implement the President's plan, NPGA urges them to make certain that they utilize full-fuel cycle analyses in assessing options and making determinations. Employing site-based analyses for determining carbon emissions fails to reflect actual comparative environmental efficiencies.

"Propane is readily available in every state and is the world's most utilized alternative fuel. In 2011, approximately 9 billion gallons of propane from more than 9 thousand distribution points, was sold in the United States for residential, commercial, agricultural, and internal combustion applications."

Propane Autogas Takes the Lead at Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo / PERC kick starts the ACT with insider briefings and a technology showcase

WASHINGTON (June 20, 2013) – Fleet managers can learn about clean, cost-effective, powerful propane autogas at the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2013 in Washington, D.C., June 24 to 27, with special briefing sessions, an opening reception, and other events led by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

PERC’s program kicks off with a set of briefings designed for policy makers and public and private fleet managers, and continues through the show with panels on propane autogas’ advantages and a showcase of new OEM equipment.

“Fleet managers are finding that propane autogas is extremely competitive – in its widespread fueling infrastructure, in its price, and because it is an abundant, American fuel,” Roy Willis, president and CEO of PERC, said. “I encourage ACT attendees to check out our free training sessions and get up to speed on this leading alternative fuel. And visit PERC in booth 401 to see some great engine technology, propane autogas trucks, and fuel dispensers.”

Pre-Conference Events
On June 24, PERC will host the Lead the Way kickoff event from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This free insider’s look will offer real-world data from leaders in the fleet community that are using propane autogas. The briefing sessions are:

* 2:00-2:30 p.m. Redefining Sustainability: A Turning Point in Alternative Fuels.
* 2:35-3:25 p.m. Show Me the Money Interactive Panel.
* 3:30-4:20 p.m. How to Make Alternative Fuel a Win/Win for Taxpayers.
* 4:25-5:00 p.m. Infrastructure Pitfalls and How to Climb Out.

And unwind after the briefings at PERC’s ACT Expo reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Carnegie Library next to the convention center. All ACT attendees are invited to join for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Opening Day
On June 25, PERC will lead two pre-conference training sessions — “Top Ten Things a Fleet Should Know Before Committing to One Alternative Fuel” from 8:15 to 10:00 a.m., and “Alternative Fuels and Your ROI” from 10:15 a.m. to noon.

That afternoon Willis will be a panel member of the opening plenary session beginning at 1:30 p.m., “State of the Union: An Overview of the Alternative Fuels Industry in 2013 and Key Issues for the Road Ahead.” Willis and other leaders will discuss propane autogas, electric, CNG, and biodiesel fuel.

Expo Hall Highlight — Visit Booth 401
PERC will exhibit new propane autogas technologies in booth 401, including the high-torque, high-performance Liberator 6.0L engine. Representatives from Liberator Engine will be in the booth to discuss commercialization plans.

Fleet managers can also view medium-duty vehicles from GM and Ford. CleanFuel USA will exhibit its GM 4500 chassis, and Roush CleanTech will show a Ford F-650 that is being tested by Asplundh Tree Expert Co., the international provider of vegetation management services to utilities.

“As a leader in the vegetation management industry, Asplundh is dedicated to environmental sustainability. We are evaluating the use of clean and domestically produced propane autogas for our fleet,” said John Talbot, director of fleet services for Asplundh Tree Expert Co.

Additionally, Kohler will debut the Exmark Lazer Z S-Series lawn mower with a Kohler Propane EFI engine. The automotive-style, closed-loop engine optimizes air/fuel settings based on exhaust output, in real time, to maximize performance and efficiency while minimizing emissions. The engine, which increases fuel efficiency by 25 percent, was developed and commercialized through PERC funding.

Fleet managers will also see at PERC’s booth how simple and easy it is to refuel their vehicles with propane autogas dispensers.

For more information about the Alternative Clean Transportation Conference, please visit www.actexpo.com. To learn more about PERC at ACT Expo, visit autogasusa.org/act.


About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of Public Law 104-284, the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), signed into law on October 11, 1996. The mission of the Propane Education & Research Council is to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source. For more information visit propanecouncil.org.

###

Propane: A cleaner, cost-effective fuel alternative

Did you know that propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is the most widely used alternative transportation fuel in the world?

Propane Autogas, the term for propane when fueling an on-road vehicle, fuels about 17 million vehicles worldwide, including about 270,000 in the United States.

While propane is widely used in home heating and backyard grilling, many people have never heard of running a car, truck or bus on propane. The fact is propane Autogas has a proven record of being cost-effective, safe, reliable and more environmentally friendly when compared to gasoline – emitting approximately 24 percent fewer harmful greenhouse gasses.

Who uses propane vehicles?

More people use propane as a vehicle fuel than you might think. In addition to its use in cars, Autogas is an excellent fuel choice for many fleet vehicles, including school buses, shuttle buses, taxis, as well as light- and medium-duty trucks and vans. Two types of propane vehicles are available: dedicated vehicles that run solely on propane, and bi-fuel vehicles, with two separate fueling systems, which enable them to run on propane or gasoline. Read more here.

New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Training Option for Fleets

A group of clean transportation stakeholders has come together to establish the Alternative Fuel Training Network, a consortium focused exclusively on providing high-level training for alternative fuel vehicle technicians and drivers, as well as refueling infrastructure professionals.

Greg Zilberfarb, CEO of TSN Communications and a longtime resource in the alt-fuels space, spearheaded the creation of the network in order to address the rising prominence of transportation applications for propane, natural gas, biofuels and other fuels. Read more here.

June Clean Cities Question of the Month

Question: What are the requirements for state and alternative fuel provider fleets under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) and subsequent regulations and directives?

Answer:
EPAct 1992 mandates that certain state government and alternative fuel provider fleets in the United States acquire specified percentages of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) on an annual basis as they add light-duty vehicles (LDVs) to their fleets. Below we have described a number of means beyond simply acquiring AFVs by which these fleets may achieve compliance.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for overseeing compliance with these requirements, which were promulgated and published at 10 CFR Part 490 as the Alternative Fuel Transportation Program. Information about state and alternative fuel provider “covered fleets” (fleets subject to EPAct 1992 requirements) and the requirements associated with this compliance program are outlined below for each fleet type. Read more here.

Huge Legislative Leap Forward for Propane Vehicles in Florida

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed H.B.579 on Friday, positioning the state as a likely new hotbed of activity for natural gas vehicle (NGV) deployment.

The Florida Natural Gas Vehicle Act - which passed both chambers of the state legislature earlier this spring without partisan rancor - wipes out the existing alternative fuel decal system. In its place is a five-year tax-free holiday (sales tax, excise tax and otherwise) on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and propane autogas.

Depending on how much natural gas or propane your fleet consumes, this piece of the bill can offer a huge economic upside, says Eric Criss, chairman of the Florida Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition. Read more here.

Come see us at ACT Expo!

Register for a free expo hall pass here!

Houston Fleets Switch to Clean Propane Autogas to Improve Air Quality

HOUSTON, TX, Jun 13, 2013 (Marketwired via COMTEX) -- Many Houston-area vehicle fleets are converting to clean propane autogas to help reduce pollution and contribute to cleaner air -- a significant concern for Houston, which was recently listed the seventh smoggiest U.S. city by the American Lung Association.

"Houstonians care about their environment and the quality of their communities," said Jackie Mason, Education and Marketing Director of the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT). "That's one of the reasons why propane autogas is being widely adopted in the area. Not only is autogas a greener alternative to gasoline, it's a responsible, affordable choice for vehicle fleets." Read more here.

Clean Fleet Technologies Conference Presentations Available

The Clean Fleet Technologies Conference (CFTC) 2013 was held on June 5, 2013 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, TX. The day-long conference included a keynote presentation from Dan Frakes, General Motors Senior Manager for Vehicle Fuels & Advance Technology Policy. More than 15 alternative fuel vehicles were on display and the event was packed with great networking and educational opportunities. Click here to see a presentation by Curtis Donaldson, CEO and founder of CleanFUEL USA and Larry Jaynes, President and CEO of Fashion Glass. See below for a clip of Larry speaking on his dramatic savings in fuel costs with propane autogas.

American-Made Propane a One-Fuel Solution at the Government Fleet Expo

PERC showcases propane-fueled vehicles and mowers at the annual public fleet manager’s conference

WASHINGTON (June 10, 2013) – Public sector fleet managers will see the latest propane-autogas-powered vehicles and commercial lawn mowers at the 2013 Government Fleet Expo (GFX), June 10 to 12 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

GFX gives fleet managers the opportunity to learn how they can save on fuel and reduce emissions by incorporating propane-powered vehicles and mowers across their operations.

Propane emits 12 percent less carbon dioxide, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, and 60 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-fueled vehicles. For landscape contractors, propane’s chemical make-up virtually eliminates spillage.

Visit the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) in booth 139, and check out the 2012 Chevy Tahoe from Williamson County EMS provided by CleanFuel USA. Williamson County currently operates 36 propane autogas vehicles across nine county departments. The county estimates it saves $73,000 annually on fuel costs. 

Roush CleanTech will also exhibit a 2012 SuperCab F-250 demo truck with a 46 usable gallon in-bed tank at the booth.

Additionally, GFX will feature the debut at PERC’s booth of Exmark’s Lazer Z S-Series lawn mower with the Kohler Propane EFI engine. The engine can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 25 percent due to its automotive-style, closed-loop EFI system. Exmark is now offering this propane-powered mower through its nationwide dealer network.

“Fleet managers can control their bottom line and reduce harmful emissions by using these propane-fueled vehicles and commercial mowers,” said Tucker Perkins, PERC’s chief business development officer. “Propane is the only American-made, one-fuel alternative energy solution for the large and small engine market.”

On June 10, from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. Perkins and Darren Engle, head of PERC’s Research and Technology Development Working Group, will participate in the GFX Clean Vehicle Technology panel and discuss the ROI of the propane refueling infrastructure and these new propane-powered products.

For more information about PERC and propane products, visit autogasusa.org.

Breaking Our Oil Addiction With GreenTech Funding

Meet Craig Shields, of 2GreenEnergy. Craig is an expert on funding alternative fuels and green energy projects. Is this the key to your projects success? Listen in and find out.
Breaking our oil addiction is essential for the economic, environmental and energy security of America. Listen and learn as we interview the leaders of the alternative fuels world and Program Coordinators for the US Dept of Energy Clean Cities program on every emerging technology in alternative fuels. Read more here.

Alternative Fuel Program Stripped from Senate Energy Efficiency Bill

NPGA has been actively engaged in the Senate to influence legislation designed to boost, among other things, alternative fuel vehicle use and building code efficiency.  NPGA has been particularly involved in the Senate's work on the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill, which addresses both of those initiatives.

NPGA has been actively engaged in the Senate to influence legislation designed to boost, among other things, alternative fuel vehicle use and building code efficiency.  NPGA has been particularly involved in the Senate's work on the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill, which addresses both of those initiatives.

NPGA has learned this week that the alternative fuel vehicle provision in the Shaheen-Portman bill will be removed.  The provision would have increased the federal government's use of natural gas and electric vehicles.   Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-OH), the bill's sponsors, unexpectedly decided to remove the vehicle program language for all fuels after the Congressional Budget Office determined it would cost taxpayers $350 million over the next ten years.  Both Senators are committed to keeping this legislation cost neutral, and, as a result, this provision presented too large a hurdle to overcome.

As you may recall, NPGA had been working closely with Senate offices to expand the alternative fuels covered by the vehicle provision, which in its original form only covered natural gas and electric vehicles.  NPGA was confident that the Senate would pass an amendment to the bill to make the vehicle program technology neutral - which would have included propane vehicles.  While this amendment is now no longer in play, the time spent working on this provision with Senate offices was a tremendous opportunity to discuss parity with natural gas and to educate staff and Senators about propane autogas.

Large Savings for Williamson County Using Propane Autogas