Fall 2014 Fuels Fix by East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition

fall 2014 | fuelsfix.com

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Carolina Blue Skies Initiative

Expands Asheville’s Alt Fuel Use

plus

alabama says, “it starts with us!” biodiesel training for diesel technicians midwest fleet managers stay “ride on track” oregon celebrates first dc fast charger at mt. hood

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contents

OR Celebrates First DC Fast Charger| p. 20 Columbia Williamette Clean Cities

Green Fleet Conference & Expo| p. 15 Sacramento Clean Cities Coalition

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Future Fuels Project| p. 9

Ride on Track| p. 23

Connecticut Clean Cities

Twin Cities Clean Cities

Biodiesel Training for Technicians| p. 31 KC Celebrates Electric Vehicles | p. 24

Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition

Workplace Charging Challenge | p. 14 Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition

“It Starts with Us!” | p. 11 Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition

Clean Fleet Leaders | p. 29

Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership

Alternative Fuel Champions | p. 27 Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

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up front Editor’s Letter | 8 Cover Story: Carolina Blue Skies Initiative | 17

focus features ROUSH CleanTech Supports Clean Cities| 13

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editor’s letter Summer Gives Way to Autumn Here in Tennessee, it seems that autumn is really starting to peek its head around the corner. The leaves have a slight tinge of orange and the morning air has started to become chilly and nip at your heels. Although autumn normally signifies a slowing down or the beginning of an end—end of the year, of lush, green vegitation, of summer outings—I know that Clean Cities will not be slowing down. There is no stopping this group of talented coordinators and partners! And fortunately, the opportunities for alternative fuels are present year round. In this issue, we’ve again collected great examples of alternative fuels and technologies at work. The University of Louisville has partnered in the DOE Workplace Charging Challenge (the first in Kentucky!), and there are some great examples of how fleets have made a green switch. I would encourage fleet managers to read both Asheville’s and Louisiana’s articles to glean some of the fleet improvement ideas found within those pages. Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoy this edition.

publisher & senior editor

Jonathan G. Overly East TN Clean Fuels Coalition jonathan@etcleanfuels.org

designer & editor Kristy Keel-Blackmon East TN Clean Fuels Coalition kristy@etcleanfuels.org Twitter: @fuelsfix The Fuels Fix is published quarterly by the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition in collaboration with the brilliant and groovy DOE Clean Cities coalition coordinators across the USA. Advertising information may be obtained by visiting fuelsfix.com or contacting the editors.

Publication Date: October 10, 2014

Kristy Keel-Blackmon Designer/Editor

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Connecticut Clean Cities Future Fuels Project The Greater New Haven Clean Cities along with Capitol Clean Cities, Norwich Clean Cities and Southwest Connecticut Cities has finished a four-year ARRA project that deployed 269 vehicles and built five new CNG stations, upgraded two stations and built the first LNG/CNG station east of the Mississippi River. This undertaking was called the Connecticut Clean Cities Future Fuels Project. The majority of the deployment was natural gas vehicles and infrastructure. The most significant parts of the project was the deployment of 140 New CNG power MV-1 handicapped capable cabs in two different taxi companies, Yellow Cab and Metro Taxi, along with the 70 new CNG Transit Connects taxis at the two taxi companies. This was the biggest deployment of CNG taxis in the eastern U.S. The project also deployed the first LNG fleet east of the Mississippi River at EnviroExpress in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The significance of these deployments was the spooning of a CNG refuse fleet that covers central

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Connecticut with two more CNG filling stations opened to the public with over 400 vehicles. In addition, two more CNG stations are in the process of being built. The LNG fleet at at EnviroExpress led to three more fleets be deployed spread across Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island as well as more vehicles in Connecticut being deployed with no incentive funding based on what was determined to be a sound business venture. The deployment has displaced millions of gallons of foreign oil and reduced tons of mobile source emissions. The project opened new LNG transportation fueling operation that did not exist prior to the deployment of the EnviroExpress fleet.

lee grannis Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition Lgrannis@snet.net 203-627-3715

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“It Starts With Us!” L to R: State Senator Rusty Glover, Blue Bird Chief Commercial Officer Dale Wendell, Mobile County Public Schools Director of Transportation Pat Mitchell, Alabama Lt. Governor Kay Ivey

Mobile County Public Schools, Alabama’s largest school district, acquired 30 Blue Bird propane alternative fuel school buses to support its community outreach campaign, “It Starts With Us.” “Propane is cheaper, cleaner and domestically produced,” said Alabama Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey, who took a test ride on one of the new propane school buses. “This is an environmental initiative I can get behind.” “We are pleased to be the very first school system in Alabama to enhance student transportation through the use of propane school buses,” said superintendent Martha Peek. “We have taken this step because we understand the advantages are increased fuel efficiency, economic and environmental.” The school system transports 26,000 students to and from school daily. The new buses are equipped with ROUSH CleanTech autogas fuel systems and began operation for the 2014-2015 school year on August 7th. Each bus will displace about 40,000 gallons of diesel and emit 150,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide over their lifetime. 11

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Before choosing to fuel with propane autogas, the school district’s transportation department performed a comprehensive evaluation. This process included safety research, cost savings analysis, site visits to school systems that operate buses with propane autogas and phone interviews with transportation directors. “Fueling with propane autogas provides the opportunity for a quick return on investment, offering school districts a viable alternative solution,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “The schoolchildren and taxpayers of Mobile benefit from this important decision,” said Dale Wendell, Blue Bird’s chief commercial officer. “The deployment of our propane autogas bus fleet is a perfect example of our school system’s initiative, ‘It Starts With Us,’” said Pat Mitchell, director of transportation for Mobile County Public Schools. “We are providing dependable and clean student transportation while saving taxpayers money so we can put it back in the classroom where it counts most.”

mark bentley

Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition mark@alabamacleanfuels.org 205-402-2755

Partner Focus

ROUSH CleanTech Supports Clean Cities

by Removing Petroleum By 2020, Clean Cities aims to cut U.S. petroleum use by 2.5 billion gallons per year. An advocate for alternative fuels, ROUSH CleanTech has been supporting that effort since 2007 through its propane autogas technology. Propane autogas is a clean-burning, domestic fuel that typically costs 30 to 50% less than gasoline and diesel. It is a readily available fuel that has a solidly growing infrastructure of fueling stations.

2013. These fleet vehicles will burn an estimated 200 million fewer gallons of petroleum over their lifetime. • Putting more than 1,200 propane autogas fleet vehicles on the road in the first half of 2014 alone. An additional 51 million gallons of petroleum will be removed from use with these alternatively fueled vehicles. Working together, Clean Cities and alternative fuel technology manufacturers can accomplish the goal of moving toward a cleaner environment, decreasing dependence on imported oil and reducing petroleum in transportation.

ROUSH CleanTech has contributed toward Clean Cities’ goal by: • Replacing over 5,500 gasoline vehicles with propane autogas vehicles between 2007 and 13

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Article courtesy of

University of Louisville First in Kentucky to Take Workplace Charging Challenge! The University of Louisville (UofL) has become the first U.S. Department of Energy Workplace Charging Challenge partner in the state of Kentucky. The Workplace Charging Challenge program aims to achieve a tenfold increase in the number of U.S. employers offering workplace charging in the next five years. The University of Louisville’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in the J.B. Speed School of Engineering has purchased six GE charging stations of which four are installed in the UofL Floyd Street Parking Garage. This important resource not only allows faculty, staff and students access to charging stations for their electric vehicles, but also provides a test bed for research related to the communication between the car, charging station and electric grid. “UofL is not placing a few EVs and recording mileage, it is providing the hands-on data to change the automotive industry,” said Melissa Howell, executive director of Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition.

9/23/2014

melissa howell

Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition mhowell@kentuckycleanfuels.org 502-452-9152 fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

North American Green Fleet Forum & Fleet Expo The Sacramento Clean Cities Coalition presents the North American Green Fleet Forum October 15-16 at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, CA. The two-day event will highlight a National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) Petroleum Reduction Training, Case Studies and Best Practices from Tom Johnson’s nationally acclaimed “The 100 Best Fleets,” Sacramento Clean Cities’ 5th Annual Clean Technology Forum and Odyssey Day Event, a ZEV ride-and-drive and more! This year, our Clean Technology Forum will feature a doubleheader luncheon keynote presentation by Mark Smith, Vehicle Technologies Deployment Manger for the Department of Energy’s National Clean Cities Program, and Bill Van Amburg, Senior Vice President of CALSTART, the nation’s leading clean transportation technology organization. Other speakers include Jim Mckinney, Bill Elrick, Kevin Kinnaw, Jeff Lamoureux, Greg Stone, Ron Anders, Andy Douglas and Andrea Stephenson. The wide range of topics, displays, programs and learning opportunities covered throughout this twoday event is possible thanks to support from over 25 Sacramento Clean Cities sponsors and exhibitors, with special recognition to AssetWorks, Atlas ReFuel, Toyota and platinum sponsors of our Coalition. Fleet Management Expo, CALSTART, East Bay Clean Cities, California Fuel Cell Partnership, MEMA, NAFA and 15

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

PEMA all serve as our 2014 Event Partners. Brian Trice and Tom Johnson, author of the nationally acclaimed book, “The 100 Best Fleets—Top Green Fleet’s Best Practices & Case Studies,” have partnered with Sacramento Clean Cities to produce and plan this event. Keep in mind that you can register for the Clean Technology Forum and Odyssey Day portion of the event for FREE. Two different tours will occur each morning of the forum, traveling to the site of Sacramento’s Anaerobic Bio Digester which turns food waste into renewable natural gass, a newly opened Clean Energy LNG fueling station, the top green fleet facility and a hydrogen fueling station. Feel free to drop in on any of the NAFTC Petroleum Reduction Training classes, beginning at 8 am both days. Join us for one or both days of the North American Green Fleet Forum, and find out how you can benefit from alternative fuel technologies! Register and receive the full schedule for this event at www.cleancitiessacramento.org.

kasey thomas

Sacramento Clean Cities Coalition KThomas@cityofsacramento.org 925-285-6449

clean cities tv Clean Cities TV is the educational media channel of the U.S. Department of Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clean Cities program, which advances the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.

UC Davis Pioneers Research for Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Pennsylvania School Buses Run on Natural Gas

youtube.com/user/Cleancitiestv fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Cover Story

Carolina Blue Skies Initiative Expands Asheville’s Alt Fuel Use The skies and views are now clearer in the western North Carolina mountains thanks to emission reductions at area power plants and cleaner transportation programs. The City of Asheville began its efforts to convert its fleet to alternative fuels in 2003. Chris Dobbins, the City’s fleet manager at the time, secured a state grant to build a public access CNG station downtown which opened in 2005. This was the first of four public access CNG stations serving this small metropolitan area of roughly 87,000 citizens. Four Honda Civic natural gas vehicles and five CNG powered pickups were added to the fleet and successfully used for administrative functions and by the water, public works and fire departments. Asheville expanded its natural gas vehicle fleet by participating in the Carolina Blue Skies and Green Jobs Initiative, a $12 million, four-year project funded by an ARRA grant through the DOE Clean Cities program. Carolina Blue Skies was a joint project administered by the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition (TCCC) and other coalitions in both Carolinas. The Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition in Asheville secured $1.1 million in funding for four stakeholders including Henderson County, the Cities of Asheville and Hendersonville and Mission Hospital—all natural gas projects. Specifically, Asheville received ARRA funding to convert 25 vehicles to natural gas including one 2012

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Ford Transit Connect, fifteen 2012 Ford F150 pickups, eight 2012 Ford F250 pickups, one 2012 Ford F350 pickup and to upgrade the City’s existing public access fast-fill CNG Station. City Fleet Manager Mark Stevens said, “Increasing the use of natural gas vehicles to reduce vehicle emissions will help to achieve the city’s municipal carbon footprint reduction goal of 80% by 2050. Fuel cost savings for natural gas vehicles averages 40% less than gas in our region. Diversification of traditional fuels with alternative fuels supports Asheville’s commitment to energy security. This is especially important in the event of traditional fuel shortage emergencies that the region has experienced during past storm events.” The City’s CNG fleet’s annual petroleum reduction for 2013 was 21,826 GGE, and the public access CNG station sales to other customers provides an additional annual petroleum reduction of 56,706 GGE. Emissions reductions for 2013 equaled 30 tons of greenhouse gases. The public access CNG station serving other fleets had additional emission reduction of 103.1 tons. Fuel costs for the City fleet is 40% less than gasoline for an estimated annual savings in 2013 of $25,930. This project is helping Asheville meet its carbon footprint goals and strengthen its national reputation for being a Green City that is serious about sustainability.

One of the City of Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CNG refuse trucks

Public acceptance has been strong. Using its own funds, Asheviille recently expanded its commitment to CNG vehicles through the purchase of a 2012 Autocar CNG refuse truck; three 2014 Peterbilt/LaBrie Body CNG refuse trucks and two 2014 Freightliner M2/Ramer Body CNG knuckle boom trucks. Also, the City just installed a private six-post, time-fill station to fill its

refuse and knuckle boom trucks. These six new refuse trucks will save Asheville approximately $98,000 a year in fuel costs. You can view the MotorWeek video about the City of Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alternative fuel use here.

Advice for Fleets Interested in CNG

Future Plans for the City of Asheville

1) 2) 3)

1) Expand the CNG refuse fleet. 2) Expand the use of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

Ensure that any CNG vehicle meets the EPA certification for CNG vehicles. When purchasing new vehicles, utilize the Ford and Chevrolet gaseous prep engine option available on some engines and models so the vehicles are covered under the manufacturer warranty. Contact a fleet that has the vehicles you are considering for their advice.

bill eaker

Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition bill@landofsky.org 828-251-6622 x142

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium is the only nationwide alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the U.S. Our mission is to provide the training infrastructure for implementing the widespread use of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and advanced technology vehicles. Our effort to increase our nation’s energy security, as well as improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is embodied in our motto “Because Clean Air and Energy Independence Matter.”

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oregon celebrates

mt. hood’s first dc fast charger

Oregon celebrated the opening of the first electric vehicle DC Fast Charging Station at a ski resort and U.S. Forest land in February. The Government Camp, Oregon completed Mt. Hood-Columbia River Gorge Electric Byway designed by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Travel Oregon. “The opening of the Mt. Hood fast-charger marks a major milestone in Oregon’s efforts to support electric vehicle travel across the state, including to wild and scenic places and recreation destinations,” said Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber.

“This not only helps minimize our environmental impact, it also creates an economic boost for small businesses located along Oregon Electric Byways.” Ashley Horvat, Oregon’s electric vehicle officer, said Oregonians aren’t content to relegate electric vehicles to just city driving. “We see the potential to use EVs for long distance travel, helping us preserve Oregon’s landscapes for future generations to travel Oregon forever,” she said.

julie peacock

Columbia Willamette Clean Cities julie.peacock@state.or.us 503-373-2125

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

question of the month From September 2014

What are the new credit allocations that were established under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE)’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program (Program) earlier this year? How can I help spread the word on these new Energy Policy Act (EPAct) compliance pathways?

DOE issued a final rule on March 21, 2014, that establishes credit levels for additional means by which covered state and alternative fuel provider fleets operating under the Program’s Standard Compliance option may earn credits. These credits may be used toward compliance with a fleet’s alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) acquisition requirements. DOE promulgated the rule pursuant Congress’ direction, set forth in Section 133 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Vehicles The new credit allocations address the acquisition of various types of electric drive vehicles and allow covered fleets to earn credits under Standard Compliance for some vehicles that do not meet the EPAct 1992 definition of an AFV. Newly eligible vehicles include the following (with their credit allocations): • Certain hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)— one-half credit • Plug-in electric vehicles—one-half credit • Fuel cell electric vehicles—one-half credit • Neighborhood electric vehicles—one-fourth credit

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Medium- and heavy-duty HEVs are also eligible for one-half credit after a fleet has met its light-duty AFV acquisition requirements. Infrastructure Acquiring the electric drive vehicles noted above is not the only new way to earn credits under EPAct Standard Compliance. Fleets may now earn credits for investments of their own funds (not grant funds or other monetary awards) in qualified alternative fuel infrastructure. For every $25,000 invested, a covered fleet may earn one credit, with a limit of five credits available per fleet per model year for private infrastructure investment, and ten credits per fleet per model year for public infrastructure investment. Other Investments Fleets may also earn credits for investments in alternative fuel non-road equipment and/or emerging technologies associated with the Section 133-identified vehicles. The credits for non-road equipment are similar to infrastructure—one credit for every $25,000 invested and a maximum of five credits may be earned per fleet per model year.

Emerging technologies investments will earn a covered fleet two credits for the initial investment of $50,000 and one credit for every $25,000 invested thereafter, with a limit of five credits per fleet per model year. Fleets may begin taking advantage of these new credit allocations for their efforts undertaken in model year 2014 and future model years. How Can You Spread the Word? Are you aware of any covered utility or state fleets that are building new fueling infrastructure? • Inform them they can earn EPAct credits. Do you have an EPAct covered fleet stakeholder that needs an extra push to buy or lease HEVs? • Let them know that certain HEVs are now eligible for EPAct credits.

Note that covered fleets are currently compiling their Program reports for model year 2014 (September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014) activities, which are due by December 31, 2014. For more information, refer to the following resources: • EPAct Frequently Asked Questions for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets website • Final rule • EPAct Transportation Regulatory Activities Statutes and Regulations website • Webinar: Final Rule on Electric Drive Vehicles and Infrastructure

Do you or your stakeholders have questions regarding EPAct compliance? • Contact the Regulatory Information Hotline: regulatory.info@nrel.gov or 202-586-9171.

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Fleet Managers Learn How To Remain

‘Ride on Track’ Fleet managers from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin had a chance to learn about—and in some instances test drive—a wide variety of alternative fuel vehicles at the “Ride On Track with Clean Cities Roundup” event on August 4th in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a Minneapolis suburb. The gathering was a combined effort of the Iowa Clean Cities and Twin Cities Clean Cities coalitions. Attendees heard from five fleet experts who use biodiesel, CNG, E85, electric and propane in their daily operations. Twenty-three alternative fuel vehicles were displayed or available for test drives, ranging from small electric-powered all-terrain vehicles made by Minnesota-based Polaris, to the large propane-powered school buses, powered with propane and snow plow trucks fueled with B20 biodiesel. Mark Smith, vehicle technologies deployment manager for the U.S. DOE Clean Cities program, used the event to announce three new partners in National Clean Cities Fleet: waste and recycling company Republic Services, Time Warner Cable and Minnesotabased CHS, an agricultural and fuel cooperative. The event was held at the GE Vehicle Innovation Center, a unique educational facility with a half-mile closed circuit track for test driving alternative fuel vehicles. GE is also a National Clean Cities Fleet partner. The center is open year round to fleets to test drive a variety of alternative fuel vehicles all in one location. 23

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

The following sponsors who helped make the “Ride on Track” event possible include: Allstate Peterbilt Group, AmeriGas, Kwik Trip, ROUSH CleanTech, Werner Electric, Carburetion & Turbo Systems Inc., CHS, Clean Energy, Como Oil & Propane, Polaris GEM and Zavoli SRL. Exhibitors included Ford Motor Company, Ferrellgas, General Motors Company and Honda Motorwerks.

lisa thurstin

Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition Lisa.Thurstin@Lung.org 651-223-9568

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fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Kansas city celebrates

electric vehicles

Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition worked with several local organizations to put on a series of events for National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), September 15-21, 2014. NDEW is a nationwide event to heighten awareness of today’s widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. Kansas City began NDEW with a kick-off event at Science City in Union Station. Over 20 electric vehicles were displayed in an exhibit that emphasized air quality and how energy is used. Later, corporate fleets were invited to Orange EV’s facility to test drive the T-Series yard truck and schedule a long-term on-site test with “Clementine,” OEV’s demonstration truck. OEV is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that converts diesel terminal trucks to pure electric. Starting with the customer’s own diesel truck, OEV converts the

power train and control systems while refurbishing the rest of the truck to like-new condition. The popular event was held again October 2. Next, was a Workplace Charging seminar with the help of Nissan, Black & Veatch and Sprint. Sprint gave the headline presentation, highlighting its success with the DOE Workplace Charging Challenge. Located in Overland Park, KS, the international corporation discussed with those in attendance its implementation of DOE’s Workplace Charging Challenge, employee incentives and lessons learned. The coalition wrapped up NDEW with two more public exhibits, culminating in an informal parade of EVs around the 83rd Annual Plaza Art Fair.

angela song

Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition angela@metroenergy.org 816-531-7283

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4/12/2

Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition

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Alternative Fuel Champions

Broward County Public Schools staff pose with members of the Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition at the awards ceremony

Members and stakeholders who have made outstanding contributions to the Southeast Florida Clean Cities’ goal of reducing dependence on imported oil and improving the environment by creating a sustainable fuel market were recognized earlier this year at the offices of the Enterprise Fleet Management in Coconut Creek. Along with Enterprise, TECO Energy co-sponsored the event, and ROUSH CleanTech sponsored trophies for award-winning public and private alternative fuel partners. Joining in the celebration were Jim Murley, executive director of the South Florida Regional Planning Council, the Coalition’s host agency and Council Member Patricia Asseff who chairs the Coalition. Other local decision makers in attendance included State Representative George Moraitis, Broward 29

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County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, and Coconut Creek Mayor Lisa Aronson. Kicking off the awards portion of the celebration, Asseff declared, “The dedication of our public and private partners has produced truly spectacular results over these past two decades, and together, our Region will continue to exhibit leadership in alternative fuel use!” The following awardees were celebrated by the Coalition: • Broward County Public Schools was recognized for its innovation in school bus transportation and received the award for Outstanding Propane Autogas Leadership following its purchase of 98 propane-fueled school buses, the largest such purchase in the nation’s history. • City Furniture’s bold move to build a new

compressed natural gas (CNG) station and convert its fleet of furniture delivery trucks to CNG earned the company a well-deserved CNG Outstanding Leadership award.

propane autogas passenger vehicles for its paratransit program and strategically facilitate electric vehicle ownership.

• With the largest biodiesel fleet in the State coupled with a solid commitment to keeping the public informed about ways to save energy, Florida Power & Light Company was awarded Outstanding Fleet and Public Awareness Leadership.

• A member since the Coalition’s designation in 1994, Keith Gruetzmacher of TECO Energy was celebrated Alternative Fuels Champion for his active support of the Clean Cities mission over the past twenty years throughout Florida.

• Steadily working over the decades with the Coalition to reduce dependency on foreign oil and to complete projects and programs aimed at cleaner air quality, Broward County was awarded Outstanding Leadership in Sustainability. Recent accomplishments include the County’s decision to purchase 138 new

christine heshmati

Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition cheshmati@sfrpc.com 954-985-4416

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Southeast Louisiana’s

Clean Fleet Leaders

Clean Fuel Partnership Recognizes 2013 Clean Fleet Leaders, Celebrates Reducing Traditional Fuel Consumption by over 1.8 Million Gasoline Gallons Equivalent

In July, the Regional Planning Commission’s Clean Fuel Partnership recognized 2013 Clean Fleet Leaders, the fleets and organizations that incorporated cleaner fuels, fuel-saving technologies and innovative programs into their operations during the 2013 calendar year. In total, Clean Fleet Leaders saved the equivalent of 1,890,108 gallons of gasoline, a 130% improvement from 2012 and improved air quality by reducing 10,453 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Eighteen fleets were recognized at an award ceremony. Highlights from our 2013 Annual Report include: • Waste Disposal and Recycling Fleets Operate on Natural Gas: Two of our local waste disposal and recycling fleets, Progressive Waste and Metro Disposal, now operate on natural gas. Together, they replaced 342,697 gasoline gallons equivalent (GGEs) with cleaner burning natural gas. • Railroads Reduce Fuel Consumption: Two of our train operators continued to save a significant 31

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amount of fuel in 2013. New Orleans Public Belt’s switcher locomotive idle reduction system saved over 343,700 GGEs, and CSX Transportation’s Gen-Set engine installed on one of their switcher locomotives reduced fuel consumption by over 16,500 GGEs. The reduced fuel consumption also results in significant cost savings. Both projects were implemented with funding EPA’s Clean Diesel Program. • Transit Operators Incorporate a Variety of Clean Transportation Initiatives: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority and Jefferson Parish Transit, both operated by Veolia Transportation, employ a variety of clean transportation initiatives including electric streetcars, biodiesel buses, hybrid-diesel buses and an innovative tire inflation program that significantly improves fuel economy. Together they saved a total of 978,400 GGEs. • Heavy Trucks, Machinery Employ Cleaner Fuels: On the heavy-duty side, Wood Resources employs

31st ANNUAL

•

biodiesel in its construction equipment along the Mississippi River, and Hollywood Trucks offers renewable diesel to its film industry customers to fuel their rental truck fleet. Coca-Cola Refreshments saves fuel by with hybrid trucks in its local delivery fleet. Utility includes Propane, Natural Gas in its Operations: Entergy continued to expand its use of cleaner fuels in its operations in 2013, including natural gas and propane vehicles in its fleet. Shuttle Services Transport People Using Propane and Natural Gas: Local shuttle and personal transportation companies that operate on cleaner fuels include Airport Shuttle (propane), Limousine Livery (propane), and Park ’n Fly (natural gas). Together, they improved air quality by saving 233 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Government Entities Employ Hybrids, Promote Alternative Transportation Modes: Jefferson Parish was recognized for incorporating hybrid vehicles into its operations, saving 381 GGEs. The Regional Planning Commission was recognized for its efforts to support the use of bicycles by incorporating dedicated and shared bicycle lanes into key road projects, saving over 65,000 GGEs. Service Fleets Operate on Natural Gas: Both Dr. Pipe Plumbing and AT&T include natural gas vehicles in their operations, saving a combined 43,126 GGEs in 2013. In addition, Solar Alternatives uses electric vehicles to reach their customers, recharging their batteries with solar power

rebecca otte

Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership rotte@norpc.org 510-614-5487

PROMOTING

INNOVATION CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY

Networking Opportunities

All Ethanol Facilities Receive 2 Free Passes

Greater Washington Region Hosts

Biodiesel Training for Technicians

Mechanics from the various government-operated fleets in the Metro Washington, D.C. region congregated in September for an in-depth training on biodiesel. Representatives from the National Biodiesel Board and their partner, the United Soybean Board, came to educate mechanics about the benefits, processes and tips for using biodiesel in their fleets, of which there have been many misconceptions and doubts. Fifty technicians attended and left officially certified, considerably more willing to work with the novel fuel. The promotion of alternative fuels and biodiesel in particular has been a major endeavor on the part of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC).

Ron Flowers, executive director of the GWRCCC, understands the importance of education in this field. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is extremely essential that we dispel all myths concerning the use of biodiesel and ensure that our diesel technicians are fully aware of the technology that has not only enhanced the quality of the fuel but also played a major role in reducing our carbon footprint.â&#x20AC;? Certificates in hand, the technicians left feeling more confident about their skills and knowledge and were ready to take it out into the field. The success of this event was further confirmation that biodiesel use is becoming a relevant alternative to petroleum in the U.S.

It is extremely essential that we dispel all myths concerning the use of biodiesel and ensure that our diesel technicians are fully aware of the technology that has not only enhanced the quality of the fuel but also played a major role in reducing our carbon footprint.

The successful participants show off their certificates and one very reflective shirt. Ron Flowers featured at bottom left.

ron flowers

fall 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition ronflowers@gwrccc.org 202-671-1580

american beauty Glacier National Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Bus Tours are powered by cleaner-burning propane, keeping scenic vistas like this clear and beautiful.