spring 2012 | fuelsfix.com
cover story:
Mountain Mobility Goes Green PLUS: Atlanta Gas Light Uses CNG The Flux Report Article from Roush CleanTech President Propane Industry Celebrates 100 Years Roush Drag Team Success And More!
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5 new stations in KY & OH 8 stations coming to GA & TN Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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navigate up front The Quick Fix | 2 Editor’s Letter | 4 Cover Story | 15
coalition news Propane Industry Celebrates 100 Years, Kicks off in Atlanta | 7 Common Grounds Uses Common Sense | 13 Westport LD to Offer Power System Installations in Louisville | 24
focus features Atlanta Gas Light Moves Forward with CNG Fueling Stations in GA | 9 We Need an “American Fuel Act” | 17 North Carolina Plug-In Electric Readiness Initiative | 19 ROUSH Drag Team 2011 Success | 21 How a Simple Partnership with EcoCAR Blossomed into a Workforce Development Program | 27
special features Clean Cities TV | 5 Question of the Month | 25 The Flux Report | 33 Social Media | 29
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Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
editor’s letter Reflecting on the Fuels Fix It’s always amazing to me how quickly each edition of the Fuels Fix rolls around. It seems like as soon as we get one published, it’s time to get the next one started. It takes weeks of planning, designing, proofing, phone calls, and a few hundred e-mails. In the end, we have this publication. We at ETCleanFuels hope that the Fuels Fix is something that will make the Southeastern coordinators proud. This is the space where they get to put into words the fruition of the undoubtedly countless hours they spend on projects. Don’t worry: the stories are indeed being read. We get hits from all across the United States, Canada, and Europe to a lesser extent. As you may have already guessed, this publication is the end result of a massive collaborative effort. Without effective—albeit sometimes hurried—communication from the Southeastern coordinators, this e-zine could not happen. Without contributions from our great partners, we would not have this space in which to share our stories. To our invaluable partners and co-coordinators: thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to make the Fix possible. If there’s something we can do to make the Fix better, let us know. We are always open to suggestions and welcome your input. This is your chance let the world know what Clean Cities is all about. Make it what you want it. Sincerely, Kristy
senior editor Jonathan G. Overly East TN Clean Fuels Coalition jgoverly@utk.edu
designer & editor Kristy Keel East TN Clean Fuels Coalition kristyak@utk.edu
assistant to the editors Grace Loy East TN Clean Fuels Coalition gl.cleanfuels@gmail.com
The Southeastern Fuels Fix is published quarterly thanks to the DOE Clean Cities coalitions in the southeastern United States. Advertising information may be obtained by visiting the website or contacting the editors. Advertising revenue goes towards helping coalitions maintain activities focused on putting alternative fuel and efficient transportation technologies on the ground in the southeastern U.S.
Publication Date: April 12, 2012
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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clean cities tv Clean Cities TV (CCTV) is the educational Internet
use of alternative and renewable fuels, idle reduction
channel of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE)
and fuel economy measures, and emerging technologies.
Clean Cities program. The channel features live and
Click on the videos below to view Clean Cities clips from
recorded content about Clean Cities and its mission
Coalitions in the Southeast and beyond!
to reduce U.S. petroleum consumption through the
Blue Bird Announces New Propane School Bus Indianapolis, IN
President Obama Discussing Blueprint for American-made Energy Las Vegas, NV
Interview with Steve Saltzgiver of Coca-Cola on Electric Drive Vehicles
A Collaborative Approach to Expanding E85 Infrastructure Detroit, MI
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Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
Check out the most fuel efficient cars for 2012! Click this page to go straight to fueleconomy.gov.
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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peter denbigh Virginia Clean Cities
701 Carrier Drive MSC 4115 Harrisonburg, VA 22807 pdenbigh@vacleancities.org | 540-466-4510 www.hrccc.org
Propane Industry Celebrates 100 Years, Kicks off in Atlanta
Clean Cities Coalitions to Kick Off Regional Propane Autogas Roadshow Series at Propane Centennial Clean Air Rally The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program will feature clean-burning propane autogas fleet vehicles at the Propane Clean Air Rally and Autogas Parade April 14 in Atlanta to kick off the industry’s Centennial Celebration. The rally and parade are hosted by the National Propane Gas Association, and event coordinators aim to set a new Guinness World Record for the most propane autogas vehicles in one parade. Program administering organization Virginia Clean Cities is partnering with Clean Cities-Atlanta for the Centennial Celebration roadshow, which will take place 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. This event is the first in a series of Program roadshows across the Southeast to educate fleet managers, operators, local municipalities, and the public on the benefits of propane autogas as a transportation fuel. The Program is putting more than 1,200 clean autogas vehicles on the road and implementing more than 30 autogas fueling stations throughout 10 Southeast states, Denver, and Pittsburgh. The Program has eliminated nearly 130 tons of greenhouse gases and displaced more than 110,000 gallons of gasoline as of last month. “There has been a great deal of support, enthusiasm and organization around this event, and we hope to make a significant impact and really increase recognition for propane autogas together,” says Don Francis, director of Clean Cities-Atlanta. Virginia Clean Cities Executive Director Alleyn Harned hopes the upcoming Program roadshow series will boost awareness for propane autogas among public and private fleet managers across the region.
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“With high gasoline prices putting a strain on budgets, we want to give fleet owners and managers hands-on experience with autogas vehicles that will save them significantly on fuel and maintenance costs, while also reducing harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases,” says Harned. Alliance AutoGas provides fueling infrastructure and conversion equipment for Program fleets, utilizing the PRINS VSI system from co-founding partner American Alternative Fuel, with fuel supply from fellow co-founding partner Blossman Gas. Georgia-based Program fleets showcasing vehicles at the rally and parade include: Columbus Consolidated Government, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County, Sandy Springs and Force 911. All Program roadshows are open to the public, and fleet managers, car enthusiasts and city officials alike are encouraged to attend the events. To find a roadshow event in your area, visit www.usepropaneautogas.com/roadshow-series.
Hybrid, Electric & Advanced Truck Users Forum September 18 - 20, 2012 www.htuf2012.org
Charlotte Convention Center Charlotte, NC
Simply go to www.htuf2012.org and click on WIN FREE FLEET REGISTRATIONS. HTUF is operated in partnership with and under contract to the US Army TARDEC National Automotive Center.
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CNG Focus Atlanta Gas Light Moves Forward with Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Stations in Georgia As gasoline and diesel fuel prices continue to make headlines, Atlanta Gas Light Company is moving ahead with their plan to support the development of a network of privately owned compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations in Georgia following its approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) and issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for interested parties. The PSC approved a five year program of investments that could total $11.57 million for new CNG fueling station infrastructure in November 2011. The approval helped resolve the “chicken or egg” dilemma: which comes first, natural gas vehicles or the infrastructure to refuel them?
“Georgia is positioned geographically to be the hub for CNG fueling station expansion in the Southeast, and this new program will enable Atlanta Gas Light to partner with developers to meet the region’s growing demand for CNG,” says Ian Skelton, director of Atlanta Gas Light’s natural gas vehicle program. “Fleet owners and vehicle manufacturers recognize the significant price advantage CNG holds over petroleum, and now Atlanta Gas Light will be ready to serve the market as Georgia-based commercial and government fleets switch to CNG. Natural gas is the best available transportation fuel, and Atlanta Gas Light is leading the way.” In order to be considered for the program, applicants have to demonstrate they could secure the real estate for the station, develop the site consistent with local zoning, install the CNG dispensers and make other necessary site improvements, and hold contracts with fleet customers to utilize what amounts to approximately 20 percent of a proposed station’s fueling capacity. Depending on the size of the approved stations, Atlanta Gas Light could support the construction of five to ten stations. At least 75 percent of the appropriated investment will go toward stations that serve fleet customers as well as the general public.
Under the program, Atlanta Gas Light will contract with approved private station owners to construct CNG fueling stations throughout metro Atlanta and along major transportation corridors in Georgia. Atlanta Gas Light will install compression and CNG storage equipment at both traditional gas stations and new CNG fueling stations developed to serve CNG customers.
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Funds were also approved to construct limited access stations that will support fleets providing a public benefit, such as municipal buses or garbage truck fleets. Access to these stations will be limited to customers with agreements with the station owner. The plan includes a home refueling appliance lease program that enables Atlanta Gas Light to lease the FuelMaker Phill or similar CNG appliances at a discounted rate to individual CNG vehicle owners. The lease payment for the Phill will be $60 per month (including up to $2,000 of installation) for the first 500 customers.
Following a call from Georgia PSC Commissioner Doug Everett to develop a program to attract private investment in CNG infrastructure, Atlanta Gas Light submitted its plan in May 2011 that relied upon proceeds from the state’s Universal Service Fund to underwrite the cost of the company’s CNG equipment at stations where private funds would be used to provide land, improvements and related station components. Atlanta Gas Light issued its RFP on March 1 to solicit applications from prospective CNG station developers. The RFP deadline was April 16 and notices of awards will be issued by May 16. Any remaining funds will be available to future applicants on a first-come-first-served basis. Atlanta Gas Light will work with accepted applicants on the development of new CNG fueling stations which could begin by the end of 2012. After
five years of commercial operations, CNG station owners will have the option to purchase the CNG equipment from Atlanta Gas Light, with the proceeds of the sale being returned to the Universal Service Fund. To learn more about the CNG Infrastructure or Fuelmaker Phill Lease Programs, contact Atlanta Gas Light (Ian Skelton, iskelton@aglresources.com or 404-584-4626) or visit www.atlantagaslight.com/cngplan.
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The Flux Report
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Fuel Costs, March 2012
What are the costs per mile of different fuel technologies? Biodiesel
8.16¢ per mile
(2011 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel, 29city/41hwy) $3.95 per gallon
Electric
2.85¢ per mile
(2011 Nissan Leaf, 32city/37hwy) $.11 per kilowatt hour
E85 Ethanol
9.84¢ per mile
(2012 Ford Focus FWD FFV, 20city/28hwy) $3.14 per gallon
Natural Gas
5.39¢ per mile
(2011 Honda Civic CNG, 24city/36hwy) $2.13 per gas gallon equivalent
Diesel
8.06¢ per mile
(2011 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel, 30city/42hwy) $3.86 per gallon
Gasoline
9.01¢ per mile
(2011 Nissan Versa, 24city/32hwy) $3.37 per gallon Assumes 55% city & 45% highway driving. Fuel prices are from Jan 2012. Source: DOE, Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center
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© 2012 Birch Studio
Fuel Emissions, March 2012 What are the emissions per year of different fuel technologies? Biodiesel
8,227 lbs of CO2
(2011 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel) .51 lbs of CO2 per mile
Electric
6,550 lbs of CO2
(2011 Nissan Leaf) .41 lbs of CO2 per mile
E85 Ethanol
7,170 lbs of CO2
(2012 Ford Focus FWD FFV) .45 lbs of CO2 per mile
Natural Gas
8,013 lbs of CO2
(2011 Honda Civic CNG) .50 lbs of CO2 per mile
Diesel
9,460 lbs of CO2
(2011 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel) .59 lbs of CO2 per mile
Gasoline
10,265 lbs of CO2
(2011 Nissan Versa) .64 lbs of CO2 per mile Assumes 16000 miles driven per year or about 34 miles per day. Source: DOE, Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center
experts in greentech design & branding | www.birchstudio.com/fluxreport
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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jonathan overly
East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition 311 Conf. Center Bldg, Knoxville, TN 37996 jgoverly@utk.edu | 865-974-3625 www.ETCleanFuels.org
Common Grounds Uses Common Sense Knoxville Area Business Uses Propane in Mowers In 2009, Knoxville area lawn care business owner John Watson started thinking about propane for fueling his lawn mowers. That same year Watson and his company, Common Grounds Landscape Management, had participated in a study along with the University of Tennessee comparing propane and gasoline fuel use in mowers. The results from using propane were impressive and piqued Watson’s interest. “We have a propane tank right on our property for heating the business, so it seemed to make sense to use it to fuel the mowers if we could figure out how to make it all come together,” says Watson. Over the next months, Watson began a discussion with Jim Coker who runs the Go Green Metro Lawn program for Heritage Propane (now owned by AmeriGas). Coker detailed how Watson could convert many of his current mowers to run on propane. They also discussed how to prepare and train the Common Grounds staff to refuel their mowing fuel containers at the business from the tank they already had on site. “It was exactly what I wanted to get set up, and Jim helped me bring it to fruition.”
Watson is paying $2.70 per gallon for propane versus $3.70 per gallon for gasoline (as of early April). He is getting almost the same fuel economy with propane as with gasoline, so the savings are substantial. “Over the course of one year I should be saving on the order of $1,500 just based on the fuel cost savings alone. If I include maintenance savings and the elimination of theft losses, the number would probably increase by another 30-40 percent,” notes Watson. Watson is doing more than saving on his fuel bill, too. He is generating about a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while also significantly reducing particulate matter and carbon monoxide pollution in the community. Watson notes that his customers appreciate what the company is doing as well. John Watson and the staff at Common Grounds Landscape Management has shown that putting common sense to work—really does work.
Through 2010 and 2011, Coker’s staff helped Watson’s staff at Common Grounds Landscape Management complete the conversions. Watson says, “We had eight mowers converted the first year and then another eight the second year. We’ve added another two recently, so we are up to 18 propane mowers. They work well, and we have only had one problem with them. We learned that an electric start mower works best, but that was easily fixed. Now we are running trouble free.”
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Left to right: Randy Holloway with Jones Lange LaSalle/SAIC, John Watson with Common Grounds Landscape Management, Inc, and Mark Harvey with Cowperwood Company at The Corporate Centre office park Oak Ridge.
THE ZERO COMPROMISE
ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOLUTION PROPANE AUTOGAS VS. GASOLINE
40% Fuel Savings*. 57,000 Fewer Pounds of C02*. Zero Loss in Engine Performance.
FUEL COSTS: 40% LESS VEHICLE WARRANTY: 5 YEAR / 60,000 MILE2
The Savings Calculator below says it all: impressive savings with lower operating and maintenance costs — thanks to the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system.
CO2 EMISSIONS: 24% LESS PERFORMANCE: IDENTICAL
SAVE MORE THAN $28,000 PER VEHICLE.* 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo Van ROUSH CleanTech Savings Calculator Gasoline (5.4L V8)
Propane (5.4L V8)
$28,325.00
$28,325.00
Savings or (Cost) to Convert
Capital Costs Base Ford Vehicle Purchase Price ROUSH CleanTech Propane Autogas Fuel System Price
$11,300.00
Federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit (propane only) Total Capital Savings or Investment to Convert:
$28,325.00
$39,625.00
200,000
200,000
13.0
11.1
15,385 $3.68
18,018 $2.25 $(0.50) $1.75 $31,531.50
$(11,300.00)
Operating Costs (fuel) Total Vehicle Life (miles) Average Miles per Gallon** Gallons of Fuel Used Over Life of Vehicle Average Fuel Price (per gallon)*** + Federal excise tax credit/gallon (propane only) + Adjusted Fuel Price (per gallon)
Total Fuel Savings or Cost Over Life of Vehicle:
$3.68 $56,616.80
$25,085.30
Operating Costs (misc.) Maintenance Rate per mile (tune-ups, oil, engine life, etc.) Maintenance Costs Fuel Loss from Pilferage & Theft ($100 per year) Total Misc. Savings or Costs Over Life of Vehicle:
$0.030
$0.015
$6,000.00
$3,000.00
$500.00
$0.00
$6,500.00
$3,000.00
Gross Vehicle Lifetime Savings or Loss:
$28,585.30
Net Vehicle Lifetime Savings or Loss (minus investment to convert):
$17,285.30
$3,500.00
Assumptions: • Propane Conversion price is listed at MSRP. Volume discounts are available • Customer would be elligible for $.50 / gallon Federal Tax Credit because they have their own fueling station. Please check with tax advisor before making any purchase decision • A 50% reduction in maintenance costs by running a vehicle on propane, compared to gasoline. A factor the Texas Railroad Commission uses in their calculations when considering an alternative fuel conversion • Gasoline prices captured from http://www.eia.doe.gov/ * Based on factors and assumptions as defined in the savings calculator chart pictured ** MPG ratings for gasoline and propane vehicles are estimates. Variations in MPG should be expected when operating a vehicle that is towing, hauling, or being driven in various city / hwy applications *** Propane fuel price is an estimate based on your fleet size, not a quoted price, and is subject to change 2 See ROUSHcleantech.com for complete warranty details
Cover Story Community Transportation System Goes Green Mountain Mobility’s Clean Fuel Project
When Mountain Mobility’s Operations Manager Bobby Somerville arrives to work in the morning and looks over his fleet of 43 vans and shuttle buses, he is amazed at how much progress the system has made toward converting its fleet over to alternative fuels. In just over a year, the Buncombe County, North Carolina community transportation system has converted 51 percent of its fleet to propane and compressed natural gas vehicles. Bobby is also thrilled that Mountain Mobility was the first community transportation system in the state of North Carolina to use alternative fuel vehicles in a paratransit fleet.
at the Council. The Land-of-Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition (CVC) and Regional Clean Air Campaign (CAC) supported the project because it would reduce Mountain Mobility’s impact on local air quality, increase the use of alternative fuels and raise awareness about alternative fuels in the community. The CVC provided technical assistance to County staff in writing grant applications, consultation on contractual agreements for ARRA projects involving alternative fuels and vehicles, and oversight during the conversion and purchase processes to ensure all ARRA and EPA guidelines were followed and met. Blossman Gas, German MotorWerks, and Alliance AutoGas provided the
Buncombe County’s Strategic Plan and energy conservation goals include improving air quality and protecting the region’s natural beauty and resources in order to enhance and improve the quality of life in the county. Mountain Mobility has contributed to achieving this goal by converting half of its transit fleet to vehicles with dual fuel systems. Mountain Mobility’s Clean Fuel Project resulted in proactive measures being taken to effectively reduce the system’s vehicle emissions discharged on an annual basis. Mountain Mobility’s Clean Fuel Project was two-fold. The first phase involved the conversion of 10 fleet vehicles to a dual-fuel system using the PRINS Alternative Fuel System, which now allows those fleet vehicles to operate on autogas (liquid propane) or gasoline. A 900 gallon onsite LP fueling tank was installed at the Mountain Mobility facility as a part of the project as well. The second phase was the purchase of 12 new Goshen Coach buses with dual CNG/gas fuel systems, which replaced 11 paratransit gas-powered vans and 1 diesel-powered light transit vehicle. The project was supported by a number of public and private partners in the community. Buncombe County and Mountain Mobility secured over a million dollars in ARRA grant funds to carry out the project. A major partner in the project was the Land-of-Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition. Technical assistance was provided by Bill Eaker, Environmental Services Manager at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, and Chris Dobbins, Fleet Consultant
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LP conversion work, on-site fueling infrastructure, fuel supply, training, and ongoing support. The NCDOT-Public Transportation Division supported the project as a case study for how alternative fueled vehicles can positively affect the North Carolina community transportation industry. Buncombe County’s Community Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB) supported the project because it provided an excellent opportunity to help improve air quality for citizens of Buncombe County while helping to decrease fuel and maintenance costs of Mountain Mobility. As a result of the project, Mountain Mobility can operate on an alternative fuel, is burning a much cleaner fuel than gasoline, is using a less expensive fuel,will have
Article courtesy of Land-of-Sky CVC
reduced maintenance costs due to cleaner burning fuel, and will reduce dependence on foreign oil because 90 percent of the propane and natural gas used in the U.S. is produced domestically. The project will have a substantially positive impact on Buncombe County’s carbon footprint with a reduction of 91.6 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually for propane and CNG vehicles. Seeing the success of Buncombe County’s alternative fuel success story, five other transportation systems in North Carolina have initiated or completed similar clean fuel conversion projects. The cooperative efforts of these organizations also recently led to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department obtaining a US DOE grant to convert ten fleet vehicles to autogas, and an additional LP fueling site was added at the County Garage. Additional information on Mountain Mobility’s LP Fuel Conversion Project can be seen in the video link at the bottom of this page. Mountain Mobility’s Clean Fuel Project is the beginning to the system’s long-term commitment to reducing emissions from its overall operations. This project and the work of the organizations and businesses involved have advanced the use of alternative fuel technologies and practices in Buncombe County and in the public transportation industry in North Carolina.
Mountain Mobility staff Ann Aker and Herman Crawley (opposite page) refuel a van with propane.
Cost Analysis for Mountain Mobility Description
Total Cost
LP Project Conversion Cost $58,000.00
Qty. Cost/Unit 10
$5,800.00
LP Tank: Electrical
$ 1,925.00
CNG Vehicles: 14 pass.
$858,650.00 11
$78,059.09
CNG Vehicles: 16 pass.
$ 90,025.00
$90,025.00
1
This breakdown shows cost information. Mountain Mobility paid the electrical portion of the tank set up. Blossman Gas/ Alliance Autogas provided the fueling infrastructure at no cost and is recovering the cost through the fuel contract.
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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Partner Focus We Need an “American Fuel Act” By Joe Thompson, ROUSH CleanTech President
Here are the facts: domestic alternative fuel usage creates American jobs. It stimulates economic activity. It diminishes crude oil petroleum imports. It reduces emissions of harmful environmental pollutants. And it increases our national security. With the presidential election heating up, we are constantly being reminded that our country is facing unstable times when jobs and money are scarce, gas prices are high and we Americans depend heavily on foreign oil sources to drive our everyday energy needs. Our current reliance on imported oil is a major weakness to our country. Each presidential candidate claims to have the solution — in the form of one alternative fuel or another. Last year, President Obama and the Department of Energy outlined specific environmental and energy security objectives for U.S. fleets. While we commend this valiant effort to recognize alternative fuels as a key component to helping our nation get back on its feet, we urge Congress not to monopolize the alternative fuel market by reserving incentives for some domestic fuels and not others.
The real key to driving big change in our nation’s economy and revving up the job market for Americans is parity among all alternative fuels. That leaves us with an obvious need for Congress to create and support an American Fuel Act — a single piece of legislation that supports all domestic fuels. The alternative fuel industries have made various efforts to introduce their own legislation, such as the Propane Green Autogas Solutions (GAS) Act of 2011 (H.R. 2014/S. 1120) and the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act of 2011 (H.R. 1380). Just last week Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) attempted to pass amendments to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill (S.1813) which will authorize federal highway-safety programs through September 2013. Sen. Stabenow’s amendment proposed extending the 50-cent per gallon tax credit for both propane and natural gas used in vehicles and forklifts and for refueling infrastructure though 2012. The amendment offered by Sen. Menendez aimed to grant tax incentives for natural gas vehicles. These amendments are a great start, and we need to continue
A propane autogas fueled Ford E-Series van owned by SuperShuttle, a ROUSH CleanTech customer.
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Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
to make progress toward introducing legislation that promotes domestic alternatives. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the way recent congressional votes came through along party lines, widespread support for these pieces of legislation doesn’t currently exist. Recently I wrote an article about how we Americans are great. We love progress. We love results. We love innovation. We love the things that we make. We love our country. But, we don’t love our own fuels—yet. The U.S. has abundant supplies of energy. Propane autogas, natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, electricity — they’re all cleaner than gasoline, they’re all domestically produced, they all lessen our dependence on imported oil. But in fact, we’re exporting many of our own fuels while at the same time importing foreign oil. This makes no sense to me. Instead, if we used our own fuels, we strengthen our global economic position, and we can sleep at night knowing our energy sources truly are “made in the U.S.A.” Recently Alleyn Harned, executive director of Virginia Clean Cities, said to me, “An increased use of cleaner domestic fuels should be a bipartisan-supported issue. Fleets throughout the country are interested in increased use of domestic fuels, and alternative fuel incentives enable the market.” I agree. This isn’t a political issue. It shouldn’t matter if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. I truly believe all Americans would support a single piece of legislation that would ensure all domestic, abundant alternative fuel sources are used. For the sake of our economy, our environment and our national security. At ROUSH CleanTech, we are making our voice heard in support of all American-made fuels, and I encourage Clean Cities and its stakeholders to contact state and local legislators to express support for passing any legislation that brings an equal playing field to the alternative fuel industry. (Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech, is a member of the Roush Enterprise Steering Committee and resides on two energy boards. He is passionate about energy and the Propane GAS Act. Read his blog at fleetblogs.com/fuelforthought. Joe may be reached at joseph.thompson@roush.com.)
Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech.
...If we used our own fuels, we strengthen our global economic position, and we can sleep at night knowing our energy sources truly are made in the U.S.A.
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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EV Focus North Carolina Plug-In Electric (PEV) Readiness Initiative: Plugging in from Mountains to Sea
Article courtesy of CCFC
By Sean Flaherty, MS2 Project Manager and Centralina COG Sustainability Program Analyst From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, North Carolina is preparing for plug-in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The Mountains to Sea (M2S) project is establishing PEV readiness plans in model communities across the state including the greater Asheville, Charlotte, Triad and Triangle regions. Clean Cities Coalitions existing in these communities are partnered with a variety of stakeholders from private industry, academia, non-profit and government, including key project partners Advanced Energy, Duke Energy, NC Solar Center, Piedmont-Triad Regional Council, and Progress Energy. The Mountains to Sea (M2S) project partnership between Land-of-Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition, Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition, and Triangle Clean Cities Coalition works to support a statewide platform for community collaboration through the NC PEV Taskforce. Sponsored by the NC Department of Commerce, the NC PEV Taskforce launched on October 27, 2011 with a Symposium at NC State University that established working groups focused on essential topic areas for PEV readiness:
• • • • • •
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Steering Committee Incentives / Economic Development Education & Outreach Policy, Codes, and Standards Vehicles Infrastructure
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
The working group model is being mirrored at the community level with leadership from M2S project partners. Through this approach, M2S communities are able to focus on the range of issues associated with planning for PEVs and charging infrastructure utilizing a variety of perspectives.
The NC PEV Taskforce hosted its first quarterly meeting on March 20, 2012 through a live broadcast at hub locations across the state. The meeting featured guest speaker Stephanie Meyn, the Clean Cities Program Manager for Western Washington Clean Cities Coalition, who discussed PEV planning efforts in the greater Seattle area. It also allowed for updates on PEV readiness planning from M2S communities and NC PEV Taskforce working groups. The Mountains to Sea project will continue throughout 2012, ramping up work in model communities across North Carolina to produce community and statewide readiness plans that will serve as a national model for PEV readiness.
Click here to read the
Clean Cities
2012
Vehicle Buyer’s Guide
Natural Gas Propane Electric Ethanol Flex-Fuel Biodiesel
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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Propane Focus Roush Drag Team 2011 Success Contributed by Roush Performance News Bureau Concord, N.C. — Susan Roush McClenaghan won the Hawk Performance Open Comp Championship in the National Muscle Car Association Series this year and displayed her winning Roush Stage 3 Mustang, that was converted in 2010 to run on liquid propane, at the Performance Racing Industry trade show featuring racing and performance products and services in Orlando, Fla., Friday. The drag car gained a large amount of interest at the show where Roush McClenaghan and her crew spoke about the many advantages and capabilities of utilizing propane in racing. Liquid propane, with an octane rating of 105, produces comparable performance results to the popular high performance racing fuel C14 at considerably less cost, which is one of the reasons it was an ideal fit for a motorsports applications. After the show Roush McClenaghan was awarded the prestigious championship award for her division at the annual banquet for the NMCA series. Her family, along with her team and sponsor Heritage Propane, shared the victory with her at the event. “I am very honored and humbled to have such an opportunity to celebrate with all the people who have worked so hard to make this a truly winning
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Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
team. Our sponsors, team members, friends and family make it possible to put our heart and soul into every effort. Tonight that effort shined with success,” Roush McClenghan said. This past year the Roush Drag Team welcomed Heritage Propane as a key sponsor. Heritage promotes propane autogas throughout the country in fleets, municipalities and landscape equipment applications. “Susan has helped us demonstrate the power and ease of using propane with her successful season. Being part of the Roush family has been a big win for our employees and our customers. We are all proud and congratulate her,” said Ed Varney, vice president, Heritage Propane. J. Sells, director engine fuels, Heritage Propane added, “It is a great opportunity for us to be involved in providing alternative fuel for drag racing. This is a critical part of our mission to use propane as viable and environmentally friendly fuel.” The 2012 National Mustang Racers Association/ NMCA season will begin in Bradenton, FL in March.
Susan Roush Racing Schedule Date March 1-4 March 15-18 April 12-15 May 4-6 June 8-10 June 15-16 July 12-15 August 3-5 August 24-26 August 31- September 2 October 4-7 October 11-14 November 9-11
Location Bradenton, Florida Bradenton, Florida Commerce, Georgia Mechanicsville, Maryland Mechanicsville, Maryland Milan, Michigan Joliet, Illinois Bowling Green, Kentucky Milan, Michigan Columbus, Ohio Bowling Green, Kentucky Indianapolis, Indiana Houston, Texas
Division NMRA NMCA NMRA/ NMCA NMRA NMCA NMRA NMRA/ NMCA NMCA NMCA NMRA NMRA NMCA NMRA/ NMCA
February 2011 Issue 1 • Volume 2
High standards
A new fuel standa rd will boost assurance in the US pellet market in 2011
A special relationsh
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Regional focus: bioen ergy
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As a result of popular demand Bioenergy Insight is to increase to six issues a year in 2012 – subscribe now to receive the magazine at 2011 prices! For just £120/€185/$240 a year subscribing to Bioenergy Insight will keep you on top of ● Bioenergy news ● Regulations and legislation ● Technical and bioenergy updates — including pellets, biogas, biopower, biofuel plants and more ● Regional insights ● Interviews with leading biomass users and producers ● A dedicated insight into energy feedstocks ● A list of biopower and pellet plants under construction Can you afford to miss out? For subscriptions please contact Lisa Lee, Subscription Manager +44 (0) 20 8687 4160 or at marketing@horseshoemedia.com
clean cities connections The natural resource for ethanol information. The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading resource for ethanol information. It’s just natural to call our experts first if you need authoritative answers about ethanol. Call (202) 289.3835, or visit; www.ChooseEthanol.com.
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melissa howell
Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition PO Box 5174 Louisville, KY 40255 kycleanfuels@insightbb.com | 502-452-9152 www.kentuckycleanfuels.org
Westport LD to Conduct Power System Installations in Louisville In the first week of May, Louisville will see more than just the running of the Kentucky Derby! Westport LD, our newest member, will be operational adjacent to the Ford truck plant where power system installations for CNG vehicles will be available. Ford F250s and F350s are the initial application for the Westport upfits with utility bodies next in line. The Westport location will receive the trucks straight off the line, install the CNG Bi-Fuel system, and return the truck to the Ford plant within three days of receipt. Westport anticipates installation of 33 systems daily at startup. Temporary CNG refueling is being installed to fill cylinders before returning trucks to Ford. All State Ford in Louisville is the first dealer to sign up as the Westport LD certified CNG dealer in Kentucky. L to R: Zach Thomas, Engineer, Distribution Operations; Barry Walker, Director of Gas Control; John Skaggs, Manager, Gas Storage Operations; Craig Duffy, Westport.
Interior shot of Westport LD facility in Louisville.
Truck is sitting in front of Westport LD building on Collins Lane in Louisville, KY.
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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uestion uestion of of the the month month From February 2011
What are Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), and how are they generated, transferred, and traded? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the RIN as a unit for tracking compliance under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) program. RFS2 requires obligated parties (refiners, blenders, and importers) to ensure that the conventional fuel (gasoline or diesel) sold or introduced into commerce contains a certain percentage of renewable fuels. As such, each obligated party has a renewable volume obligation (RVO) based on the amount of conventional fuels it handles on an annual basis. Generating RINs
RINs are 38-character numeric codes generated for all renewable fuel produced in or imported to the United States by the producer or importer, according to a formula set by EPA. The RIN code provides information about the year that the fuel was produced or imported, the producing or importing entity, and the type of renewable fuel. RINs can be generated as gallon-RINs or batch-RINs (multiple gallon-RINs combined under one numeric code). The number of gallon-RINs generated may not be equal to the number of gallons of fuel. Instead, gallon-RINs are assigned based on equivalence values determined according to the volumetric energy content of the fuel in comparison with corn ethanol and adjusted for the renewable content. One gallon of corn ethanol is equal to 1 gallon-RIN while one gallon of biodiesel, for example, is actually equal to 1.5 gallon-RINs.
producers, importers, blenders, marketers, refiners, and exporters is a complex process. Therefore, EPA developed and introduced a new EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) in 2010. All regulated parties were required to start using the EMTS to track their RIN generation and transferring starting on July 1, 2010. There are several actions that separate the RIN from the fuel, including when the renewable fuel enters the retail market. Once a RIN is separated, it can be traded. Trading RINs
At the end of each year, each obligated party must demonstrate that it has sufficient RINs to cover its RVO for that year. RINs can be used within the calendar year in which they were generated or the following calendar year (plus two months), with some restrictions. If an obligated party has access to RINs, it can sell those RINs on the open market. Conversely, if an obligated party cannot or does not wish to blend renewable fuels into conventional fuel and, therefore, does not have enough RINs to meet its RVO, it can purchase RINs from other entities. The price of RINs is set by the market and is largely based on supply, demand, commodity prices, and speculation.
Transferring RINs
Please also refer to the recent Clean Cities Webinar presentation by Larry Schafer, National Biodiesel Board, for additional information on RINs: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/toolbox/ pdfs/renewable_identification_number.pdf.
If a batch of renewable fuel is split into smaller volumes and transferred, the RIN number will change accordingly. Tracking these 38-digit codes and the associated fuel
The summary above provides an overview of RINs, but there are many more details and complexities associated RFS2 compliance and RIN generation, transfer, and trading. For more information about RFS2 and RINs, please visit the EPA’s RFS (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/ renewablefuels/index.htm) and RFS1 & RFS2 Compliance Help (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/ compliancehelp/index.htm) websites. Specific questions can also be sent to the EPA Fuels Programs Support Line at EPAFuelsPrograms@epa.gov or 202-343-9755.
RINs “travel” with the renewable fuel as it is transferred from one entity to another. When renewable fuel changes hands, it is accompanied by the associated paper RIN credit and the transfer is recorded using product transfer documents (PTDs), which serve as the basis for the record keeping and reporting requirements under the RFS2 program.
Please contact the Technical Response Service (TRS) with other questions, or if you have suggestions for additional resources or a future Question of the Month. Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team | technicalresponse@icfi.com | 800-254-6735
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Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
There’s only one thing you need to worry about...
select the american, alternative fuel you want to use...
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EcoCAR2 Focus How a Simple Partnership with EcoCAR Blossomed into a Workforce Development Program In 2009, Clean Cities began sponsoring the U.S. Department of Energy’s advanced vehicle technology competition (AVTC) EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge. Now, three years later, a simple partnership has blossomed into a wonderful collaboration between academia and government, and the formation of a nationwide workforce development program.
How It Started
During the highly acclaimed EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge series, Clean Cities came on board as a competition-level sponsor of the program. EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge was a three-year collegiate AVTC established by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors (GM), that challenged 16 universities in North America to reduce the environmental impact of a GM-donated vehicle by minimizing the vehicle’s fuel consumption and reducing its emissions while retaining the vehicle’s performance, safety and consumer appeal.
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Fall 2011 | FuelsFix.com
The Clean Cities sponsorship funding would allow each EcoCAR university the chance to recruit an outreach research assistant to help spread awareness of EcoCAR, Clean Cities, and the mission of petroleum reduction through alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. “Clean Cities and the student engineering competitions have mutually desired goals to broaden public awareness of the importance of adopting advanced technology vehicles and alternative fuels to reduce our nation’s dependence on imported oil,” said Argonne Clean Cities Manager, Marcy Rood-Werpy. “It only made sense to grow this partnership between the two U.S. Department of Energy programs and leverage resources.” Throughout EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge, the universities and outreach coordinators worked with local Clean Cities on a variety of events, including EcoCAR vehicle architecture announcements, presentations at workshops, stakeholder meetings, providing static vehicle displays at events, and more.
Formation of a Workforce Development Program
After a successful partnership with EcoCAR in 2009, U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities launched the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program (CCUWDP) in Summer 2010. As with EcoCAR, CCUWDP is managed by Argonne National Laboratory, and uses the same administrative procedures and staff to provide support on topics that students need in their Clean Cities jobs or as EcoCAR outreach coordinators. The program has included more than 85 interns and has involved more than 43 different Coalitions nationwide since its inception. The program has become a huge success among coalitions. The CCUWDP students have helped coalitions and coordinators rebuild websites, assist in data and market research, develop press and media materials, launch social media accounts, plan workshops and events, and more. The CCUWDP has also had a high success rate with job placement within local Clean Cities, government, and industry. Students within the program have gone on to work for such companies as dSPACE, Inc., Bayer, Frito-Lay, Edelman Public Relations, and more. Several students have also obtained jobs within Clean Cities, including Jamison Walker, an intern for three semesters with the CCUWDP and now Assistant Project Manager at Virginia Clean Cities. Prior to joining the CCUWDP, Walker studied renewable and sustainable energy at James Madison University. As an intern, he learned the importance of renewable energy and how valuable his experience was with the CCUWDP. “The Clean Cities internship program was a very valuable part of my education, and, as exemplified, a cornerstone to the start of my career,” said Walker. “Being a part of this program is like being on the leading edge of the much needed emerging energy market.” With the success of the past six CCUWDP semesters, Clean Cities is proud to announce it will continue the program in Summer 2012!
Continuing the Partnership with EcoCAR 2 The beneficial partnership between EcoCAR and Clean Cities continues to grow with the latest U.S. Department of Energy AVTC. Launched in Fall 2011 and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future challenges 15 universities across North America to reduce the environmental impact of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu without compromising performance, safety and consumer acceptability.
Clean Cities is once again a sponsor of EcoCAR 2 and is proving funding for outreach research assistants at each university. This partnership allows the two U.S. Department of Energy programs to collaborate more efficiently. CCUWDP students working in coalitions that are nearby EcoCAR universities are designated point of contacts with their fellow EcoCAR outreach coordinators to build new local initiatives. This year, Clean Cities is proud to announce the ‘Best Collaboration with a Clean Cities Award’ for EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future. EcoCAR 2 students have the opportunity to submit a video highlighting the collaboration with a Clean Cities Coalition and the chance to win $1,500 each for their university and partnering Coalition. The winning university will be announced in May 2012.
What is Next?
As the CCUWDP will begin its seventh semester in Summer 2012, Clean Cities and Argonne National Laboratory are pleased to announce it will include four new Coalitions to the program, bringing the total to 47 different Coalitions since the CCUWDP was founded! Throughout the next two years, Clean Cities will continue to partner with EcoCAR 2 in hopes of promoting the importance of adopting advanced technologies and alternative fuels to reduce our nation’s dependence on imported oil. For more information on the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program, visit the internship section under the Coordinator Toolbox. To learn more about EcoCAR 2, visit www.ecocar2.org.
Spring 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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social media stay connected
Southeastern Coalition Websites
Alabama Atlanta Centralina East Tennessee Florida Gold Coast Florida Space Coast Kentucky Middle Tennessee Palmetto State Triangle Virginia
www.alabamacleanfuels.org www.cleancitiesatlanta.net www.4cleanfuels.com www.etcleanfuels.org www.floridagoldcoastcleancities.com www.clean-cities.org www.kentuckycleanfuels.org www.tennesseecleanfuels.org www.palmettocleanfuels.org www.trianglecleancities.org www.hrccc.org
YouTube Videos
Alabama www.youtube.com/alcleanfuels East Tennessee www.youtube.com/etcleanfuels Virginia www.youtube.com/virginiacleancities
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Winter 2012 | FuelsFix.com
Clean Cities Atlanta Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition Middle Georgia Clean Cities Coalition Palmetto State Clean Fuels Coalition Triangle Clean Cities Coalition Virginia Clean Cities Space Coast Clean Cities
Alabama www.twitter.com/alcleanfuels East Tennessee www.twitter.com/etcleanfuels Triangle www.twitter.com/trianglealtfuel Virginia www.twitter.com/vacleancities Atlanta www.twitter.com/CleanCitiesATL
Winter 2012 | FuelsFix.com
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