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contents
Ozinga awarded Clean Cities Clean Fuel Champion | p. 12 Chicago Area Clean Cities
Utah Fleet Turns to Propane Autogas | p. 23 Utah Clean Cities
Low Pressure is the Game-Changing Future for NGVs | p. 18 Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance
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Wisconsin’s Smart Fleet Program | p. 20
Day Care Fleet Runs Hybrid Electric | p. 14 Massachusetts Clean Cities
Wisconsin Clean Cities Coalition
Du Mond Ag Commits to Alternative Fuels | p. 8 Empire Clean Cities
Natural Gas Resources Get a Boost | p. 24 Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation
Electric Movement in Downtown Louisville | p. 16 Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition
Alabama’s Largest, Public CNG Station Opens | p. 26 Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition
Republic Services Turns to CNG | p. 30 Louisiana Clean Fuels
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contents cover story
Electric Movement in Downtown Louisville | 16
special features Hybrid Technology Update | 10 Drive Shaft | 13 Question of the Month | 9 Clean Cities TV | 15 Happenings | 28 American Beauty | 34
advertisers index publisher / senior editor / web Master 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 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. Email info@etcleanfuels.org for additional information.
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Alt Fuels Data Center 23 BBI International 23, 31, 32, 33 Birch Studio 10-11 EMI 27, 32 Icom North America 19, 32 NAFTC 25, 32 NBB 2, 32 REGI 3 TruStar 19, 32 US Gas Vehicles 30
editor’s letter Low Gas Prices Don’t Scare Me Tune in to any TV or radio news broadcast. Surf any online news sources. You’ll hear the same thing: gas prices are falling, dropping, plummeting! Many people are again going out to buy gas guzzling vehicles due to the news. Others are saying that this is the end of alternative fuels. But I don’t buy it just like I’m not going to buy a gas guzzler. We all know that gas prices are determined on the world market, and invariably, we can count on those prices being, well... variable. As the old saying goes, “what goes up must come down,” and the reverse is true for gas prices. Besides, alternative fuels are gaining a stronger and stronger grip in our economy and are here to stay. EV sales are up, fleets are continue to save money on alternative fuel options and the interest continues to grow. Don’t believe me? That’s OK. It just so happens that there’s proof right in these pages. See for yourself how a day care fleet has reduced fuel consumption by 25% or how an electric bus fleet plans to save $310,000 annually on fuel and maintenance costs. With savings like those, it’s hard to believe that anyone would give up their alternative fuels for a gas guzzler.
Jonathan Overly Editor
P.S. All of these amazing, hardworking Clean Cities coordinators believe in alternative fuels, too, and say that they are here to stay! FuelsFix.com
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Du Mond Ag Commits to Alternative Fuels Located in Union Springs, New York, Du Mond Ag, LLC is a family-run farm that has been utilizing biodiesel in all of their on- and off-road equipment for over 10 years. Owner Todd Du Mond is committed to using biodiesel because he believes that biodiesel is a superior fuel, due to its performance, increased lubricity, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, I believe that price and renewability. Todd proves that biodiesel works using a blend of biodiesel 100% of the time with blends ranging from B20–B99.9 depending on the season and price. Du Mond’s annual fuel use is about 40% biodiesel.
we expect others to use a product that we produce.”
Todd wanted to get Du Mond Ag involved with the Empire Clean Cities Empire Green Fleets program to promote the use of biofuels in agriculture since soybeans are one of their main feed stocks. Du Mond continues to run biodiesel in their equipment and vehicles biodiesel and will continually update to is a superior fuel cleaner-burning technology. due to its performance, With neighboring farms producing renewable natural increased lubricity, reduction in greenhouse gas, they are investigating the use of CNG for their trucks gas emissions, price and will continue to invest in and renewability. optimization technology.
-Todd Du Mond, Owner
Todd is debunking the myths surrounding this fuel and agrees that there are misconceptions about biodiesel and states that “if the American farmer doesn’t use biodiesel, how can
Du Mond Ag’s commitment to operating alternative fuels and their investment in cleaner-burning technologies makes them a great Empire Green Fleet. With Du Mond Ag leading the way, farms in New York State are sure to become cleaner and greener.
Christina Ficicchia | Empire Clean Cities Coalition | christina@empirecleancities.org | 212-839-7728
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question of the month From September 2014
How can I determine whether an alternative fuel conversion system or other aftermarket device claiming to improve fuel economy or reduce emissions has been appropriately certified or verified? To ensure an aftermarket system or device is legitimate, you must first confirm that it has been properly vetted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any applicable state authority, such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB). There are a number of ways to do this, as described below. certified conversion systems
Always request documentation! Conversion system manufacturers should be more than willing to provide a copy of their EPA-issued Certificate of Conformity (or CARB Executive Order) upon request. For vehicles falling into EPA’s “intermediate age” and “outside useful life” categories, the manufacturer should be able to prove the company has satisfied demonstration and notification requirements.
smartway and other emission reduction technologies
Ask manufacturers of other emissions- and fuelsaving devices whether their products have been reviewed by EPA. EPA evaluates the fuel-saving benefits of devices such as idle reduction devices, aerodynamics technologies, and low rolling resistance tires. The SmartWay Verified Technologies website provides more information about specific products and models. EPA verifies and approves diesel retrofit technologies for use in its engine retrofit programs and provides information about emissions reductions. See the Verified Technologies List. It is important to note that EPA does not endorse these or any other commercial products.
You can consult EPA’s Alternative Fuel Conversion website for files listing “EPA-Compliant Conversion Systems.” All conversion systems listed on this website comply with EPA’s conversion regulations (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 85, Subpart F). Keep in mind that each system is designed for a specific group of vehicles. Since conversion systems are only listed on this page at the request of system manufacturer, there may be other certified systems, so contact the EPA Compliance Information Hotline for more information (734-214-4343; complianceinfo@epa.gov).
EPA’s Gas Saving and Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation Program, also called the “511 Program,” evaluates aftermarket retrofit devices that claim to improve automobile fuel economy and/or reduce exhaust emissions in cars and light trucks. The most recent test report from this voluntary evaluation program is dated 2005, indicating a lack of recent interest, but the program is still relevant.
California has its own compliance requirements for conversion systems sold within the state. For information about California’s requirements, see the CARB Aftermarket, Performance, and Add-On Parts Regulations website. Note that several other states that have adopted the same regulations.
For more information on aftermarket system and device evaluation, see the following websites: • AFDC Vehicle Conversions • Fact Sheet: Devices and Additives to Improve Fuel Economy and Reduce Pollution—Do They Really Work? • Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information: “Gas-Saving” Products
Check with your state environmental or energy department to confirm whether they have similar programs.
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Partner Focus Article courtesy of XL Hybrids
Hybrid Electric Technology Gaining Fast Traction with
Commercial and Government Fleets Despite falling gas prices, fleets are increasing their adoption of hybrid electric vehicles. XL Hybrids, the pioneering developer of hybrid electric powertrain technology for commercial and municipal fleets, notes that the company’s XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System has been installed in fleet vehicles for the Coca-Cola Company, Liberty Utilities, Pepsico, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas, Johnson Controls and other leading companies. “Our customers enjoy easy adoption of the technology because there is no driver training, no special fueling stations or plug-ins required,” said Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids co-founder and vice president. “Our customers have driven over five million combined road miles in fleet vehicles upfit with XL3 powertrains.”
Fleet managers can benefit from a quick payback. XL Hybrids’ commercial van hybrid electric powertrain costs less than $10,000. For a van fleet that has an average baseline of 10 miles per gallon and drives 25,000 miles per year per vehicle, that fleet can achieve a three-year payback. Some areas like Chicago and Maryland offer voucher programs that allow fleets to see a payback event faster. Additionally, the company now offers financing options that make it easier for fleets to transition to hybrid technology. Fleet managers have found the XL3 system is a simple, fail-safe solution. XL Hybrids’ technology requires only minimal modifications to the OEM vehicle and does not affect the OEM warranty.
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Provides a 25% increase in miles driven per-gallon* XL Hybrids gives van and shuttle fleets a simple solution for lowering operating costs and meeting sustainability goals. Our revolutionary XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive system is the lowestpriced, highest quality hybrid electric solution available today. Installs in 6 hours – new or retrofit vehicles Reduces CO2 emissions No driver training needed Financing now available!
Call: 617.718.0329 or email sales@xlhybrids.com
xlhybrids.com | Simple. Smart. Sustainable.
OZINGA AWARDED CLEAN CITIES CLEAN FUEL CHAMPION
The 4th generation family run concrete mixing business has been added to the list of energy efficient, environmentally friendly companies Ozinga Bros., Inc., the Midwest’s premier supplier of ready mix concrete, was announced as the Chicago Area Clean Cities Clean Fuel Champion at the coalition’s annual December meeting held at the Danada House in Wheaton, IL. “The Clean Fuel Champion award is given to an individual, fleet, organization or business that goes above and beyond in meeting the Clean Cities mission. Usually, the recipient goes to a group who promotes alternative fuel, uses domestic fuel or reduces petroleum usage,” says Darwin Burkhart, chair of Chicago Area Clean Cities and Clean Air Program Manager of the Illinois EPA. Previous award recipients include Trillium CNG, the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Groot Industries and Congressman Mark Kirk.
is quite an accomplishment for us to say that we’ve displaced nearly three million gallons of diesel fuel,” says Marketing Communications Director, Tim Ozinga. In 2011, Ozinga began implementing a fleet of natural gas mixing trucks and were the first concrete mixing company in the country to do so with alternative fuels. Today, they have 100 CNG mixing trucks and 50 CNG support vehicles. The company reports they have reduced petroleum consumption by over three million gasoline gallon equivalents to date. Ozinga expanded their company by forming Ozinga Energy, a subsidiary that oversees four public CNG fueling stations located in Chicago, Mokena, Des Plains and Gary, IN. Ozinga has plans to add more CNG mixing trucks to their fleet and expand their CNG fuel stations to other Midwest locations in 2015.
“It’s definitely a great honor to win this award! It’s a validation to some of the work we’ve been doing. It
Samantha Bingham | Chicago Area Clean Cities | samantha.bingham@cityofchicago.org | 312-744-8096
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l a l l s ta r s ! e u f e iv t a n h e s e a lt e r t w o n k o t get in Each edition this year, Drive Shaft will introduce you to Clean Cities coordinators and our working partners of all kinds across the U.S. WANT a chance TO WIN A KINDLE FIRE HDX? If you know who our mystery guest in the middle is, simply Tweet your guess to @FuelsFix. you must include the hashtag #guesswho in your Tweet. One winner from all correct guesses will be randomly selected at the end of the year!
sam spofforth
? Guess who ?
stacy neef
Husband, Father, Buckeye
Friendly, Helpful, Chill
Energetic, Connected, Task/goal oriented
Make: Clean Fuels Ohio
Make: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Make: Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance, the Clean Cities Coalition Serving Central Texas
model: Executive Director year: 1999 stat: I have coached travel baseball teams (mainly my sons’) for six years. learn more: www.CleanFuelsOhio.org I’m also a big personal fan of Amory Lovins and Rocky Mountain Institute: www.RMI.org.
model: Project Leader
model: Executive Director
year: 2007 stat: Loves to ride his bike, ski, camp, hike, visit breweries, and play his rogue on World of Warcraft. learn more: This mystery guest used to be the San Antonio Clean Cities coordinator and now runs DOE’s Clean Cities Natinal Parks Initiative.
year: 2001 stat: Stacy raises horses and actively competes in Reining throughout the year. learn more: www.lonestarcfa.org
Tweetsfix @Fuel ess! to gu
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day care fleet runs hybrid electric Square One, a fleet that serves low income children in Springfield, Massachusetts, successfully converted five passenger vans to hybrid technology. The conversions will provide fuel and cost savings as well as greenhouse gas emissions reductions for the non-profit organization.
These savings are important due to the fact that the transportation sector accounts for 37% of greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change. The Global Warming Solutions Act aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Through a partnership between the Department of Energy Resources, Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the XL Hybrids retrofits will reduce fuel consumption by 25%, saving Square One over 2,700 gallons of gasoline annually and close to $10,000 per year at current prices.
The XL Hybrids installations add an electric motor, a lithium ion battery pack and control software to the vehicle while retaining the van’s internal combustion engine and transmission. The hybrid system saves fuel through regenerative braking, a process by which the electric motor helps slow the vehicle when drivers brake, charging the battery. The battery then releases the energy to the electric motor, helping accelerate the vehicle from a stop.
Square One’s vans pick up over 1,000 low income children daily and deliver them to day care centers throughout Springfield. MassDEP provided funds for the hybrid installations from penalty fees collected under regulations that restrict engine idling in the Commonwealth.
For more information about XL Hybrids visit www.xlhybrids.com.
Stephen Russell | Massachusetts Clean Cities | stephen.russell@sate.ma.us | 617-626-7325
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clean cities tv Clean Cities TV is the educational media channel of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, which advances the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.
National parks turn to propane for powerful, clean performance that will help preserve their beauty for generations to come.
In 2014, the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities coalition partnered with local car dealers in an effort to spread awareness for electric vehicles.
youtube.com/Cleancitiestv FuelsFix.com
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cover story
Electric Movement
in Downtown Lou isville “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still,” - Franklin D. Roosevelt The year was 1889. The first electric streetcar line began operation in Louisville, Kentucky. Then in the 1940s Louisville Transit moved from electric to diesel buses, converted trolleys to operate on compressed natural gas in 1996, began purchasing hybrid electric buses in 2004 and tried biodiesel along the way as well. Fast forward to January 2015. The Transit Authority of River City (TARC), the largest transit system in the state with a fleet of 225, is adding 10 all-electric Proterra ZeroBuses. Charging system installation and driver and technician training are complete, and passengers are now enjoying trips aboard these colorful, quiet, zero-emissions vehicles throughout downtown Louisville. Historic replica, diesel-powered trolleys are the highest polluting vehicles in the TARC fleet. The ZeroBus vehicles are operating on the same routes that used to feature the trolley buses. As the buses complete each trip on their downtown routes they stop for a quick three- to four-minute charge while passengers load and unload. The bus docks beneath the high-capacity charge head automatically. The bus operator simply makes sure the bus is lined up correctly. There are two Eaton system DC Quick Chargers located in downtown Louisville as well as a charging system at TARC’s maintenance facility. 16
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Charging the ZeroBus is simple! The bus stops for three to four minutes while passengers load and unload. The buses dock beneath these high capacity chargers automatically, and drivers only need to make sure the bus is lined up with the charger.
Local, state and federal grants combined to enable TARC to move forward with the ZeroBus acquisition which had a price tag of $11 million. With annual savings of $110,000 on fuel and $200,000 on maintenance, TARC expects to save $2.45 million over the 16-year life of the ZeroBus fleet. Traveling on the ZeroBus will be free as well. “We support the development of electric motive power that can be up to five times more efficient
than diesel power. We think this technology could replace diesel and hybrid diesel transit buses within 10 years,” said J. Barry Barker, Executive Director of TARC. TARC, Eaton and Proterra are all members of the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Louisville that houses the Kentucky Clean Cities Partnership.
TARC’s ZeroBuses serve downtown Louisville, and passengers ride for free.
melissa howell | Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition | mhowell@kentuckycleanfuels.org | 502-452-9152
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Low Pressure is the
Game-Changing Future for Natural Gas Vehicles
Rainy conditions in Texas didn’t dampen the interest of stakeholders to see the latest technology for CNG: the low-pressure CNG tank! Building on almost three decades of science, Adsorbed Natural Gas Products, Inc. (ANGP) is working towards the first commercially viable, low-pressure adsorbed natural gas (ANG) technology-based system for all classes of motor vehicles and brought their adapted F150 to San Marcos, Texas, in November 2014. Stored at 900 psi (and below), a highly porous adsorbent material is used to densely store natural gas molecules under very low pressure compared to CNG. Under controlled depressurization, these molecules release and exit the storage system in response to the demand of the vehicle’s engine. Robert A. Bonelli, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of ANGP, presented on the many game-changing aspects of the adaptable lowpressure fuel tanks filled with absorbent material.
Bob told the interested crowd of attendees, “The creation of non-traditional tanks with varying capacities opens up additional tank space options, not only on the vehicle, but also in the infrastructure.” Specific aspects of this low-pressure technology include: • Significantly lower capital needed for fueling infrastructure (a minimum of 40% for most applications) • Superior fueling operational and maintenance economics (a savings in the U.S. estimated at $0.20 to $0.30 per gallon equivalent) • Conformity with the vehicle (better use of space displaced on the vehicle) ANGP has partnered with the University of Missouri, Midwest Solutions, MWV Specialty Chemicals and Westvaco Corporation for the entire project. For more information visit www.angpinc.com.
Pictured is a 2.5 gallon tank of 900 psi. The tank is equipped with a fuel nozzle adapter to pass the pressure from the dispenser (3600psi) down to 900 psi.
Stacy Neef | Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance | stacy.neef@lonestarcfa.org | 512-773-8794
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WISCONSIN SMART FLEET PROGRAM
WORKS TO REDUCE PETROLEUM DEPENDENCE ACROSS WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Clean Cities (WCC) and the Wisconsin State Energy Office (SEO) have partnered together to create a program to help fleets across the state of Wisconsin reduce their carbon footprint and meet their internal economic goals through the implementation of alternative fuels and technologies. The Wisconsin Smart Fleet (WSF) Program is funded through a two-year U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant, “Forwarding Wisconsin’s Fuel Choice.” The program sets out to provide fleets with an alternative fuels assessment and planning tools to assist in outlining the alternative fuels options available to each individual fleet. Fleets targeted for the program have already implemented or will be implementing the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles and technologies, and other
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petroleum reduction measures. Currently, there are 27 inaugural fleets that are part of the program, but starting in January 2015, this program will open to all fleets across the state of Wisconsin. Before fleets enter the WSF Program, they go through a three-step rating process: • Gather Data: Fleets are asked to share information about their vehicles and equipment, internal policies and incentives, fuel usage, and future vehicle acquisitions • Fleet Analysis: A program associate from WCC will initiate an information gathering session to gain greater insight into the fleet’s needs, daily operations, geography, etc. • Recommendations and Ratings: WCC analyze the data collected and a meeting is set up to discuss recommendations and the WSF rating structure.
Fleets within the program have the opportunity to benefit from promotion, education and outreach initiatives WCC and the SEO will provide statewide. For some fleets, the program provides an opportunity to show they are taking strides to contribute to a green supply chain, and for others it can contribute to significant cost savings, but for most it will provide valuable information to move forward. Being a part of the Wisconsin Smart Fleet Program means that an organization or agency is genuinely putting forth effort and time towards making their vehicles and equipment more environmentally
friendly. In other words, they are working to reduce harmful emissions, increase energy security and contribute towards a growing economy in Wisconsin. For more information on the Wisconsin Smart Fleet program, or if you are interested in becoming a Wisconsin Smart Fleet, visit www.wismartfleet.org, or contact Lorrie Lisek, executive director of Wisconsin Clean Cities, lorrie.lisek@wicleancities.org or 414-221-4958.
Facing page: Kwik Trip’s Fleet, gas station and convenience store chain, alternatively fueled by compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and biodiesel. Above left: Dane County, second most populous county in Wisconsin and home to the state capital, Madison, displays their snow plows. Above right: Time Transport, a same-day freight service provider, uses semi-tractors that are alternatively fueled by compressed natural gas.
Tim Verbeke | Wisconsin Clean Cities | tim.verbeke@wicleancities.org | 414-221-2175
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utah fleet turns to
propane autogas
Blue Star Gas, a member of Utah Clean Cities Coalition, has worked with local fleets to implement the use of propane autogas in order to reduce the use of petroleum and help clean the air in Utah’s nonattainment areas. Family-owned Superior Water and Air, a well-known West Valley City, Utah business that has been operating for more than 55 years, is days away from celebrating their one year anniversary since converting 29 service vehicles to run on clean-burning propane autogas. The company, who services over 80,000 homes per year, partnered with Blue Star Gas, one of the West Coast’s largest propane distributors, in attempt to reduce their carbon footprint in Salt Lake City. The added benefits of converting their service vehicles included reducing their reliance on foreign oil, cutting their fuel budget and improving their bottom line. According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane-autogas-powered vehicles can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% and reduce smog-producing hydrocarbon emissions by an estimated 40% in light-duty vehicles compared with gasoline-fueled vehicles. Superior Water and Air will be eliminating 139,390 pounds of greenhouse gases annually, and will save on average $1.60 per gallon over gasoline.
Superior Water and Air converted 29 service vehicles to run on propane autogas, eliminating greenhouse gases and saving on fuel costs at the same time.
With the continued help of Blue Star Gas and Utah Clean Cities, propane is making a comeback in Utah, with locals looking to Superior Water and Air as an example for the possibility of making the switch to alternative fuels to help the economy, drive cost savings and to participate in the reduction of petroleum use in the nation.
sophia jackson | Utah Clean Cities | sophia.jackson@utahcleancities.org | 801-535-7736
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Do you know about the that are
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Check out the Alternative Fuel Data Center’s Tools page to help assist fleets, fuel providers, and stakeholders. Click here to get started!
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pennsylvania’s natural gas resources get a boost EP-ACT has been awarded $250,000 by the Pennsylvania state Department of Environmental Protection for their project, The Southeastern Pennsylvania CNG Vehicle Conversion Initiative. This project will introduce CNG to southeastern Pennsylvania by showcasing some of the region’s most recognizable companies who have their own fleets using CNG as a motor fuel. The five project partners include two of Pennsylvania’s largest petroleum marketers; Sunoco and Wawa, for their initial foray into converting their own fleets to CNG; PECO, a local utility that has re-entered the CNG vehicle conversion market after a five-year hiatus; AAA, who has entered the CNG conversion market within the past year; and a private partner, Shearon Design, a golf course designer and builder who will begin converting their fleet of close to 200 construction vehicles.
more than 151,000 gallons of gasoline per year, which equates to eliminating more than 665 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The combined 31 new vehicles purchased from this project will be a catalyst for the partners to begin converting close to 2,500 total vehicles in their respective fleets. The project’s overarching goal is to spur the use of the state’s natural gas resources in the transportation sector. This project’s partners are dedicated to helping by introducing CNG into their fleets, showing the commitment needed to make this a success but also demonstrating how many businesses can achieve a return on investment by using CNG. This project is important to the region because it shows that petroleum marketers who have long resisted alternatives to gasoline and diesel have come full circle and are now willing to show that natural gas is a viable, plentiful, proven fuel even within their own fleet of vehicles.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania CNG Vehicle Conversion Initiative’s combined petroleum displacement is
Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation (EP-ACT) formerly The Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities Program (GPCCP) has been assisting fleets with their transition to alternative fuels for more than 20 years. A DOE-sponsored organization and part of the national Clean Cities network, GPCCP has recently been re-designated to expand its territory, now covering 34 central and eastern counties in Pennsylvania. Along with the expansion, new name and website (www.ep-act.org), EP-ACT will continue helping private and public fleets and municipalities with displacing petroleum and improving energy security in central and eastern Pennsylvania.
Tony Bandiero | Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation | director@phillycleancities.org | 215-990-8200
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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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Founded in 1992, the NAFTC is a program of West Virginia University and consists of National Training Centers located nationwide from Maine to California. Each center provides Training with Impact through its experienced instructors and realworld shop facilities. Numerous other members from secondary schools, small businesses, government, and industry also support the NAFTC’s mission. More than 1,700 courses have been conducted by the NAFTC, resulting in more than 33,000 technicians trained on AFVs and advanced technology vehicles.
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Alabama’s
largest, public CNG station
opens in Dothan Drivers whose cars and trucks run on compressed natural gas now have a new place to fill up in southeast Alabama. On October 29th, Corridor Clean Fuels LLC celebrated the opening of Dothan’s first CNG station. The station at 735 Ross Clark Circle is the largest public-access CNG fueling spot in Alabama. “When we surveyed Alabama we looked at a dozen or so sites throughout the state,” said Dan Johnson, CEO of Corridor Clean Fuels. “Dothan quickly moved to the forefront because of the large number of vehicles traveling in and through the area”. Mark Bentley, executive director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, said projects such as Dothan’s new CNG station are critical for the U.S. to increase its energy independence.
The station, which is selling CNG at an initial cost of $1.98 per gasoline gallon equivalent, represents a partnership of three Alabama companies: Corridor Clean Fuels, Home Oil Co., and the Southeast Alabama Gas District. “We think CNG will grow rapidly in adoption over the next five to 10 years,” said Tim Shirley, president of Home Oil Co. “This partnership with Corridor Clean Fuels allows us to diversify our fueling options and gain traction as the market for natural gas fueling develops.” “This new station will serve existing CNG customers, and we believe it will encourage other individuals, businesses and government agencies to consider natural gas as an option,” said Randy Spence, chief operating officer of Corridor Clean Fuels. The price of natural gas is just one of its advantages as a transportation fuel. It also emits less nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and greenhouse gas than petroleum. In addition, almost all of the natural gas used in the U.S. is produced in the U.S. “We are very excited to play a role in moving our country toward a cleaner, domestic, less expensive choice for fueling the transportation industry,” said Greg Henderson, president and CEO of the Southeast Alabama Gas District. “We believe projects such as this will play a key role in the widespread development and adoption of natural gas as a transportation fuel.” Following the station’s grand opening, a well-attended workshop, facilitated by Alabama Clean Fuels and Cynergy, was conducted on the advantages of CNG as a transportation fuel. To learn more about compressed natural gas, visit the AFDC’s natural gas page.
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Lower left: A Cynergy big rig stops to fuel at the new CNG pumps. Above: A ribbon cutting ceremony marks the official opening of the new Corridor Clean Fuels station.
mark bentley | Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition | mark@alabamacleanfuels.org | 205-402-2755
happenings
Clean Cities coordinators from across the U.S. recently gathered at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for their annual peer exchange which works to strengthen Clean Cities as a whole. Here are some highlights:
Above: Mark Bentley (pictured) and Phillip Wiedmeyer of Alabama Clean Fuels were inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame. Right: Barry Carr of Clean Communities of Central New York was awarded the Benjamin Watson Leadership Award. Wendy Lucht of Ocean State Clean Cities presented the award. 28
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Bill Sheaffer of Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition achieved greatest total petroleum reduction numbers. DOE Clean Cities codirector Linda Bluestein presented the award.
Southeast regional manager Trev Hall presents Jennifer Satterthwaite of Palmetto State Clean Fuels Coalition with an award for most improved petroleum reduction.
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Republic services turns to CNG As Louisiana Clean Fuels begins our 15th year as a Clean Cities Coalition, we are proud to share the story of one of our newest alternative fuel fleets. Republic Services, operating in and around Baton Rouge, is bringing environmentally friendly and quieter CNG trucks to their operations in Louisiana. Republic Services merged with Allied Waste in 2008 and is in the process of converting their fleet of trucks to compressed natural gas (CNG) by next year. “There are two main reasons we are converting our fleet to CNG,” said Calvin Ray, general manager. “One, it was the right thing to do for the environment, and second, the CNG trucks are extremely quiet and it makes it much better for the neighborhoods and apartment complexes.” Another reason for converting is economic sense. CNG is a more cost efficient, cleaner fuel,
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so it burns cleaner, there are fewer oil changes and it is not as hard on the engines. Another strong point for CNG trucks is that after a disaster, such as a hurricane, the trucks can still operate and Republic doesn’t have to search for available diesel. Currently, Republic has a total of 137 trucks, 40 of which are CNG, and they will add 37 more CNG trucks in the spring. The CNG trucks are automatic side loaders, which are one-person trucks with hydraulic lifts. Republic’s goal is to be a self-sufficient operation, and they even constructed a CNG fueling station with 40 fueling ports. Republic also has a fast fueling CNG station in case a truck needs to fuel quickly. The next phase of the expansion will begin next
31st ANNUAL
spring when they will increase the number of fueling ports to 114 to accommodate all of the trucks. Their CNG system is managed by Clean Energy and is totally automatic with dial out wireless controllers. Energy efficiency, working with a new technology, cost effectiveness and benefits to the environment are the positive aspects of CNG use that Republic is now able to enjoy. Republic Services is an active member and supporting stakeholder of Louisiana Clean Fuels.
PROMOTING
INNOVATION CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY Ann Vail Shaneyfelt & Lauren Lambert-Tompkins
Louisiana Clean Fuels Coalition | info@louisianacleanfuels.org 225-342-7972
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The 2014 DOE Clean Cities Coordinator Peer Exchange was hosted in Golden, Colorado at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This photo was taken at Mount Falcon Park.
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