Pipeline B5: What are the Pros and Cons?

Fuels Fix
SOUTHEASTERN
SUMMER 2009 - FuelsFix.com
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE OF THE FIX
Blender Pumps • Propane Partners • Biodiesel Myths: BUSTED
Raleigh One of the First for Project Get Ready
Alt Fuels Training Comes to Alabama
TSE Coming to Rowan County
We Googled “Clean Cities” - Where Did Your Coalition Turn Up?
Pipeline B5: What are the Pros and Cons?
EZINE INNARDS
Propane Focus
4
The ethanol industry is
seeking to do the same
thing the petroleum
industry has been doing
for years to help provide
retailers a pathway for
growth.
11
BY CRYSTELLE MARKEY AND JIM COKER
CleanFUEL USA continues to develop technically advanced
engine and fueling systems and Metro Lawn provides solutions to
the pollution caused by lawn and garden equipment.
Pipeline B5
6
BY RANDY JENNINGS, AL CHRISTOPHER, TOMMY HUNT,
STEVE RILEY, AND MARK MAUSS
The Fix asks the southeastern Actors for Change how they feel
about increasing movement of biodiesel through pipelines.
Clean Cities Connections
8
BY OUR SOUTHEASTERN ALT FUEL PARTNERS
Meet the supporters of the Southeastern Fuels Fix!
Raleigh One of the First for Project Get Ready
THE FIX EDITORS
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Jonathan Overly
East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition
jgoverly@utk.edu
Chelsea Jenkins
Virginia Clean Cities
cjenkins@hrccc.org
THE FIX DESIGNERS
Jacob Krekorian, www.krekura.com
Jonathan Overly, Chelsea Jenkins
FuelsFix.com
BY KATHY BOYER
Rocky Mountain Institute invites Raleigh as one of first three cities
in nation to prepare for the introduction of plug-ins.
Keepin’ it Sunny in Florida
10
BY BILL YOUNG
Florida is working on an electric vehicle initiative and is charging
NEVs with PV power systems.
National FFV Awareness Campaign
12
BY BURL HAIGWOOD
FFV Club of America helps after press, tent, ribbons and VIP
speakers are gone.
The Southeastern Fuels Fix is published
quarterly and produced by the U.S. DOE
Clean Cities Program coalitions in the
southeastern United States.
Advertising information may be obtained
Clean Cities 15th Anniversary
13
by contacting either of the editors. All
BY STEVEN RICHARDSON
Our southeastern fearless leader discusses the March 4 event
that celebrated 15 years of Clean Cities successes.
advertising revenue goes to coalitions
to help maintain activities focused on
putting alternative fuel and efficient
transportation technologies on the streets
in the southeastern U.S.
2
Clean Cities Supported by ICF International
14
BY STACY NOBLET
If you don’t already know about ICF, you need to know.
Opportunity Meets Preparation
BY CHELSEA JENKINS
New opportunities and challenges have positioned Virginia
Clean Cities and stakeholders well.
15
East Tennessee Peaks and Valleys
BY JONATHAN OVERLY
The Run for Clean Air, Biodiesel ups and downs, and an electric
boat is plying the waters of East Tennessee.
18
TARC Adds HEV Buses to Fleet
BY MELISSA HOWELL
The Transit Authority of River City brings 12 hybrid electric transit
buses to Louisville.
19
PERC’s propane road
shows provide a chance
to “kick the tires”
22
Southeast Alt Fuels Matrix
BY SOUTHEAST COORDINATORS
Here lies our best information on public alternative fuel stations
across all nine states in our region.
19
Fleet Focus: Alliance AutoGas
BY HENRY BODIE OF BLOSSMAN GAS
Alliance AutoGas is working on turn-key platforms for fleets.
20
24
SC Hosts Annual Hydrogen Conference
BY AMY LAWRENCE
Over 1,000 researchers, manufacturers, gov’t and business
leaders attended the annual hydrogen conference in Columbia.
Biodiesel Myths: Busted
21
TSE Project Coming to Rowan County
BY JASON WAGER & SARAH NIESS
Charlotte Metro area breaks ground on areas first truck-stop
electrification project that will add 44 spaces.
23
AL’s National Training Center for Alt Fuels
BY MARK BENTLEY
Lawson State Community College is training techs how to install,
maintain and repair alternative fuel technologies.
25
PIX Pages
BY SOUTHEAST COORDINATORS
Take a look at what southeastern coordinators and their
stakeholders have been up to.
Thornton’s holds grand
opening of second E85
site in Kentucky, and has
highway signage!
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SUMMER FIX 2009 |
3
PROPANE FOCUS
CleanFUEL USA On the Job
Contributed by Crystelle Markey, Sales & Marketing Coordinator
A visionary company since inception in 1993, CleanFUEL USA
is recognized by fleet managers, fuel equipment manufacturers
and distributors throughout the world for building safe and reliable
equipment that satisfies environmental regulations and U.S.
dependence on foreign oil.
programs, CleanFUEL USA provides the “Total Alternative Fuel
Solution” with superior economic and environmental advantages.
Visit: http://cleanfuelusa.com.
CleanFUEL USA’s most recent ventures include a partnership with
Conoco Phillips to increase propane infrastructure throughout the
United States. Atlanta will serve as the first of many cities where
CleanFUEL USA will be opening up service centers for propane
vehicles as well as increasing fueling sites for alternative fuel
vehicles. CleanFUEL USA continues to engineer and develop
their Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system for several upcoming
applications including the GM 6.0L engine and has also signed
an agreement to distribute Impco conversion kits as a propane
bi-fuel option. The Blue Bird Propane Vision school bus, equipped
with the LPI system, continues to be a popular option for school
districts nationwide.
Fleets across the US are encouraged by the increase in
alternative fuel offerings and CleanFUEL USA is working diligently
to play a key role in developing technologically advanced propane
engine and fueling systems. From fuel and refueling infrastructure
to station equipment, engine systems and fleet management
Go Green. Save Green. Metro Lawn
Contributed by Jim Coker, Heritage Propane & Metro Lawn
Metro Lawn is a division of Heritage Propane, the nation’s
third largest propane company. Millions of Americans have
been using propane (Liquid Petroleum Gas/LPG) for over
100 years. Many today have propane grills on their back
decks or patio’s for those nice evening grill outs. What many
people do not know is that propane is the third largest engine fuel in the world and in 1990 was added as an alternative engine fuel by the Clean Air Act.
Metro Lawn wants to combat one of the nation’s largest polluters, Lawn and Garden Equipment, which are estimated
to produce up to 10 percent of the nation’s pollution. Some
have estimated that one conventional lawn mower (3.5 hp)
pollutes as much in an hour as 40 late model cars. To add to
this problem, it is said that 17 million gallons are spilled each
year from overfilling this equipment, which is more oil than
was spilled by the Exxon Valdez in Prince William Sound off
the Alaskan coast.
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Heritage Propane is working on a new Engine Fuels Program,
and believes that in order for propane mowers to be accepted,
the consumer must have a cost effective product, a good experience using the equipment, and support from
the manufacturer and
propane industry.
Metro Lawn will support
your efforts in conversions and new mowers
with our technical staff,
while supporting your
fuel needs. If you would
like to learn more, you can contact me at 865-850-2277 or go to
www.gogreenmetrolawn.com.
www.gogreenmetrolawn.com
ȑ
SOUTHEASTERN
SCUTTLEBUTT
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GEFA has funded 34 public biofuel pumps in the last two years,
and plans to fund even more.
Can you see that I’m smiling?
Don Francis Atlanta
The Knoxville Electric Vehicle Association (KEVA) has started and
an excited team is forming to
collaborate on pushing EVs here.
Jonathan Overly East Tennessee
We’ve got good biodiesel use in
our area, but we are going to
use our upcoming biodiesel workshop to kick it into high gear.
Bill Young Space Coast, FL
I believe Abraham Lincoln
said, “I will
prepare, and
one day my
chance will
come.” I think
many have been
preparing for
some time, and
now our chance
has come. It’s
an extraordinary time for
us in the alternative fuel
world, and I’m
excited to see
how our passion
and dedication
unfolds on this
new road we
are fashioning.
Chelsea Jenkins
Virginia
I’m over “stimulated.”
Mark Bentley Alabama
Our propane
workshop is
paying off
as interest
in propane
vehicles is
really
ramping up.
Amy Lawrence
South Carolina
I'd put my money on
solar energy... I hope
we don't have to wait
'til oil and coal run
out before we tackle
that.
Thomas Edison, in
conversation with
Henry Ford and
Harvey Firestone
March 1931
Georgia is turning trash into treasure. From pine trees or
landfill waste to ethanol, we are striving to meet our energy
needs in a renewable way.
Charise Stephens Middle Georgia
KY is targeting projects with stakeholders
based in Louisville but nationwide in scope UPS, Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Long John
Silvers, Pizza Hut, A&W) and Whayne Power
Systems (Caterpillar, Thomas Built Buses)...
these projects can be replicated!
Melissa Howell Kentucky
If House Bill 906 passes ($2,000
for any dedicated alt fuel vehicle), I’ll scream with joy!
Kathy Boyer Triangle (NC)
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
5
Pipeline B5: Moving
to Greater Use of
and Blending of
Biodiesel Upstream
of the Terminal
The Fix posed the following question to some
of our partners and southeastern Actors for
Change with regard to greater movement
of biodiesel in U.S. pipelines: “What are the
pros and cons of such action, considering the
southeast?” Here’s what we received.
target blends. Downstream blenders will need
to look for information on their Product Transfer
Documents for an indication of biodiesel content,
and may need to specifically ask their suppliers
for a confirmation of any biodiesel in the fuel.
Alternatively, there are numerous rapid field test
instruments available that marketers may wish
to purchase to verify the presence of biodiesel in
their base fuel prior to blending.
For biodiesel growth as a whole, I feel that
the pros are more important than the cons
on this issue, and the daily use of biodiesel in
conventional diesel fuel will strengthen the industry.
The recent demonstration of a
successful delivery of a B5 biodiesel
blend batch on Plantation Pipeline
represents a tremendous leap forward
for the mainstream commercialization
of biodiesel. As we all know, our
distribution system is based upon
fungible pipeline deliveries, and the
potential for success of any fuel will
be enhanced if that fuel finds a place
in this system.
Randy Jennings
Biofuels Administrator, Tennessee
Department of
Agriculture
Since the 2008 revision of ASTM D
975 incorporated up to five percent
biodiesel, B5 is by definition diesel
fuel. The United States consumes
Nashville, TN
about 40 billion gallons of diesel fuel
each year. In 2007, we consumed
about 450 million gallons of biodiesel.
If B5 could move forward as the default diesel fuel
formulation, the same way that E10 is moving forward for
gasoline, the consumption for biodiesel as B5 alone would
grow to 2 billion gallons per year – quite an increase from
where we are today. Current U.S. production capacity for
biodiesel is about 2.69 billion gallons per year, so I’m sure
that our producers are very excited about this step forward.
What are the negatives of both pipeline distribution and
B5 and lower injections at the rack? Potential blenders
downstream will need to be aware that the diesel fuel
that they plan to use for blending may already contain
biodiesel, and that will need to be accounted for as they
calculate the amount of biodiesel to use to reach their
6
I have ambivalent feelings about the
consequences of pipeline distribution
of biodiesel. On the one hand,
biodiesel can better compete on a
price and quality basis with petroleum
equivalents if producers and
distributors are able to use the same
well-developed distribution network
available to petroleum producers and
distributors. Fuel distributors are more
likely to promote biodiesel blends if
they can obtain them from the same
Al Christopher
terminals where they load petroleum
Director, Division
fuels and at very close to the same
of Energy, Virginia
price. Terminal access to biodiesel is
Dept. of Mines,
Minerals and Energy more likely to become widespread if
Richmond, VA
it can be shipped by pipeline, which
probably will result in more injection
blending, which solves one of the tougher quality issues
and costs for distributors of biodiesel blends.
But is the volume of biodiesel usage great enough to
justify pipeline distribution in more than a handful of
markets? The answer now, I think, is no. It is possible that
the answer will continue to be—or possibly should be—no
for quite some time to come. One of the potential benefits
of biodiesel production is that it can be accomplished on a
sustainable (distributed production) scale, avoiding great
transport distances for raw materials and distribution of
co-products and improving the fuel’s energy balance.
Pipeline distribution could have the downside of disrupting
markets now served by small producers. One might say
that is an acceptable price to pay if large-scale economies
of scale ever are to be reached. But is it desirable or even
possible to commoditize biodiesel on anything near the
scale of petroleum?
Tommy Hunt
CEO & President,
Calloway Oil Co.
I have to say I am excited that five
percent of the ULSD product in Kinder
Morgan pipelines has the chance to
be produced by the American farmer
and not by an Arab in a desert or
bought from a nationally owned oil
company run by a dictator who hates
America. The ability to ship B5 on
Kinder Morgan will make this blend
commercially viable immediately IF
the price of the base stock remains
commercially competitive compared to
petroleum diesel.
not affect the engine performance or warranty.
6. Biodiesel mixed at the refinery and transported via
pipeline would attain a greater level of blending than the
traditional splash-drop method used at times by local fuel
distributors.
7. In the future, the refineries and B100 manufacturers
could develop a pipeline system that could link the many
small B100 distillers around the country with the regional
refineries. In essence it would be a reverse pipeline to the
fuel refineries. This would eliminate the need to transport
the B100 via conventional trucking methods.
8. Regional refinery blending would stabilize the production
levels of smaller B100 manufacturers whose local markets
fluctuate greatly.
9. An efficient and reliable supply of “pipelined” B5 could be
legislated as a required fuel for certain areas of the country.
You cannot legislate its use if there is not a consolidated
and constant supply.
10. Overall, a stable and central market for B100 should
bring down the price of biofuels while encouraging the
startup of new biorefineries.
Maryville, TN
I am disappointed as a distributor
since the product I buy will already be
blended and I will lose the RINS value. The Southeast will
have the advantage of cheaper freight by using this blend
in the pipeline, which should increase fleet acceptance and
decrease air pollution. It is also bound to help our foreign
trade deficit. Any producer of biodiesel along the pipeline
who is close to a breakout terminal has to be excited about
the opportunity it gives him to market his products all
the way to the East Coast. It is a good move for both the
biodiesel industry and the motoring public in my opinion.
Here are my unordered thoughts on
the issue of B5 in the pipelines.
1. Will provide a centralized B100 bulk
storage facility at the refinery. This
alone would reduce the uncertainty
of the biodiesel market for the
manufacturers and serve as a reliable
one-stop-shop for B100 product sales.
2. Facilitate the widespread use of
biodiesel. In parts of the country with
nonattainment or other air pollution
issues, B5 could be distributed as the
Steve Riley
normal summer blend, similar to E10
Fleet Manager,
gasoline.
City of Atlanta
3. Reduces transportation and
Atlanta, GA
distribution costs incurred by the
biodiesel manufacturer.
4. B5 has been found to be completely reliable in the
southeast (no cold flow problems when properly blended).
5. B5 is endorsed by most (if not all) major vehicle
manufacturers (such as Ford) as a viable fuel mix that will
The Kinder Morgan announcement
of moving biodiesel through the
pipeline is great news for the biodiesel
industry. It is validation that the fuel is
proven for mainstream use. Pipeline
transportation is a natural step for
biodiesel helping to reduce our
dependence on foreign oil and build
national energy security. The move,
however, brings political and practical
challenges. Several states are
deliberating legislation to effectively
ban blending of biodiesel outside the
Mark Mauss
terminal, which would concentrate the
CEO & President,
power and, therefore, the profits, with
SunsOil, LLC
Athens, TN
the majors. Enactment of such a law
would clearly stand against functioning
free markets, against the interests of
the American people and against national energy security.
Pipeline movement also raises a practical question
of blending biodiesel with pipeline “diesel.” Typically,
distributors can sell up to B5 without special labeling, and
blends coming through the pipeline are expected to be
B5 or lower. So it is essential that terminals identify the
biodiesel blend and the properties of the original B100 to
ensure proper handling and use downstream. Otherwise
distributors may unknowingly further blend and sell B10
with unknown properties. Let’s applaud pipeline movement
of biodiesel while working to ensure the informed use and
availability of high-quality fuel outside the terminals.
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
7
CLEAN CITIES CONNECTIONS
“Our Project Partners... Your Project Partners”
Renewable and clean,
www.gogreenmetrolawn.com
Real Propane
Fuel Solutions.
We’ll provide a
FUEL PROGRAM
to help you go green
and save green.
Here’s how. Metro Lawn:
1. has local suppliers.
2. provides special tanks which
help (a) control your cost and (b)
lower your maintenance costs.
3. will provide fuel YOUR way.
4. provides technical support for;
propane safety training,
fuel system support and
support on conversion.
Do you have a FlexFuel Vehicle?
We need your help.
Biodiesel is one of the
nation’s most promising
fuel alternatives and is
helping to reduce
less greenhouse
gas emissions
America’s dependency
on foreign oil.
more
en ine performance
___________________
Find out more at
www.biodiesel.org
Propane is the number
one alternative engine
fuel in the world. Find out
why at propane.com.
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 renewable fuels. Call (202) 289-3835, or
visit ethanolrfa.org.
Like a springtime breeze
bringing fresh purified air
clean fuels flow anew
a diversity
of cleaner, greener fuels are
blossoming nearby
winds of change blowing
in a southeasterly way
to rain clean fuels in
National FlexFuel Vehicle
Awareness Project
What you can do for
yourself… and your country.
www.flexiblefuelvehicleclub.org
8
Renewable Fuels Association
One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 820
Washington, DC 20001
RALEIGH ONE OF THE FIRST FOR PROJECT GET READY
kathy boyer
central north carolina
po box 12276, research triangle park nc 27709
kboyer@tjcog.org - 919-558-9400
trianglecleancities.org
The City of Raleigh has been invited by the Rocky Mountain
Institute (RMI) to be one of the first three cities in the nation
to participate in Project Get Ready – a national effort to
prepare markets for the introduction of plug-in electric and
hybrid-electric vehicles (plug-ins). RMI and the City will be
joined by Advanced Energy, Progress Energy and from
various business, state, university and civic leaders in
developing a Raleigh Plug-In Readiness Charter, which will
include:
• Several cities are taking aggressive and excellent action
to implement plug-ins, but their approaches and lessons
learned aren’t coordinated.
1. How different stakeholders will work together,
2. Major milestones in several content areas, and
3. Identification of next steps and who will lead them.
Project Get Ready will:
Over 50 energy, state agency, municipal, and private
industry partners joined together in an initial facilitated
conversation on Thursday, February 19th. Partners heard
from the Rocky Mountain Institute, Raleigh City Manager
Julian Prosser, Progress Energy’s Mike Waters, and
Advanced Energy’s Jeff Barghout
on national efforts in this initiative,
and the status of production
plans by major automotive
manufacturers. Partners began to
identify strategic actions we can
take to be a plug-in pioneer.
What is Project Get Ready?
Bringing electrified vehicles,
advanced net-zero buildings,
and a smart renewable grid
together in innovative ways to
provide clean, cheap, and secure
mobility and electricity: that is the
vision of integrated, electrified transportation. Project Get
Ready is an initiative coordinated by RMI with the goal
of accelerating the arrival of plug-in vehicles by helping
communities get ready.
Project Get Ready solves four problems simultaneously:
• Regional leaders often ask, “how do I become a leader”
and we don’t have a great answer;
• OEMs are nervous that consumers won’t adopt plugins because the cars will be too strange (have early-stage
snafus), have high costs, and infrastructure won’t be in
place;
• Infrastructure is expensive. Who will pay?
These problems can be overcome if cities/regions become
ecosystems that welcome plug-ins. To create such an
ecosystem, incentives need to be implemented ranging
from financial incentives, “luxuries”, advertising, job training,
education, service, and more.
• Create a dynamic “menu” of strategic actions that city and
regional leaders can enact to be a plug-in pioneer, based
on input from technical advisers and cities already engaged
in implementing plug-ins. In this menu, RMI will analyze
the “business case” for each action from the perspective of
several key stakeholders (city gov’t, employers, consumers,
etc.)
• Provide a web database of all
national (and some international)
plug-in readiness activities (LINK).
• Work one-on-one with at least
5 cities on creating their coalitions
and charters.
• Convene at least 20 cities as well
as technical players regularly to
discuss their lessons learned and
best practices, and report these
conversations on our website and
materials. Some of our partner
cities will have their own plans
underway, others will be starting
from the ground up.
• Provide a benchmark that will
allow cities/regions to “prove” that they are ready for mass
adoption of plug-ins, and have taken meaningful steps to
support this critical green technology (this may take the
form of a seal of approval or certification like the LEED
system that gauges readiness).
• Document the progress made by participant cities in
order to help quantify future demand and make it more
transparent to industry (how much, where, and what type of
support to expect) for plug-ins.
• Provide helpful background and educational material on
plug-in readiness.
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
9
KEEPIN’ IT SUNNY IN FLORIDA
bill young
florida - space coast
1679 clearlake road, cocoa fl 32922-5703
young@fsec.ucf.edu - 321-638-1443
www.clean-cities.org
Florida Battery Beach Burnout
Competition among cars and drivers has excited people since cars
hit the road. NASCAR isn’t the only car event, as shown in Florida
on February 21st and 22nd. The Florida Electric Auto Association
(FLEAA) hosted the 4th Annual “Battery Beach Burnout”, an
electric drive vehicle competition, in Jupiter, FL at Florida Atlantic
University. The event consisted of multiple competitions involving
electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in
hybrids (PHEV), including an auto-cross, scooter-cross, vehicle
performance tests, Electrathon and a Show & Shine event.
This premier annual electric vehicle event in the Southeast was
free to the public. The purpose of Battery Beach Burnout was
to raise public and media awareness of the current state of
electric and hybrid vehicles and to educate people about ‘green’
alternative fuel vehicles. The event showcased and promoted
alternative energy technologies to power vehicles of the future to
solve our transportation, energy and air quality problems.
The FLEAA had approximately 80 vehicles participating and on
display throughout the weekend. Vehicles ranged from a beautiful
1920 Milburn Electric to the stylish new Tesla Roadster, from
modern show-room hybrids to A123/Hymotion converted Prius to
FPL’s Plug-in Hybrid Aerial Bucket trucks, and electric scooters to
Electrathons.
For the results of the event, go to the FLEAA Website:
http://floridaeaa.org/modules/content/index.php?id=9.
What a Sunny Idea
The sunshine state is using its most abundant resources to
power electric vehicles: the sun. The city of Eustis is installing a
photovoltaic (PV) power system to charge neighborhood electric
vehicles (NEV). The utility grid-tied PV system developed by
Rublab of Eustis has three charging station terminals for the
vehicles to plug into. Progress Energy will distribute the energy
back to the grid when the sun is shining and supply the energy
needed to charge vehicles plugged into the system any time
of the day as needed. The solar panels are being developed
by Advanced Solar Products of Lake Mary. This Florida project
sounds like a Rube Goldberg idea, but that is not only how Rublab
got its name it makes sense as locals drive their NEVs between
Mount Dora, Travares and Eustis each day, as oil cost rise like the
sun each morning.
A Florida Electric Vehicle Initiative
Fran and Ron Fahs started the Electric Vehicle Initiative as an
educational outreach program with the Florida Electric Auto
Association to make automotive students aware of electric drive
technologies. The Automotive Service Excellence Program (ASE)
provided training at many Florida Community Colleges. The
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Electric Vehicle Initiative team will visit many schools during their
6-week trek to Tallahassee to meet state representatives. You
can follow their daily activities through their blog at http:eviblog.
floridaeaa.org. They have attended the FLAEAA Battery Beach
Burnout (EV race and event), Indian River Community College and
Palm Beach Community College in their converted Toyota Prius
plug-in hybrid using a Hymotion kit.
ETHANOL FOCUS
Blender Pumps
Contributed by Robert White, Renewable Fuels Association
What if fuel retailers could offer drivers more choices at
the pump without adding expense? What if one of those
choices was an alternative fuel, like E30 or E85? These
are the questions America’s ethanol producers are asking
petroleum marketers and fuel retailers across the country.
The concept here is simple and one that has been used
by the petroleum industry for years: blender pumps. The
petroleum industry has successfully used blender pumps to
combine regular unleaded with premium gasoline at a 50/50
ratio to create a mid-grade product without the need for a
third storage tank. The ethanol industry is simply seeking to
do the same.
By blending denatured ethanol (or E85 – 85% ethanol, 15%
gasoline) and regular unleaded, a fuel retailer could then
offer regular unleaded, E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline)
and E85 for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) designed to use this
higher ethanol blend. In addition, retailers would also be
eligible for the blender tax credit otherwise known as the
Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, which puts them in
control of that federal funding (a positive for them versus
someone else controlling the blending and the credit). If
those incentives weren’t
enough, instead of
having a stand alone
E85 dispenser that only
a certain percentage of
customers can use, these
dispensers have a product
for everyone and every
engine type. If you need
fuel for your lawn mower
or your flex-fuel vehicle,
you are set. If prices are
such that you feel like you
can afford E30 in your
FFV at the moment but not
E85 (if ethanol prices are
temporarily high), then you
have that option. With no
blender pump, you do not
have that option.
to be produced, distributed and sold. Blender pumps not
only offer choices today, but provide retailers a pathway for
growth into the future. We are confident that the maximum
level for non-flex-fuel vehicles will increase at some point
above 10% ethanol. We also believe that more consumers
will want a blend between E10 and E85, like what we have
seen in the Midwest already. Blender pumps are a safe and
economical solution to both issues.
Gas stations of today will give way to refueling stations in
the future, providing consumers the choice at the pump they
deserve. Ethanol blender pumps are not only beginning
that transition, but also offer a way for retailers to capitalize
on the growing demand and production of renewable
alternatives to petroleum.
Robert White is the Director of Market Development for
the Renewable Fuels Association, the national trade
association for America’s ethanol industry. Follow his
activities via twitter at www.twitter.com/fuelinggood .
The blender pump image below is from a Zarco 66 station in Ottawa, Kansas. Note
the clearly displayed “Flex Fuel Vehicles Only” text, as well as the price differences.
As the country works
toward the requirements
of the Renewable Fuels
Standard - 36 billion
gallons of renewable fuel
use annually by 2022 more ethanol will need
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11
FLEXFUEL VEHICLE CLUB OF AMERICA LAUNCHES NATIONAL
FFV AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Burl Haigwood, President, FlexFuel Vehicle Club of America
202-441-2400; burl.haigwood@flexiblefuelvehicleclub.org
The FlexFuel Vehicle Club of America was
created to implement a national Flexible Fuel
Vehicle (FFV) Awareness campaign and build
a national database of FFVs owners and
alternative fuel enthusiasts to support biofuel
stakeholder organizations. The Club’s mission
will compliment and accelerate the existing
efforts of other stakeholders trying to increase
ethanol demand through the sale of higher
volume blends of ethanol. Increasing the ethanol
blend level above 10 volume percent is critical
to 1st generation biofuel plants so they can
avoid hitting the E10 blend wall and be forced
into “pit row” early for running out of market. The
mission of the Club is also necessary to pave
the way for the rest of the race to 2nd generation
biofuel projects. The Club’s mission has been
supported by the Clean Fuels Foundation, the
Ethanol Across America education campaign,
FFV makers, and other biofuel stakeholders.
The FlexFuel Vehicle Club effort will directly
support
state/federal
government
and
environmental community goals to increase
the utilization of E85 in FFVs and expand the
education and outreach focus from fleets to
the public. The Club is designed to help local
Clean Cities coordinators, gasoline retailers,
ethanol suppliers, and FFV makers meet
national renewable fuel standard goals. Most
important is to complete the life cycle of
refueling infrastructure development through
residual education and outreach after the new
station grand opening. “With the exception of the
amazing work that is being done by in Minnesota
by the American Lung Association of the Upper
Midwest, the vast majority of infrastructure
development and high blend ethanol marketing
effort end after the station’s opening. After the
press, the tent, guest speakers, and ribbons
have gone, we want the Flexible Fuel Vehicle
Club [decal] to carry on,” said Club president
Burl Haigwood.
The tactical execution of the FlexFuel Vehicle
Club mission is to decal FFVs, E85 and blender
pump dispensers, gasoline retailer store doors,
auto dealer showrooms, and service center
doors and use the Club website to coral and
nurture brand loyalty. Currently, ethanol and E85
branding and education/outreach efforts are
targeted to the gasoline retailer and messaging
is focused on the fuel. FFV decal branding will
compliment those efforts but target the FFV
owner and then the FFV seller for messaging
support.
12
The FlexFuel Vehicle Club’s national FFV
awareness program will work with the
automobile dealership network and other
community leaders to increase FFV awareness
(and by default energy security and ethanol/E85/
biofuel) to the public. This two pronged portfolio
approach to branding (e.g., the gasoline retailer
+ fuel in combination with the vehicle owner +
automobile dealer network) will take advantage
of the existing and caring connection that FFV
owners have with their cars and the trusted
business relationship they have with their local
automobile dealership/maker.
The Club, through its outreach project entitled
“E-Powerment”, can help after the technical
support and investment have been made in
developing new E85 refueling infrastructure
by other stakeholders. The Club will work with
local Clean Cities coordinators and local civic
organizations to execute a series of specific
and periodic outreach programs aimed at the
Governor, state energy offices, Department of
Motor Vehicles, inspection stations, auto service
centers, and new and used auto dealerships.
As a free or fee membership organization, the
FlexFuel Vehicle Club will corral and harness
the power that seven million FFV owners and
the millions of future FFV owners can represent.
The core message of the Club will be to validate
and evangelize the proven fundamental
principles that FFV ownership and E85 use
have on stimulating the economy, improving the
environment, enhancing energy security, and
directly empowering the consumer to have an
impact on their personal and their community’s
health and economic well being. Lowering the
price of gasoline and crude oil, reducing oil
imports, and creating 500,000 jobs are much
more popular and widely accepted noble causes
when compared to just environmentalism. Tired
of just complaining about your oil addiction?
JOIN THE CLUB! www.flexiblefuelvehicleclub.
org.
CLEAN CITIES 15TH ANNIVERSARY
steven richardson
southeast DOE program leader
po box 880, morgantown wv 26507-0880
steven.richardson@netl.doe.gov - 304-285-4185
www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/
On March 4, 2009, coordinators, past and present program
staff, industry and government stakeholders gathered in
Washington to celebrate Clean Cities’ 15th anniversary.
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at DOE
headquarters, this special event lauded the program’s
accomplishments since its 1993 inception, as well as the
people who helped contribute to its success.
After a formal welcome by National Clean Cities Director
Dennis Smith and Co-Director Linda Bluestein, MotorWeek
host John Davis presented a special video montage
highlighting 15 years of significant Clean Cities moments,
events, and media coverage. Following the video, a panel
of current and former Clean Cities staff members discussed
the program’s progression. Panel members included:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dennis Smith,
national Clean
Cities director
Linda Bluestein,
national Clean
Cities co-director
Michael Scarpino,
regional Clean
Cities project
manager for the
Northeast region
Tom Gross,
deputy assistant secretary for EERE’s Office of
Transportation Technologies, 1992-2002
Shelley Launey, Clean Cities director, 1992-1994,
1999-2005
Tommy Foltz, Clean Cities co-director, 1993-1997
Marcy Rood Werpy, Clean Cities deputy director, 19952008
Ernie Oakes, regional Clean Cities project manager
retired, 1996-2008
The two-hour event also included an awards ceremony
that was hosted by Associate Under Secretary of
Energy Richard Moorer, which recognized the following
representatives from Clean Cities’ first six coalitions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
12 Five-Star Schools
Philadelphia: Dennis Winters of Greater Philadelphia
Clean Cities (GPCC) and GPCC chairman William
Flemming of PECO Fleet Services
Delaware: Emily Kuiken of the State of Delaware
Governor’s Office
Las Vegas: Jim Brandmueller, first chairman for Las
Vegas Regional Clean Cities and coordinator of the
Eastern Sierra Regional coalition
Washington, D.C.: George Nichols and Leah Boggs of
Metropolitan Washington Alternative Fuels Clean Cities
Partnership, Michael Carter and Ron Flowers of the
Washington Department of Public Works (WDPW), and
George Hawkins and Sabrina Williams of the District
Department of the Environment (DDE)
Also during this
segment, DDE,
MARTA, PECO, and
WDPW received
Lifetime Partnership
Awards for being
original Clean Cities
stakeholders, and Jeff
Rader received an
Award of Recognition
for his service as
the first Clean Cities
coordinator and for his leadership in helping to establish the
Clean Cities program.
In addition, Dennis Smith presented the following awards to
Clean Cities staff members.
•
•
•
Atlanta: Dwight Ferrell of Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
•
Transit Authority (MARTA); Clean Cities Atlanta (CCA)
chairwoman Patsy Brownson of Cox Enterprises;
and CCA’s first coordinator Jeff Rader, county
commissioner of Dekalb County, Georgia
Denver: Natalia Swalnick of Denver Metro Clean Cities
(DMCC) and DMCC chairman John Gonzales of Adams
David Rogers received a Leadership Award for 15
years of outstanding vision, dedication, and exceptional
leadership.
Wendy Dafoe of the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory received a Lifetime Achievement Award
for 15 years of outstanding service to the Clean Cities
program.
Mike Scarpino of the National Energy Technology
Laboratory received a Lifetime Achievement Award for
12 years of outstanding leadership, creative thinking,
and devotion to the Clean Cities program.
Barb. Wolfe of New West Technologies received
a Lifetime Achievement Award for nine years of
outstanding service for to the Clean Cities program.
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
13
CLEAN CITIES SUPPORTED BY ICF INTERNATIONAL
stacy noblet
ICF International
9300 lee highway, fairfax, va 22031
snoblet@icfi.com - 703-934-3309
www.icfi.com
Many readers, particularly those in and around the Beltway,
may be familiar with the name ICF International (ICF). The
company has worked on a vast array of energy, climate
change, transportation, social programs, and homeland
security projects for government and private clients for
more than 40 years. What readers may not know is our
connection to Clean Cities. Since 1997, ICF has supported
Clean Cities by working with the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory to provide technical expertise, program
support, and research capabilities toward the advancement
of alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and petroleum
reduction strategies.
ICF has operated the Clean Cities Technical Response
Service for the past four years, which involves responding
to inquiries and requests related to the Clean Cities
portfolio items of alternative fuels and advanced vehicles,
fuel economy, and idle reduction.
These inquiries and requests come
from Clean Cities Coordinators
and stakeholders, legislators,
fleet managers, industry contacts,
and consumers. Previously, we
operated and managed the National
Alternative Fuels and Clean Cities
Hotlines, which were precursors to
the Technical Response Service.
ICF is responsible for the
maintenance of the Alternative
Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data
Center (AFDC) fueling stations
database, which populates
the online Alternative Fueling
Station Locator. Fuel types included in this database are
compressed and liquefied natural gas, E85, liquefied
petroleum gas (propane), biodiesel blends of at least 20%
(B20), and electricity. The database includes stations
available to the public as well as private access stations
to provide an accurate picture of the nation’s alternative
fueling infrastructure.
coordinators, utility employees, and state and federal
employees from transportation, energy, and environmental
departments.
Historically, ICF has assisted with updating the light-,
medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle databases, tracking and
supporting industry events, maintaining an industry contacts
database, coordinating and managing the National Clean
Cities Conference & Exposition, developing the Clean Cities
Handbook, and writing the Biofuels News and Alternative
Fuels News publications (predecessor to Clean Cities Now).
ICF is widely regarded as the leading firm in the U.S. for its
analysis of fuel economy technology issues. In 2007, ICF
acquired Energy and Environmental Analysis (EEA), Inc.,
which enhanced our capabilities in the areas of natural gas,
fuel efficiency technology and regulatory standards, vehicle
emissions, biofuel production, and
modeling.
ICF’s extensive experience in the
alternative fuels and advanced
vehicles arena makes us a
valuable resource for Clean Cities
stakeholders and other industry
players. Our technology expertise,
knowledge of the applicable state
and federal laws and incentives,
and demonstrated program
implementation experience
contribute to high-quality products
and services that help Clean Cities
meet its program objectives. ICF
looks forward to supporting the
expected growth of Clean Cities as the alternative fuels and
advanced vehicles industry continues its expansion through
the decades to come.
Web sites mentioned above include:
• Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/
• Alternative Fueling Stations www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/stations.html
ICF also updates the AFDC database of state and
federal incentives and laws that apply to alternative
• State & Federal Incentives & Laws www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/incentives_laws.html
fuel consumers, fleet managers, advanced vehicle
manufacturers, alternative fuel producers, and infrastructure • Clean Cities Now http://www.afdc.energy.gov/cleancities/ccn/
developers. Each year, we are responsible for researching
and summarizing enacted state and federal legislation,
confirming public and private incentive program details,
and corresponding with contacts such as Clean Cities
14
OPPORTUNITY MEETS PREPARATION
chelsea jenkins
virginia
1059 angler lane, virginia beach, va 23451
cjenkins@hrccc.org - 757-256-8528
www.hrccc.org
To say we have been busy would be an understatement. Virginia
Clean Cities and stakeholders have been working excitedly and
doggedly since February to chase the multitude of opportunities
that have seemingly been raining down mostly as a result of the
Recovery Act. Many of us in Clean Cities disappeared into a cave
and wrote grant proposals for four months straight. But now we
are beginning to relish in the pleasure (or displeasure) of our hard
work and are beginning to learn of the results. Luckily, Virginia
Clean Cities was positioned quite well to assist stakeholders in
navigating the rivers of funding, and were able to come out alive
and ahead. Since we have so many exciting projects underway,
we figured we’d provide a brief summary of some of our current
top focus items. Some of these programs are sourced from
Recovery Act funding, while others are ongoing projects that might
be of interest.
Biodiesel 301: Soy Biodiesel and Our Changing Alt Fuels
Landscape
Virginia Clean Cities teamed with the East Tennessee Clean
Fuels Coalition on a United Soybean Board/Soybean Checkoff
request for applications for the Soy Biodiesel Communications
Reimbursement Program. We were awarded $11,070 to conduct
workshops in Virginia and Tennessee, and host one webinar.
Here’s the skinny on the workshops:
Virginia Workshop
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
629 East Main Street, Richmond, VA
Register and agenda at http://www.hrccc.org/main/?page_id=7
Tennessee Workshop
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Register and download agenda at www.ETCleanFuels.org
Webinar
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
1 pm EST
Please check www.hrccc.org for updates and registration info.
Virginia Diesel Emission Reduction Initiative
Clean Cities and stakeholders have been awarded $1 million
provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The
award is the largest award granted to Virginia Clean Cities and
stakeholders to date to assist in reducing petroleum consumption
and air pollution.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will receive funding to retrofit 35
transit buses with continuously regenerating technology diesel
particulate filter technology. Chesterfield County will replace a
diesel refuse hauler early with a new hybrid version for use in
a senior citizens neighborhood. Spotsylvania Public Schools
will replace 4 school buses ahead of schedule with Blue Bird
Propane Vision school buses, which already meet the 2010
emissions standards. The City of Chesapeake will accelerate
the replacement of 10 refuse haulers and replace with vehicles
meeting the 2007 and 2010 emissions standards.
The Virginia Diesel Emission Reduction Initiative will improve air
quality by reducing NOx by 7.14 tons, particulate matter by 7.36
tons PM, hydrocarbons by 5.52 tons, and carbon monoxide by
65.45 tons annually.
Green Operators (GO) Program
The Green Operators (GO) program
provides rebates to retrofit older vehicles
with more emission-efficient engines
and recognizes partners for setting and
achieving goals for reducing air pollution
and greenhouse gases associated with
the transport of goods.
Program partners include the Virginia Port Authority, the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality, The EPA, the Mid-Atlantic
Regional Air Quality Management Association, and Virginia Clean
Cities. To find out more about the program, visit http://www.
portofvirginia.com/corporate/environment/go-program.aspx.
Thanks to
Our 2009
Platinum
Sponsors &
Strategic
Partners
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
15
OPPORTUNITY MEETS PREPARATION, CONT.
chelsea jenkins
virginia
1059 angler lane, virginia beach, va 23451
cjenkins@hrccc.org - 757-256-8528
www.hrccc.org
Hydrogen Education for Decision Makers Project
The goal of this two-year project is to increase a targeted
audience’s understanding of hydrogen and fuel cells, including
early market applications, and to provide specific examples
of actions that the targeted audience – state and local
government leaders – can take to support the development and
use of hydrogen and fuel cell technology leading to a better
understanding of the community benefits that can result.
In-person workshops are being conducted by technical experts
and professional educators over the two years, which ends
September 2010, in Virginia, Maryland and DC. To find out more
about the hydrogen workshop series, download past workshop
curriculum, or learn about upcoming workshops, visit our website.
Virginia Clean Diesel Campaign
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides
$88 million in new funding to support clean diesel grant and loan
programs administered by states and the District of Columbia.
The Recovery Act Funding for the State Clean Diesel Grant
Program provided the Commonwealth of Virginia with $1.73 million
to help reduce diesel emissions and maximize job creation and
preservation. Virginia Clean Cities assisted eligible stakeholders
with successful applications to the state for propane school
buses, idle reduction devices, new vehicles, and a biodiesel grant
program that will buy down the cost of biodiesel for public fleets.
E85 Infrastructure Project
The goal of this project is to make E85 publicly available in up
to 12 locations in Virginia, Maryland, and DC by providing grant
funds to station owners to help defray the cost of conversion.
To-date, eight E85 stations have been opened in VA-MD-DC.
Virginia Clean Cities helped organized two recent grand opening
events in Charlottesville and Virginia Beach:
STOP IN
1220 Seminole Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 973-1005
Hrs: 24/7
Navy Exchange Oceana
1449 Tomcat Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23460
(757) 425-4281
Hrs: 24/7
Funding is still available to retailers interested in making E85
available to the public.
16
Virginia Electric Drive Road Show
Virginia Clean Cities is hosting an electric drive road show on
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 in Poquoson, Virginia. The event will
begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and a panel of speakers, and then
feature a ride-n-drive event with hybrids, electric vehicles, and
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Speakers range from Jim Francfort
of Idaho National Labs who will discuss the research they are
doing on plug-in hybrid batteries and John Aker of Aker Wade who
will discuss fast charging infrastructure and the exciting pilot being
launched in Charlottesville.
There are many more exiting projects underway and opportunities
on the table, so check out our website at www.hrccc.org or email
us at info@hrccc.org to find out more.
Bob Dineen (RFA), RDML
Robert Bianchi (Navy),
Congressman Glenn Nye
(VA-001), CAPT Markham
Rich, Todd Garner (Protec)
take part in ribbon cutting
ceremony at Oceana Navy
Exchange on March 13,
2009. This E85 station is the
first public station in Hampton
Roads, Virginia.
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling pumps the first gallon of
E85 from the new Charlottesville STOP IN that opened on
January 5, 2009. The station
was the first public retail E85
station in Virginia, and also
sells biodiesel. Virginia Clean
Cities worked with the media
on a radio remote and gave
away $300 of free fuel!
The MotorWeek crew
interviewing Patrick Serfass,
Communications Director of
NHA, at the National Hydrogen Conference and Expo
in Columbia, SC. Virginia
Clean Cities and MotorWeek
wrapped up filming and just
completed the first “hydrogen update” video, that is
available for viewing on our
Website.
... “clean cities”, “clean fuels”, and “clean cities, fuels” to see which coalition’s Websites from all over the country landed in the top
20 results. We repeated the test on several computers, and although the results varied somewhat, it was quite clear which coalitions
(seen below) are ranking higher in searches, at least the ones using these terms. We realized that Google may have been affecting
the results on one of our computers (due to the chance of frequent use of the terms ‘clean,’ ‘cities,’ and ‘fuels’), thus we used a computer in our office that had likely not been “tainted” with frequent searching for those words. [ --- = not a coalition related result]
“clean cities”
“clean fuels”
“clean cities, fuels”
1.
---
1.
---
1.
---
2.
---
2.
---
2.
---
3.
---
3.
---
3.
Tucson
4.
---
4.
Alabama
4.
Centralina
5.
Utah
5.
Kentucky
5.
Kentucky
6.
---
6.
Palmetto State
6.
Utah
7.
Austin
7.
Utah
7.
Chicago
8.
Tulsa
8.
Ohio
8.
Puget Sound
9.
Oklahoma
9.
---
9.
Puget Sound
10. Triangle (NC)
10. Centralina
10. Oklahoma
11. Wisconsin
11. Ohio
11. Ann Arbor
12. Chicago
12. ---
12. Dallas-Fort Worth
13. Puget Sound
13. ---
13. Wisconsin
14. Greater Lansing
14. ---
14. ---
15. Greater Philadelphia
15. ---
15. South Shore (IN)
16. South Shore (IN)
16. Southern Louisiana
16. Louisiana (both coalitions)
17. ---
17. ---
17. ---
18. Virginia
18. ---
18. Columbia-Willamette
19. Columbia-Willamette
19. ---
19. SCAG (SoCal)
20. Space Coast
20. ---
20. Virginia
UM
MM
M EE R
R FF II X
X 22 00 00 99 ||
SS U
17
17
EAST TENNESSEE PEAKS AND VALLEYS
jonathan overly
east tennessee
311 conference center bldg, knoxville tn 37996-4134
jgoverly@utk.edu - 865-974-3625
www.etcleanfuels.org
The Run for Clean Air
Our largest annual event is called the Run for Clean Air and
is a 5k run/walk that’s held in April each year. The 2009 event
drew over 500 registered attendees. It is a combination of a
fundraiser for us and an air quality awareness event held to
bring attention to what can be done at the local level to reduce
pollution in our air.
Each year we draw upon a
bevy of area sponsors to help
us put on the event and now
raise over $20,000 annually
for our local work. Since
we are about transportation
fuels, we typically showcase
on the order of 15-20
alternative fuel vehicles in
addition to doing a number of
other things at the event. Our
“Hybrid Ride-n-Drive” usually
brings 4-8 hybrids to the
event from local dealers and
works to put butts in seats
so people actually get behind the wheel and try it out, listen to
it, and learn about what hybrids are. (Honestly, with all of the
hype and press surrounding hybrids over the last 10 years, you
wouldn’t believe how many people don’t even know the basics
of how a hybrid operates!) We always have a band, plenty of
food, door prizes and other awards like beautiful, large Jim Gray
prints, booths that discuss local air quality, massages for all our
entrants, and of course great t-shirts! You can even take our
local air quality quiz online to bone-up on your East Tennessee
air pollution knowledge!
Chattanooga, Kingsport, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Johnson City
and Jonesborough. Others with that “this is a good thing”
attitude include Knoxville Utilities Board and B&W Y-12. Kudos
to them all for keeping with it!
Electric Boat Quietly Traveling East TN Waters
ETCFC members and activists Ted Buel, Christian Cain and
Mike Whedbee pooled their talents and resources to build
a highly efficient solar electric drive system for a small boat
last spring. Christened the “Green Tek 1,” the boat utilizes
“off the shelf” components and 3 deep-cycle marine batteries
to power an aluminum runabout for up to 6 hours between
charges. Three BP solar panels keep the system charged, and
a standard 36-volt golf cart charger will bring fully discharged
batteries back up to peak power overnight.
“So far, we have never used up a full charge in one outing,”
says Buel. “ We usually get at least two trips totaling 15 to 20
miles between charges.”
Work has already begun on “Green Tek 2” where Buel says they
hope to double the power. Look for the larger solar boat to begin
testing on a nearby lake this summer.
This year’s Run was the best ever with almost 500 registered
participants. With the partnerships we assembled, we believe
we are continuing to further our impact! For pictures or to learn
more about the event, visit http://www.RunforCleanAir.org.
Local Biodiesel Ups and Downs
In our coalition, we have quite a few alt-fuel fleet users spread
throughout East Tennessee. It can be hard keeping up with
them all, as well as getting timely data. But it is always
refreshing to hear good news while bad news seems to be
everywhere. That starts with the economy right now for both the
biofuels, which is not attractive at least in our part of the U.S.
But through our annual reporting, I’m finding out who has stuck
with some of their biodiesel usage (the most used alt fuel in
East Tennessee right now) during the hard times.
This has to start with one of our industry partners, Eastman.
So far at least, the economic downturn has not hit them hard
enough to dislodge them from their commitment to using
biodiesel year-round. In addition, several of our regional cities
have stuck with their usage of biodiesel, and that includes
18
Top - Whebee shows off the inner workings of the Green Tek 1. Bottom - Cain
loaded his family into Green Tek 1 and accompanied the canoe paddlers on the
“Paddle for Clean Water” last October on Ft. Loudon Lake.
TARC ADDS HEV BUSES TO FLEET
melissa howell
kentucky
po box 5174
lexington ky 40255
kycleanfuels@insightbb.com
502-452-9152
www.kentuckycleanfuels.org
The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) took delivery of three additional hybrid
electric transit buses in June to bring their hybrid fleet to 12 operating in Louisville.
“These vehicles have proven to be an excellent investment. They get better fuel
economy, reduce
pollution-causing
emissions, require
little maintenance
and provide a quieter
and smoother
ride for TARC’s
customers,” said
Executive Director
Barry Baker of TARC.
An additional ten
hybrid buses have
been requested
under the economic
stimulus requests
sent to Washington.
If awarded, the fleet
will total 22 hybrid
electrics!
THE MATRIX
- PUBLIC ALT FUELS STATIONS IN THE SOUTHEAST
State
SC - H2
TN - E85 + B20
\
Fuel
B20
B-other2
CNG
E85
H2
LNG
LPG
Alabama
33
3
7
3 (+1)
14 (+8)
0
0
159 (*)
216
Florida
15 (+3)
0
17
20 (+18)
2
0
49
103
Georgia
28
1
19
32 (+8)
0
0
39
119
Kentucky
0 (-1)
6
0
8 (+2)
0
0
16
30
Mississippi
5
0
1
0
0
36
42
North Carolina
24 (-8)
9
11 (-1)
0
0
50
102
South Carolina
9 (+3)
28 (+24) 1
68
2
0
27
135
Tennessee
33 (+5)
6
0
24 (-6+4) 0
0
53
116
Virginia
21
19 (+1)
4 (-1)
3 (+1)
1
0
21
69
Totals
168
84
53
182
5
0
450
933
3
0
4
17 (-1)
4
Total
NOTES FOR THE SUMMER ‘09 MATRIX:
1. This is a listing of public stations only! It is our best effort to quarterly aggregate accurate information on public alt fuel stations in our states.
Changes from quarter to quarter are noted in parentheses. The data was compiled using information directly from Clean Cities coordinators
and their working partners in each state, and the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Website at www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/. The partners
who helped us with some of the numbers include: GA - Jennifer Wilson, Georgia Energy Innovations Center; TN - Linda Tidwell, Tennessee
Department of Transportation. In some cases, the number provided is just the AFDC number because we do not have any more accurate
information.
2. “B-other” is public stations for any blend other than B20, and that includes lower and higher blends.
3. Uncertain of split between B20 and B-other in Alabama. This is a best guesstimate.
4. NC has three stations that sell B20 and at least one other blend; they are counted in both columns.
* Fix had number wrong in previous issue.
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
19
FLEET FOCUS
Alliance AutoGas Cleans Up Fleets, Expands Network
Contributed by Henry Bodie, VP Business Development, Blossman Gas Inc.
With major taxi fleets already operating on propane AutoGas in
Detroit, Denver and Washington, D.C., Alliance AutoGas is deep
into the first phase of rolling out an innovative turnkey platform for
transforming fleets of conventional gasoline cars and trucks into
clean alternative fuel hybrids.
Launched in early 2009, Alliance AutoGas is a partnership that
builds on the deep engine expertise and extensive fuel delivery
network of its founding partners, Blossman Gas and American
Alternative Fuel. Asheville, NC’s Blossman is the nation’s largest
independent propane marketer. American Alternative Fuel, of
Albany, NY, is the North American distributor of the Prins VSI
hybrid engine system utilized by Alliance, which is EPA Certified
for a range of common fleet vehicles.
When a fleet, public or private, makes the decision to convert from
conventional gasoline to propane Hybrid systems, technicians
certified by Alliance come to fleet headquarters and facilitate
conversion of gasoline engines to the Alliance AutoGas alternative
fuel platform. Alliance also installs a fueling station at that
fleet’s home base. Drivers and mechanics receive training from
Alliance on safety, performance and maintenance. It’s a vertically
Our fleet customers make a
commitment to achieve:
- Lower fuel costs
- Lower emissions
- Less dependence on foreign oil
- Without sacrificing power
- Without sacrificing performance
integrated chain of what Alliance calls “clean fleet conversion and
fueling.”
From that moment forward, each Hybrid fleet is then hooked into
a far-reaching network of AutoGas delivery, with a fuel supply
guaranteed by Blossman Gas’ more than half century of tradition
providing uninterrupted fuel supply from the Mississippi Gulf to
Northern Virginia.
Benefits are immediate and significant. “A fleet working with
Alliance is not only receiving a powerful Hybrid engine system,”
says Henry Bodie, Vice President of Business Development for
Alliance. “These fleets get ongoing support, and guaranteed
AutoGas fuel supply. With that come significant greenhouse gas
emissions reductions and some serious cost reductions linked to
a switch from conventional gasoline to less expensive propane
AutoGas. 10 million vehicles worldwide run on propane AutoGas,
and it’s the only domestically produced alternative fuel that is here
now, and totally viable, now.”
For more about Alliance AutoGas: www.allianceautogas.com
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When Alliance AutoGas converts vehicles
into AutoGas Hybrids, we use Certified
Technicians working in Certified Conversion
Centers. That means our fleet customers receive:
- The highest quality equipment
- Installed by th best technicians
- With tight quality & process control
Each of our fleet customers is:
- Displacing thousands of gallons
of gasoline with propane AutoGas,
- Using a fuel that is 90% produced in the U.S.
- Fueling their vehicles right at the home base
- Using a cleaner, less expensive alternative to
foreign oil
20
SOUTH CAROLINA HOSTS NAT’L HYDROGEN CONFERENCE
amy lawrence
south carolina
1201 senate street, 408 wade hampton bldg, columbia sc 29201
alawrence@energy.sc.gov - 803-737-8032
palmettocleanfuels.org
Columbia, South Carolina hosted the National Hydrogen
Conference and Expo from March 30-April 3, 2009.
This event attracted more than 1,000 researchers,
manufacturers, and government and business leaders.
Speakers at the conference included officials from the U.S.
DOE, Office of Naval Research, and Honda among others.
During the conference, the Palmetto State Clean Fuels
Coalition (PSCFC) sponsored an informational booth and
contributed to the Ride and Drive event featuring the Honda
Clarity and hydrogen-powered Segways.
The conference yielded more than a dozen direct leads
to companies interested in working with and within South
Carolina. According to the director of the South Carolina
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance, Dr. Shannon BaxterClemmons, “South Carolina has a dynamic hydrogen
community and the knowledge necessary to be a leader
in the hydrogen economy.” She also argues “hydrogen
and fuel cells are a strategic investment in South Carolina
to create jobs in the short term and provide a structure for
green growth in future years.”
As part of the weeklong hydrogen festivities, the PSCFC
joined others from around the state in celebrating the
grand openings of South Carolina’s first two hydrogen
refueling stations located in Columbia and Aiken, which
connect along US Interstate 20 to form the “South Carolina
Hydrogen Freeway.” This will connect two major hydrogen
research hubs of the state, the University of South Carolina
and the Savannah River National Laboratory.
During the next year, Columbia will host a hydrogen hybrid
bus that will be used and tested on routes for the University
of South Carolina and the Central Midlands Transit
Authority. For more information about the South Carolina
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance, please visit their Website
at www.SCHydrogen.org.
Top - Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell (left) and Columbia’s Mayer Bob Coble
(right) dedicate the South Carolina Hydrogen Freeway, which will link South Carolina’s first two hydrogen stations in Columbia and Aiken. Middle - The Hydrogen
Hybrid Bus, available for ride-n-drive at the conference, is a dual drive electric bus
that is powered by rechargeable batteries and hydrogen fuel cells and will be hosted
by the city of Columbia for the next year.
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
21
Propane Road Shows a Chance to
“Kick the Tires”
Contributed by Brian Feehan, Vice President of the
Propane Education & Research Council
A full lineup of propane-powered vehicles are touring the
country in Propane Road Shows sponsored by the Propane
Education & Research Council (PERC). To date, Propane
Road Shows have been held in Alabama, California,
Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
Locations planned for later this summer include Missouri
and North Carolina.
For more on propane-powered equipment in general, log
on to www.thirdthursday.net and sign up for a free PERCsponsored webinars held the third Thursday of every month
at 11:00 am EST.
Each road show offers details about propane-powered
on- and off-road vehicles from leading manufacturers,
then moves outside so show-goers can see and drive the
featured cars, trucks, school buses, mowers, and forklifts.
Planning this sort of touring event involves many moving
parts and requires flexibility to coordinate manufacturer
involvement. To negotiate the process most effectively,
the PERC team is working closely with Clean Cities
coordinators, state propane trade association personnel,
and local chapters of the National Fleet Management
Association (NAFA).
To learn more about Propane Road Shows, contact Greg
Zilberfarb, education and outreach contractor for PERC at
greg@thesales.net or 703-779-4890.
America’s Clean Cities coalitions.
Building Local Partnerships that put
Clean Transportation to Work!
22
TSE PROJECT COMING TO ROWAN COUNTY
jason wager & sarah niess
greater charlotte area
po box 35008, charlotte nc 28235
cleanfuels@centralina.org - 704-372-2416
www.4cleanfuels.com
This spring the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition
(CCFC) joined CabAire LLC, its technology partner,
and a gathering of local officials and staff to mark the
groundbreaking for the Charlotte Metro region’s first
truck stop electrification project. The 44-space project
will be constructed at the Derrick Travel Center off
of Exit 71 on I-85 in Salisbury, NC. The travel center
is owned and operated by the Worsley Operating
Corporation.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the end of
a multi-year process to develop the project.
Centralina Council of Governments, which
houses CCFC, received funding from both
EPA and the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality
Improvement Program for the project in 2004.
After several delays, CCFC selected CabAire
as its technology provider in early 2008 after a
competitive bid process.
The collaborative project will improve local air quality
and be a model project to replicate across the state
and beyond.
For more information about our Centralina Clean
Fuels Coalition contact cleanfuels@centralina.org or
visit www.4cleanfuels.com.
Below - An overhead shot of the truck stop site along I-85. Bottom - Jim Bianco,
President and CEO of CabAire LLC, demonstrates the window unit that truckers will
use for heat, AC, electricity, cable and internet.
CabAire will be installing 22 modular towers
that will each be able to serve two trucks,
saving valuable space. Truckers will be able to
easily access a window unit to obtain HVAC,
electricity, cable and internet for an hourly fee.
Sensor equipment on the towers will be able to
detect whether a parked truck has shut off its
engine or is continuing to idle.
Truck engine idling contributes to air pollution
while wasting a significant amount of diesel
fuel and money. Over a billion gallons of
diesel fuel is consumed annually by truck and
locomotive engine idling. Annually, 11 million
tons of carbon dioxide, 200,000 tons of oxides
of nitrogen, and 5,000 tons of particulate
matter are emitted from these vehicles.
Projects that reduce truck idling, such as truck
stop electrification, can have significant air
quality benefits.
CCFC expects the project to be completed in
the fall of 2009. The final project will provide
44 electrified truck stop spaces on a major
corridor through the Charlotte Metro region.
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
23
BIODIESEL FOCUS
Biodiesel Myths: BUSTED
Contributed by the Jenna Higgins of the National Biodiesel Board
The television show Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel takes commonly
Myth: No objective biodiesel fuel standard exists.
held beliefs and puts them to the test of real science. Some hold up and
Fact: The biodiesel industry has been active in setting quality standards for
are confirmed by the facts, some are ranked just plausible, but many are
biodiesel for more than 15 years. ASTM specifications exist for diesel fuel and
BUSTED. If only more citizens would take the time to learn the facts, and
biodiesel fuel blends from 6 to 20 percent (B6 – B20 (D7467-09)), biodiesel
not be persuaded by the myths…especially in the case of biodiesel! Though
blends up to B5 to be used for on- and off-road diesel applications (D975-08a),
the show has yet to feature biodiesel myths, when they are held up to real
and home heating and boiler applications (D396-08b). ASTM approved the
science, they fall cleanly in the BUSTED category. Here are some of the
original specification for pure B100 (D6751) in December 2001. These ASTM
most common biodiesel myths featured in a new document published by the
specifications apply regardless of the fat or plant oil used to make the fuel.
National Biodiesel Board.
Copies of specifications are available from ASTM at www.astm.org.
Myth: Biodiesel contributes to global climate change and increased
Myth: Biodiesel does not perform as well as diesel.
greenhouse gas emissions.
Fact: One of the major advantages of biodiesel is the fact that it can be used
Fact: U.S. biodiesel is a green, sustainable part of the solution. It reduces
in most existing engines and fuel injection equipment in blends up to 20
lifecycle carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, by 78 percent compared
percent with little impact to operating performance. Biodiesel has a higher
to petroleum diesel.
A 2008 USDA/University of Idaho study shows for
cetane number than U.S. diesel fuel. In more than 50 million miles of in-field
every unit of fossil energy needed to create biodiesel, 4.5 units of energy
demonstrations, B20 showed similar fuel consumption, horsepower, torque,
are returned. New cropland is not needed to grow materials for biodiesel,
and haulage rates as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior
because soybeans are not grown for fuel, and there is a surplus of soybean
lubricity, and it has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel (falling in
oil on the market. Advances in technology enable us to grow more using the
the range between #1 and #2 diesel fuel).
same acres of land. The National Biodiesel Board and its members support
sustainable production of biodiesel. There is no scientific basis for assigning
Myth: Biodiesel use voids manufacturers’ engine warranties.
any significant responsibility for rainforest destruction to U.S. biodiesel, and
Fact: All major U.S. automakers and engine manufacturers accept the use
the vast majority of U.S. biodiesel is made from homegrown resources.
of up to at least B5, and many major engine companies have stated formally
that the use of high quality biodiesel blends up to B20 will not void their parts
Myth: Biodiesel contributes to rising food prices.
and workmanship warranties. For a listing of specific statements from the
Fact: Produced from a wide variety of renewable resources, including plant
engine companies, please visit the National Biodiesel Board Web site at www.
oils, fats and even recycled restaurant grease, biodiesel is the most diversified
biodiesel.org/resources/oems.
fuel on the planet. And soybean-based biodiesel has a positive impact on
the world’s food supply. Processing soybeans for biodiesel uses only the oil,
Myth: Biodiesel has fuel quality problems.
leaving 80 percent of the bean for protein-rich soybean meal. By creating
Fact: A study released in 2008 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
a market for soybean oil (a co-product of soybean meal), we increase the
(NREL) shows the biodiesel industry has substantially met national fuel
availability of protein-rich meal for human and livestock consumption. This
quality standards. The study demonstrated that plants certified under BQ-
has a positive impact on the food supply. From an economic standpoint, the
9000 consistently hit the mark. BQ-9000 is a voluntary fuel quality assurance
increased meal supply results in a more cost-effective food and feed source.
program that couples the foundations of universally accepted quality
management systems with the product specification (ASTM D6751). The
Myth: Biodiesel doesn’t work in cold weather.
program covers storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution
Fact: Properly managed, high quality biodiesel blends are used successfully
and fuel management practices. Biodiesel production facilities certified as
in the coldest of climates. Biodiesel will gel in very cold temperatures, just as
producers under the program cover nearly 80 percent of the U.S. biodiesel
common #2 diesel does. Although pure biodiesel has a higher cloud point than
market volume.
#2 diesel fuel, typical blends of 20 percent biodiesel are managed with similar
management techniques as #2 diesel. Blends of 5 percent biodiesel and less
Myth: Biodiesel does not have sufficient shelf life.
have virtually no impact on cold weather operability. See www.biodiesel.org/
Fact: The current industry recommendation is that biodiesel be used within
cold for a cold weather guide.
six months, or reanalyzed after six months to ensure the fuel meets ASTM
specifications. Most fuel today is used up long before six months, and
Myth: Biodiesel is an experimental fuel and has not been thoroughly tested.
many petroleum companies do not recommend storing petroleum diesel for
Fact: Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the
more than six months. A longer shelf life is possible depending on the fuel
market. A number of independent studies – performed by the U.S. Department
composition and the use of storage-enhancing additives.
of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stanadyne Corp. (the largest
diesel fuel injection equipment manufacturer in the U.S.), Lovelace Respiratory
For copies of the brochure Biodiesel Myths: Busted, send an email to
Research Institute, and Southwest Research Institute – have shown that
info@biodiesel.org or call 800-841-5849. It is also available online at
biodiesel performs similar to petroleum diesel with greater benefits to the
www.biodieselsustainability.com.
environment and human health.
24
LAWSON STATE OFFERS FIRST ALT FUELS TRAINING IN AL
mark bentley
alabama
2131 data office dr, suite 240, birmingham al 35244
mark@alabamacleanfuels.org - 205-402-2755
alabamacleanfuels.org
As the nation drives toward greater alternative fuels use,
demand for technicians familiar with the new transportation
technologies is increasing. Lawson State Community
College’s Alabama Center for Automotive Excellence has
passed a milestone in meeting this need.
“The College has worked diligently to bring the leading
transportation technology to Alabama,” said Perry Ward,
President of Lawson State Community College. “The
National Alternative Fuels Training Center (NAFTC) and the
Snap-on Diagnostic Training Center are two of our newest
training opportunities at the Alabama Center for Automotive
Excellence,” added Dr. Ward.
identify the best alternative fuel for the specific application.
The Alabama Center for Automotive Excellence at Lawson
State’s Bessemer campus offers students an associate
degree in automotive technology, which allows them to
specialize in GM, Ford, or Toyota technology. The Center
also has excellent auto body/collision repair and medium/
heavy truck technology programs. The College leads the
southeast in transportation programs. For more information
about alternative fuel classes or other automotive
educational opportunities, contact Tommy Hobbs, 205-9293521.
Headquartered out of West Virginia University, the
NAFTC is the only nationwide training organization
for alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology
vehicle training in the United States. By qualifying for
membership, Lawson State becomes one of only 38
National Training Centers and the only one in Alabama.
As a National Training Center, Lawson State will
provide classes and workshops covering a wide array
of topics such as biodiesel, ethanol, hybrids, hydrogen,
fuel cells, natural gas (CNG cylinder inspection, LNG,
and light- and heavy-duty vehicles), battery-powered
electric vehicles, and propane. Courses on emissions
testing and alternative fuel vehicle
applications for forklift and material
handling will also be available. This
new technology is especially relevant to
automotive technicians, employers, fleet
operators, public interest groups, and
private entrepreneurs.
“We congratulate Lawson State on this
historic occasion,” says Mark Bentley,
Executive Director of the Alabama
Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC). “Training
the individuals that will install, maintain,
and repair alternative fuel technologies
is another important step toward the
wide-spread viability and sustainability
of an emerging alternative fuels industry
in Alabama.”
The ACFC serves as the principal
coordinating point for clean, alternative
fuel vehicle activities in Alabama. The
coalition helps public and private entities
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
25
PIX PAGES
Pix from the North Carolina combined coalitions “Drive
Clean & Green Across North Carolina tour.”
Top left - Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark James
Cain gives the thumbs up to E85 while sitting in an E85
Chrysler Town & Country from Novozymes. Below that is a
full picture of the Caravan.
Above - A 2009 GM Bucket Truck with an electric lift. The
truck is dedicated CNG, but the lift is plug-in capable and
the vehicle has additional on-board batteries to power
the lift first during typical operation. One of Baker’s three
conversion facilities is in North Carolina in Youngsville, in
the Raleigh-Durham area.
Bottom left - Thomas Built Buses has developed a hybrid
technology for school buses in High Point, North Carolina,
and is testing them there.
Below - A Lotus Exige 270E Trifuel that was in reengineered to operate on any of three fuels (methanol,
ethanol or gasoline). It was on its way to NCCAR for some
testing.
26
PIX PAGES
Top 3: Sweetwater Valley Oil’s grand opening on May 22 of their
E85 and B20 public pumps in Athens, Tennessee. Above - owner
Scott Shankle and police chief give the thumbs up to E85. Right Mark Mauss, the producer of the biodiesel being used in the B20,
posed with his family during the grand opening. Top - The line awaiting reduced-price fuel!
Bottom 2: Below - Almost 500 runners and walkers hit the road
for the 6th annual Run for Clean Air in Knoxville. 20 AFVs were on
display spanning the five main fuels, and a prize was awarded to the
individual who racked up the most learning about AFVs!
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
27
PIX PAGES
Thorntons held a Grand Opening on April 23 for their second E85 site in Kentucky, this one just off Interstate I-64 in Louisville
(see how close to the interstate!). This site and Thorntons first Kentucky site (located off I-65 and part of that Biofuels Corridor
Project) have interstate signage! A first for Kentucky. As of yet, all other retailers have chosen not to advertise E85 on their
interstate signage.
28
PIX PAGES
At right: The team at ICF that supports Clean Cities
and provides alternative fuel and advanced vehicle
technology deployment assistance. Left to right:
Jackie Stepan, who manages the team, and Emily
Fraser, Stacy Noblet, Alexis Castrovinci, and Sheri
Lausin.
Below: Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition (Asheville,
NC) stakeholders test out several electric vehicles after
their June meeting. A new stakeholder—BioWheels
of Asheville—attended our 6/29/09 coalition meeting
and brought an electric bike and electric scooter that
stakeholders were able to test ride. Twenty to forty mile
range depending on 1 or 2 batteries.
SUMMER FIX 2009 |
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