Domestic Fuel

According to School Transportation News, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVI) announced that it will no longer hold their Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference + Expo (AF&V), a four-day annual conference that brought together groups interested in advancing alternative fuels. The conference, which was formally called the annual Clean Cities Conference and Exposition, held 16 years of consecutive conferences.

“Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen alternative fuels go from the obscure to the mainstream,” said Annalloyd Thomason, Executive Director. “Federal Recovery Act funding puts the alternative fuels and vehicles industries in extremely good positions for the future. While the Conference once served as a tool to foster the further development of the industry, we see that role shrinking…and that’s a good thing.”

Thomason added that she sees alternative fuels not being an “alternative” for much longer. With strict federal emission and fuel economy mandates coming into effect soon, fleets will increasingly use alternative fuels and vehicles to meet the new standards.

“It’s a bittersweet ending,” she said. “We so appreciate the support of our sponsors and exhibitors throughout the years, and we’ll continue to work with them in the future on other projects.” Thomason doesn’t rule out resurrecting the Conference in the future. “If the marketplace demonstrates a need, we’ll re-evaluate it at that time.”

AFVi will continue its efforts to develop the alternative fuels market and continue to brand itself as “The Answer Place for Fleets” through market development and consulting.

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVI) 2010 Conference is now in full swing in Las Vegas. The 16th annual event is offering its attendees a wide array of workshops and sessions concentrated on alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles.

The AFVI show kicked off on Sunday featuring speakers on compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, biodiesel, electric and ethanol. Nearly 90 exhibitor booths opened on Monday at noon including companies such as General Motors, Toyota, Ford, the National Biodiesel Board, Dresser Wayne, and Honda among others.

In their booth, Dresser Wayne is displaying a CNG dispenser, E85 fleet dispenser and a diesel exhaust fluid dispenser (see right). “It’s always a good opportunity to participate in a show like this to learn about about emerging opportunities relating to alternative fuels,” noted Dresser Wayne’s Director, Alternative Energy Products, Scott Negley.

A “Ride-n-Drive” also took place today offering attendees a chance to experience how an alternative vehicle feels on the road. Vehicles included in the Ride-n-Drive included: Ford E-250 (Propane); THINK THINK City (Electric); Camry (Hybrid); Highlander (Hybrid); Prius (Hybrid); Prius (Plug-in Hybrid); Civic GX (CNG); FCX Clarity (Hydrogen Fuel Cell); Volkswagen Golf TDI (BioDiesel); Volkswagen Jetta (BioDiesel); Crane Carrier LET2 (CNG/Hydraulic Hybrid); Starcraft Allstar (CNG); XCaliber CNG66 Mower (CNG); Escape (Hybrid); Fusion (Hybrid); Global Electric Motorcars e4 (Electric); Ford F-Series (Biodiesel – B20); and Chevy Tahoe (Flex Fuel Vehicle)

The 2010 AFVI show concludes tomorrow.

The head of the nation’s biggest biodiesel lobbying group is renewing his call for Washington to retroactively reinstate the federal biodiesel tax incentive … and it’s unacceptable how long the industry and country has had to go with the credit.

Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board told energy leaders at the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Institute national conference in Las Vegas that Congress and the Obama Administration need to show how truly dedicated they are to green jobs by renewing the $1-a-gallon federal incentive:

Jobe explained that the biodiesel tax credit, in just five short years since its enactment, has resulted in the construction of over 150 renewable refineries in 44 states, 23,000 jobs, billions of dollars of net tax revenue to the U.S. Treasury, and the displacement of billions of gallons of petroleum. Congress allowed the biodiesel tax credit to lapse on December 31, along with all other expiring tax provisions.

“As we all wait in dread for the Gulf oil slick to wreak devastation on some of the nation’s most sensitive wetland habitats, Congress’s inaction has left America’s nontoxic, biodegradable biofuel at risk of collapse,” he said.

Jobe says the inaction by the two chambers of Congress to reconcile their two versions of the bill that would save the nation’s first successful advanced biofuel is causing the loss of jobs every day.

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) recognized outstanding leadership in the alternative fuels and vehicles industry as part of the 16th Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo 2010 today in Las Vegas.

Among this year’s honorees is Robert White, Director of Market Development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), who was awarded the 24/7 Blend Award for “his leadership in industry-wide education about social media.” Under his leadership, RFA and other fuel advocacy groups were awarded a $1.6 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to provide training that includes social media for national Clean Cities Coalitions and their stakeholders.

The EV-angelism Award was presented to President and COO Rick Kasper for his early and lasting success in manufacturing electric vehicles. The Golden Bullet Award was presented to National Clean Cities Director Dennis Smith for his leadership in overseeing the process that will add 9,000 vehicles and more than 500 refueling stations under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Green Fleet Award was presented to Jerome Webber, Vice President of Fleet Operations for AT&T’s replacement of 15,000 vehicles over the next ten years with alternatively fueled and powered models. Director of Government Affairs for NGV America, Paul Kerkhoven received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless advocacy of natural gas and Napa Valley Unified School District Transportation Director Ralph Knight received the Magic School Bus Award for replacing diesel buses with electric.

For many people who are passionate about alternative vehicles, the Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo (AF&V) has been the place to be for more than a decade. This is not changing as Las Vegas will be the host of the 2010 show being held May 9-12, and the show will renew its focus on fleets through its “Focus on Fleets” program.

According to AF&V, 20 percent of the average fleet (ranging from 300 to more than 1,000 vehicles on average) is made up of a vehicle that runs on alternative energy.

Speaking of fleets, natural gas has become all the rage with 19 of the 25 Clean Cities Recovery Act Awards announced in August 2009 including CNG and LNG stations and vehicles in their project proposals. To support the growing number of natural gas vehicles, it is estimated that 133 CNG and 10 LNG stations will come on-line in the several years to fuel some 2,473 CNG and 416 LNG vehicles according to the winning proposals.

As part of the AF&V 2010 “Focus on Fleets” program, you can register to win one of 25 free conference registrations worth $899 each. To qualify, you must be the primary fleet manager or owner with a minimum of 25 vehicles and be new to the conference. The deadline to register is October 16th. Click here for more information.

As the third day of the 15th national AF&V Conference and Expo in Orlando moves in, industry excellence awards were announced. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVI) recognized outstanding leadership in the alternative fuels and vehicles industry. The awardees shown superiority in advancing the use of alternative fuels, vehicles and advanced technologies thus furthering a clean air initiative.

According to a press release from AFVI, eight awards were announced:

The 20/20 Vision Award which acknowledged cooperative leadership, strength of purpose, and a powerful vision went to Mario Cordero, immediate Past President of the Port of Long Beach, CA, and S. David Freeman, President, of the Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners. Under their plan, the fifth largest seaport complex in the world is now working with drayage truck owners to replace old trucks that can cut truck related air pollution by 80% by 2012.

The Golden Bullet Award went to Joe Jobe who brought together a national effort to bring the biodiesel industry together to advance the use of biodiesel in our nation’s fleets.

The Green Fleet Award went to Victor La Rosa, President of Total Transportation Services, Inc. (TTSI), was the first in line with alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to operate in full-time drayage service at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

The Invention and Innovation Award (Heavy-Duty) was given Michael Gallagher, president and COO for Bechtel Group and Fluor Corporation. Dr. Gallagher showed commitment to the development of alternative energy and environmental cleanup by working tirelessly with customers, industry partners and policy makers on natural gas.

The Invention and Innovation Award (Light-Duty) was presented to Toyota Prius as it changed the makeup of the world’s fleet of vehicles. In an evolving new vehicle market, Toyota has set the bar for eco-supremacy.

The Oxygen Award was given to Blue Bird VISION. The Vision is the first full-size, dedicated propane-powered school bus to be offered by a major manufacturer in the United States since 2002.

The Green Giant Award went to T. Boone Pickens (right) who has pushed national attention on natural gas for transportation as a key tenet in lessening U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

The Prescient Pioneer Award was presented to Mike Scarpino of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program. For twelve years Mike has been on hand to assist the national program and local coalitions as they’ve weathered budget threats, low gasoline prices, and erratic incentives.

The AF&V Conference concludes tomorrow.

The 2009 Alternative Fuels & Vehicles (AF&V) Conference and Expo has kicked off in Orlando, Florida. The industry event represents all fuels, vehicles and technologies that provide an alternative to petroleum including: natural gas, ethanol, biodiesel, propane, electricity, and hydrogen, and their companion vehicles.

The exhibit hall opened yesterday and showcases booths from a variety of alternative fuel industry groups and automakers. An important workshop was held this afternoon and focused on the untruths of the alternative fuel industry. The session, Eco-Smackdown: Industry Addresses Untruths About Alternative Fuels, included a panel of experts from industries representing propane, compressed natural gas, biodiesel, and ethanol. An overview was given of each fuel and the audience was allowed to ask how to dispel their untruths and negativity, mainly from the media.

Ethanol breakthroughs were discussed mentioning cellulosic, using corn cobs in pilot plants and the efforts to move from E10 to E15. Curtis Donaldson of CleanFUEL USA said, “How great would it be to combine all these alternative fuels and successfully displace 35 billion gallons of gasoline by the year 2025. The group agreed that it will take all the fuels to displace gasoline. Although there are myths and untruths, we are in a transition. This can be done.”

Another concurrent session held today was Declaration of Independence: The Domestically Produced Alternative Fuels Solution. An expert panel presented on biofuel options, cost advantages, job growth, environmental benefits and how fleets can begin today to wean the U.S. off of foreign oil.

The AF&V Conference is hosted by the Alternative Fuel & Vehicle Institute.

The 2009 Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Institute (AFVI) Conference and Expo will be held April 19-22, 2009 at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. More than 35 hours of sessions with 200 speakers have been added to this year’s agenda to answer the following questions:

1. What will the automotive industry look like one year from now?
2. Will gas prices go up and when?
3. What environmental and transportation changes will come about under the new administration?
4. What alternatively fueled vehicles and advanced transportation vehicles exist for purchase today?
5. What is it going to cost to comply with the 2010 Environmental Protection Agency emission standards?
6. How do I take advantage of the new federal money available for alternative fuels?
7. When can I buy a plug-in hybrid?
8. Will anticipated new, stringent air quality regulations require new vehicle purchases?
9. How do I assess the life cycle cost for AFVs?
10. What has caused the recent surge in infrastructure development and will that continue?

For more information regarding the event, visit www.afv2009.com.

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute’s “Biofuels Drive Economic Solutions Forum” in Las Vegas this month will feature an automotive journalist and an energy expert as keynote speakers.

According to an AFVi news release, Michael Caudill, automotive journalist for KTLA in Los Angeles, and expert on the vehicle marketplace kicks off the morning with his insightful automotive forecast. Nationally recognized energy icon, David Freeman is the keynote lunch speaker.

The Forum focus is on biodiesel and E85 and is designed as part of AFVi’s Learning Marketplace to introduce fleets and other decision-makers to a wide range of information on the fuels, the vehicles, and available incentives. Supporting sponsors for the event are the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

The Forum runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20 at The Orleans in Las Vegas. Registration is $199 and available on-line here.

“In times of change, the learner will inherit the earth, while the learned are beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists.” – Eric Hoffer

With those words of wisdom, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) has announced the Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference + Expo will be held May 11-14, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 14th annual conference is expected to attract 2000 key experts and end users to accelerate the commercial adoption of alternative fuels, vehicles, and advanced transportation technologies. The program emphasis is on alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and advanced transportation technologies, vehicle emissions, and policy.

More information and advanced registration is available on-line.

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) is hosting a one-day forum in Las Vegas on September 20, 2007 to provide information so that those who manage vehicle fleets and make the decisions to incorporate biodiesel and E85 ethanol.

Presenters include leading executives from vehicle and engine manufacturing companies and suppliers, users of biofuels, and high-ranking officials from federal, state, and local government regulatory agencies. Early speaker commitments include Dan Hyde, Fleet Manager for the City of Las Vegas; Joe Jobe, Chief Executive Office of the National Biodiesel Board; and Chris Cassidy, United States Department of Agriculture.

The AFVi web site has more information.

The forum will be held at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. Registration information is available by clicking here.

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) recently recognized outstanding leadership in the alternative fuels and vehicles industry at the 13th Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference & Expo 2007.

General Motors received the Green Award for the “Live Green Go Yellow” marketing and advertising campaign.

American Honda was honored with the Green Fleet Award for “leadership and consistency in manufacturing vehicles that provide fleets and customers with the greenest choices around.” Pictured, Dan Bonawitz, Vice President of Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda, accepted this award from actor Larry Hagman and AFVi Executive Director Annalloyd Thomason.

The Industry Innovation Award was presented to James Harger of Clean Energy, Westport Innovations CEO Mike Gallagher, Mark Zucker and Andy Douglas of Inland Kenworth.

The Industry Pioneer of the year was Anne Smith with the Southern California Gas Company, and philanthropist T. Boone Pickens was honored with the Industry Vision Award.

More information and photos available here.

Last year I covered what was then known as the Clean Cities Congress here on Domestic Fuel. This year it has a new name and we’re seeking a sponsor for our coverage. I know it’s coming up fast but we thought we had a sponsor for this and that didn’t work out.

If you’re interested in being our event sponsor please contact me as soon as possible. This is the premier event for fleet vehicles and I’m sure it’s going to be attracting more attention than ever this year.

As a sponsor your company would have its logo, linking back to your website, in every post done at the event. You can see all of my coverage from last year using this link.

School administrators might want to mark Tuesday, March 13th on their calendars as the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute holds the AFV School Bus Connection webcast from 10:30 a.m.-noon PST.

According to an institute press release, the webcast is designed to bring alternative fuel industry experts together to provide the latest information on funding, products, and legislation related to specific markets:

“The budget woes of school districts across the country have been compounded in recent years by fluctuating oil prices,” said Annalloyd Thomason, Executive Director of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi). “The debate many school districts are having that posits books against buses needs to be replaced with concrete tools that equips school fleet managers to make a business case citing financial opportunities as well as the growing costs of health problems that exhaust inflicts on our nation’s children.”

The webcast is free, but organizers are asking that you register at www.afvi.org/webcasts.html.

AFVi is also holding its Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference & Expo in Anaheim, California April 1-4.

The Alternative Fuels and Vehicles National Conference & Expo 2007 is coming up fast. It’s not too late to get registered though.

To learn more about the event which was previously known as the Clean Cities Congress I interviewed Kimberly Taylor, with the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute that coordinates the event. I saw Kimberly at the recent National Biodiesel Conference. Kimberly says that this year’s conference has a real emphasis on fleets and the fuels and vehicles they can get today.

Listen to my interview with Kimberly here: Kimberly Taylor Interview (2 min MP3)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (1.2MB)