Ark Enterprises 2, Braggs Truck Repair, Green Tech Energy Solutions, Grimes Auto Service Inc., and NDMJ Transportation are joining Alliance to provide fleets with EPA-certified autogas vehicle conversions, as well as ongoing service and technical support.

“From Virginia to Texas, these new partners help strengthen Alliance AutoGas as we continue expanding nationwide, helping our nation’s fleets save money and drive clean,” says Stuart Weidie, president of Alliance Autogas and founder of Autogas for America.

Certified Alliance AutoGas conversion centers are equipped to implement both bi-fuel and dedicated propane vehicle conversions using Prins vapor and liquid injection technology. Alliance has the largest privately financed portfolio of autogas vehicle certifications in the U.S., with more than 200 vehicle types eligible for autogas conversions.

Fleets that convert to autogas will save on both fuel and maintenance costs. Because autogas is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline, many fleets report reduced maintenance needs for vehicles, like fewer oil changes and an extended engine life. Alliance AutoGas provides leasing and financing options that allow fleets to start saving immediately, with zero up-front cost—including for an on-site autogas station.The new Alliance conversion center partners include:

Ark Enterprises 2 in Churchville, VA; Braggs Truck Repair in Berryville, VA; NDMJ Ltd. Transportation of Tyler, Texas;
Green Tech Energy Solutions in Miami, FL; and Grimes Auto Service of Tifton, GA.

Stewart provided expert insights and three BlueStar autogas vehicles for test driving. The conference also included informational sessions on autogas and other alternative fuels, along with details on grants, tax credits and financing for shifting fleets to clean fuel.

Propane autogas is the third most widely used fuel in the world, powering more than 17 million vehicles globally. Ninety percent of the U.S. supply is made in America. Autogas costs about $1.25 less per gallon than gasoline, and because autogas is also a cleaner burning fuel, fleets often experience reduced maintenance costs.

As the flagship West Coast fuel provider for Alliance AutoGas, Blue Star Gas supplies fleets from California to Washington State with affordable, American-made autogas. A variety of experts, policy makers and manufacturers from organizations such as Eaton Corporation, Freightliner Trucks and Cascade Sierra Solutions were also on-hand at the event to offer valuable insight on current green options for the trucking industry.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to educate leaders in the Oregon transportation industry about autogas. It’s an ideal clean fuel for light-duty fleets that’s readily available today,” said Stewart, a past chairman of the National Propane Gas Association Benchmarking Council. “With so many green energy options on the market, it can be overwhelming to identify the best fuel to power your fleet. But, for those who want to save money and reduce harmful emissions without sacrificing performance, autogas is the ideal fuel.”

BlueStar Gas vehicles available for test drives during the event included an autogas-powered Ford Expedition, a Ford Crown Victoria and a Chevy 3500 utility truck.

“Events like the conference held by McCoy Freightliner help spread awareness about autogas one driver at a time, since they are able to discover first-hand the power of autogas vehicles,” said Stewart. “In fact, Blue Star provides test drives and demonstrations for West Coast fleet owners and managers on an ongoing basis. There’s no better way to experience the performance of an autogas vehicle than by getting behind the wheel of one.”

GROWMARK Information Management Solutions director Keith Milburn says wEBS was developed as a fuel billing solution that makes the record keeping process easier by providing instantaneous information such as fuel type, tank sizes, taxes and credits.

Milburn says they developed wEBS when the fuel business started to get more complicated a few years ago. “We no longer just handle gasoline and diesel,” he said. “We have high sulfur, low sulfur, bio or soy diesel, ethanol blends – and all the relevant taxes have made it very complicated given those combination of blends.”

“There’s two components of wEBS,” Milburn says. “There’s the back office or centralized data set and then the hand held on the truck level.” The back office includes not only customer information, but every tank that each delivery truck services. “The system identifies each tank with a bar code that tells who the customer is, what product types, relevant taxes, discounts, and if there have fuel contracted at a certain price,” Milburn explains. So all the delivery driver has to do is pump the fuel and within minutes the transaction is recorded and an email confirmation is sent to the customer.

Milburn says this “evolution in the energy business” was first introduced as a pilot program in January 2010 with two trucks and it has since grown to incorporate about 95 trucks that essentially function as mobile hot spots to communicate information. And he says the system is continuing to evolve with the technology.

Find out more about the wEBS system in this interview with Keith Milburn here: Keith Milburn Interview

“The Postal Service is one of the greenest mailing and shipping companies in the world,” said Thomas G. Day, chief sustainability officer. The eco-friendly options offered by USPS include mailing and shipping supplies, free package pickup and holiday cards printed on recycled paper available in 2,000 Post Offices.

“We have a ‘fleet of feet’ delivering mail the greenest way possible, by walking,” Day added. “Nearly 9,000 of our carriers will be delivering holiday mail on foot this season. And we also have nearly 80,000 ‘park and loop’ routes, where carriers will drive vehicles from the Post Office to neighborhoods and then deliver those holiday packages and cards on foot.”

The Postal Service will have delivered a total of 16.5 billion cards, letters and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve using various alternative fuel vehicles in the largest civilian fleet in the world of 215,000 vehicles. Alternatives utilized by USPS include three-wheeled electric vehicles with zero gas emissions that operate at a cost of only 2 cents a mile, as well as vehicles that can operate on compressed natural gas, propane, ethanol, and fuel cell. There’s also 30 large all-electric trucks delivering holiday mail in Manhattan.

American Alternative Fuel privately funded these EPA certifications to ensure fleet owners and managers nationwide can choose from a wide variety of vehicle makes and models when converting to clean-burning autogas. With more than 200 eligible vehicles, this is the largest privately financed portfolio of autogas vehicle certifications in the United States. New certifications include the latest model years for the popular Ford Crown Victoria and E-series vans and additional certifications for several medium duty GM platforms.

Fleets running on autogas see savings on both fuel and maintenance costs. Autogas is an average of $1.25 per gallon less than gasoline and many Alliance AutoGas fleets report reduced maintenance needs and increased vehicle engine life after shifting to autogas. In addition to the cost-savings benefits of autogas, it is also a clean-burning fuel that is 90 percent domestically produced.

Alliance AutoGas provides both bi-fuel and propane-dedicated conversions using Prins vapor and liquid injection technology. The bi-fuel Prins VSI system gives drivers peace of mind because vehicles automatically switch back to gasoline if the autogas tank runs low when a fueling station cannot be reached.

The Vestavia Hills, Ala., Police Department recently converted 14 cruisers to autogas as a cost-effective, efficient way to go green, according to Alliance AutoGas which outfitted the Ford Crown Victorias with bi-fuel systems and installed an on-site autogas station to give officers easy fueling access.

“Converting to autogas is simply the most viable solution for law enforcement looking to save money and drive clean, without sacrificing vehicle performance,” says Alliance AutoGas President Stuart Weidie. “Not only is autogas about $1.25 per gallon cheaper than gasoline but vehicle conversions and fueling stations are more affordable compared to other alternative fuels.”

The Vestavia Hills department joins others who have made the switch to propane autogas including sheriff’s departments in Jackson County, Georgia; Augusta County, Va., and Iredell County, North Carolina and police departments in Raleigh, N.C. and West Point, Mississippi.

Regarding total inventories, Randy says 60 million barrels is the total to shoot for to feel comfortable going into the winter. “And we just did get to 60 million,” he said recently. “We’ve had some pretty good inventory increases the last few weeks.”

He says that Midwest stocks are pretty good, but stocks overall are behind last year and the five year average. “Nothing to feel short about but we are behind some nine percent compared to a year ago,” he said. “Most of that is on the Gulf Coast where we’ve seen a lot of propane exports.”

Propane exports from the U.S. are up this year, although they have dropped off a bit in the last month or so. “But still we are seeing tremendous exports compared to what we’ve ever seen before in history,” Miller said.

GROWMARK is a leading provider of a full range of energy products and services, including a complete line of quality lubricants, fuel and fuel additives, and dependable heating and drying with GROWMARK propane.

Listen to an interview with Randy Miller about propane supplies: Randy Miller Interview

“H.R. 2014 and S. 1120 would extend for five years federal alternative fuel tax credits for propane used as a motor fuel, propane autogas vehicles and propane autogas refueling equipment,” said NPGA President and CEO Richard Roldan. “The Propane GAS Act offers certainty to the marketplace to further solidify propane autogas as a competitive alternative transportation fuel.”

“Autogas vehicle market incentives are good fiscal policy. The Propane GAS Act provides incentives to make the switch to an American-made alternative fuel and with clear policy benefits,” added Roldan who concluded by noting that in the short-term, no one fuel can displace conventional fuels but propane autogas can have an immediate impact.

Harry Cooney is manager of customer risk management for GROWMARK Energy and he is constantly keeping an eye on the energy complex, especially gasoline, propane and diesel fuel. He says the primary influences on the energy market lately have been the situation in Europe, the value of the dollar and the stock market.

“In the past six months to a year, there’s been a strong connection between the stock markets and the energy markets,” Cooney said. “When things look bad in Europe, then our stock market tends to fall off and when the stock market falls off the energy markets tend to fall off.” He says world events in the currency and stock markets and whether the economy is strengthening or weakening have more impact on energy markets than public policy decisions, like the blenders tax credit for ethanol and the Renewable Fuels Standard.

In the diesel market, Cooney says we are seeing strong demand and falling stocks. “Diesel stocks have fallen under the five year average for the first time in many months,” he said. “The economy is starting to come around so stocks are coming down and diesel demand is back well over the five year average after just bottoming in July.”

As propane users look ahead to contracting for 2012, Cooney says they are currently making recommendations for summer through winter of next year. “Given the somewhat tight stocks situation and the fact that crude oil tends to want to go up, it makes us want to be a buyer of propane,” he said.

Listen to my interview with Harry Cooney here: Harry Cooney Interview

Blue Star already has autogas stations across California and Oregon but this will be the first in Washington state. “The Blue Star Gas facility in Tukwila now extends the reach of our propane distribution and fueling operations on the West Coast,” says Blue Star Gas President Jeff Stewart. “With this location, we will deliver Puget Sound fleets and the public the most economical and environmentally friendly alternative fuel available today and meet the needs of those who want to save money while enhancing national energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Blue Star is a partner in Alliance Autogas, an integrated network that includes propane retailers, premier equipment providers and certified conversion centers.

Marion Ertmer, GROWMARK Propane Marketing Manager, says some people may still think of propane as an import from the Middle East, but that’s no longer true. “Today, with the emerging sources of propane in North America, we’re actually not importing propane as a fuel, we actually have an exporting trend on propane,” he said, adding that it is a very clean fuel, similar to natural gas. “The net carbon footprint is actually much less than electricity,” said Ertmer.

Ertmer says home use of propane is also more economical than electricity. “Propane is actually about half the cost of electricity,” he said. He notes that with a propane heat and a propane-powered generator, you can be warm and have light even if the electricity goes out. “You’re never out of power with propane,” he said.

Of course, farmers are big users of propane, especially during harvest season for drying their grain, but Ertmer says the use of propane as a fuel for vehicles is an increasing new use. “Particularly school systems are looking at this for their buses,” he said, both for environmental and economic reasons. “There’s a tremendous savings on a per mile cost with propane and that’s a way for school districts to save money on their school bus fleets.”

GROWMARK sells about 300 million gallons of propane a year mainly in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa and is also involved in marketing wholesale propane in other parts of the country.

Listen to an interview with Marion Ertmer here: GROWMARK Propane Marketing Manager Marion Ertmer

Fyda Energy Solutions specializes in retrofitting vehicles to run on alternative fuels, as well as providing maintenance support for fleets. The company was formed with the goal of reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, promoting clean air and ultimately supporting the fleet industry with affordable clean fuel options.

“Fyda Energy Solutions recognizes the importance of reducing costs for fleet owners and managers, while also positively impacting national energy security and the environment,” said Fyda Energy Solutions Director of Business Development, Tim Hooker. “As a new partner in the Alliance AutoGas complete program, we’re proud to be part of an innovative solution for cleaner energy that offers great savings for fleets.”

“Fyda Energy Solutions is a leading provider of alternative fuel technologies for the fleet industry, and they will be a vital part of the Alliance mission to run more American fleets on environmentally friendly, affordable autogas,” says Stuart Weidie, president of Alliance AutoGas and founder of industry coalition, Autogas for America. “Saving money on fuel without losing power or range makes autogas a smart choice for fleets—and because it’s domestically produced, it’s also a smart choice for enhancing U.S. energy security.”

Autogas is 90 percent made in America, so fleets running on this clean fuel are doing their part to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Autogas is $1 less per gallon than gasoline, and the cost of autogas fueling infrastructure and conversions is significantly more affordable compared to other alternative fuels.

Iredell County Sheriff Phillip Redmond recently had 13 Ford Crown Victoria cruisers converted to run on propane autogas using money confiscated from illegal drug activity.

“We put dirty money to good use by re-purposing seized assets from our drug interdiction program to match grant funding for the autogas conversions,” says Sheriff Redmond, pictured here preparing to fill up one of the converted cruisers at a propane autogas pump.

Nationwide network Alliance AutoGas provided the conversions and autogas fueling infrastructure. The autogas conversions are estimated to save the county about 40 percent in fuel costs, in addition to reduced maintenance expenses and the Sheriff’s Office is reportedly so pleased with the autogas vehicle performance, they are converting 13 additional vehicles this fall and hope to eventually run 50 fleet vehicles on autogas.

More than 20 worldwide leaders in the effort to commercialize next-generation transportation fuels today announced the new campaign, called FuelChoiceNow. Among the companies that have joined the effort are Abengoa Bioenergy, Battery Ventures, Propel Fuels, and Qteros.

“The purpose behind FuelChoiceNow is to promote consumer choice at the pump,” said Susan Hager, vice president of corporate communications and government affairs for Qteros. “The advocacy group does not promote one alternative fuel over another, we’re here to advocate for consumer choice.”

The group intends to educate and urge lawmakers to enact policies that promote open fuel markets in the United States. “Today in the United States, the transportation fuel market is not an open market, it’s not competitive,” Hager said. “What we’re advocating is room for innovation and new technologies for consumers to choose from.”

FuelChoiceNow has launched a website, along with a Facebook fan page and Twitter account, to encourage a grassroots effort toward expanding fuel choices.

Listen to or download interview with Susan Hager here. Susan Hager of Qteros

“Thanks to generous donations from ROUSH CleanTech and Ferrellgas, hundreds of thousands of Californians will be able to learn about home energy efficiency, solar energy and the products and incentives available to them when visiting the mobile exhibit,” said Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director. “This is a perfect example of how multiple clean technologies can work together to demonstrate energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote more sustainable practices.”

The tour includes a trailer that is being towed by a Ford F-250 pickup converted to run on propane autogas. When the truck needs to fill up, it will roll on into one of Ferrellgas’s 200 propane stations to refuel. In addition to ROUSH and Ferrallgas, the tour is also funded with money from the Department of Energy’s BetterBuildings Neighborhood program along with two state programs: Energy Upgrade California and go Solar California!

“Ferrellgas is proud to partner with the California Center for Sustainable Energy and ROUSH CleanTech to educate Californians about ways to save money and the environment by implementing energy efficiency solutions in their homes and at their businesses,” said George Koloroutis, president of Ferrell North America and senior vice president of Ferrellgas. “As the nation’s leading propane retailer, we’ve been doing just that for more than 70 years.”

Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH said that this is a great way demonstrate that propane autogas is the most readily deployable and flexible alternative fuel that can immediately address air concerns.

On hand for the event were Steven Whaley of Blossman Gas (an Alliance AutoGas co-founding partner) and he said the conversions are expected to save between 30,000-36,000 gallons of gasoline per year while also saving an estimated $30,000 in fuel costs. The police department will also experience reduced maintenance costs and vehicle downtime due to, said Whaley, the high octane rating of the autogas.

Also on hand for the event were Raleigh Police Chief Harry Dolan, representatives from the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition and the City of Raleigh’s Office of Sustainability. The North Carolina State Solar Center hosted the event.

The propane autogas bus is built on a Blue Bird chassis and powered by a Ford 6.8-liter V-10 engine with the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system. The bus boasts 362 horsepower, 457 pounds of torque. In addition, ROUSH says the technology will reap saving reductions of 30 to 40 percent on average when compared to diesel.

“Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Vision has been the industry leader in alternative fuel offerings since its introduction in 2007. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art, reliable and efficient green solutions that our customers want and value,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “In partnership with established industry leaders, Ford and ROUSH CleanTech, the introduction of Blue Bird’s Next Generation Propane-Powered Vision will reinforce our leadership position by providing increased benefits and value to our customers.”

The bus meets all EPA and California Air Resources Board requirements and its success is owed in part to the Propane Education & Research Council who helped to fund the project. This is the second collaboration between ROUSH and Blue Bird. Together they launched a Type A school bus in September 2010.

“ROUSH CleanTech is excited to partner with Blue Bird to roll out this new propane autogas technology,” added Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “Hands down, propane autogas is the right choice for school districts. Propane autogas is safe, economical and the leading alternative fuel in the United States.”

“After researching several fuel options, we decided that ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas systems offered the best solution for us,” said Mike Baessler, fleet director of ARS/Rescue Rooter. “We believe this investment will provide longevity to our fleet, in addition to reduced operating costs allowing us to pass the savings on to our customers.”

According to ROUSH, the propane autogas vans will require less maintenance costs while extending the life of the engines. The company also says that using propane offers a 30-40 percent reduction in fuel costs when compared to gasoline, reduces greenhouse gas emissions between 17-24 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by 20 percent and carbon monoxide by up to 60 percent.

“Propane autogas powered vehicles help reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil because 90 percent of U.S. propane supplies are domestic,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at ROUSH CleanTech. “We’re proud to develop new technologies that use alternative fuel sources to help fleet operators, such as ARS/Rescue Rooter, meet their goals of reducing both the operating costs and carbon footprint of their fleet.”

At this time, ARS/Rescue Rooter plans to purchase 22 more propane autogas vehicles by the end of this year and an additional 100 by the end of 2012.

“Going green is a big priority for Coast Transit Authority, and we feel government agencies should take the lead in introducing alternative fuels like autogas to the community,” said Executive Director Kevin Coggin. “Autogas was a smart choice for our fleet because there was no up-front cost for the fueling infrastructure, and we benefit greatly from the reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel prices.”

In addition, Nantucket Energy Corp has also partnered with Alliance AutoGas to help supply propane to community fleets. Nantucket Energy co-founder Philip Marks, III said they made the decision to offer propane in an effort to provide inexpensive, clean-burning fuels to meet community energy needs.

Alliance AutoGas says fleets running on autogas save more than $1 per gallon at the pump. They also say vehicles running on propane emit less emissions and require less maintenance. The company’s President Stuart Weidie said adding partners supports their mission to “make the most popular alternative fuel in the world available to more American fleets.”

“Vehicle emissions are the single largest source of air pollution in the state of Minnesota, but we are also a leader in cleaner alternative fuels and vehicles,” said Robert Moffitt, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association in Minnesota. “Unlike many other parts of the country, Minnesota drivers have choices they can make that can reduce air pollution and the harm it causes to our health. The purpose of this lecture is to explain what these choices are.”

Parking is free, and light refreshments will be served. To reserve a spot, call Courtney at (651) 262-5084 or email Courtney.Blankenheim@lungmn.org.

“Propane Days has been a valuable opportunity to reach lawmakers interested in addressing America’s energy challenges,” said Weidie. “Autogas for America doesn’t promote legislative favoritism for any particular fuel. However, we believe autogas should have equal opportunity to succeed in the marketplace alongside other alternative fuels already receiving attention in Washington D.C. The environmental and cost benefits of autogas will take it from there.”

Part of the efforts of the propane industry was to lobby for passage of the Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act of 2011 (Propane GAS Act). The industry hopes that autogas will achieve parity with other alternative fuels as part of the solution to energy independence. Other organizations participating in the event included the Propane Education and Research Council, Ferrellgas, AmeriGas, ROUSH CleanTech, Blossman Gas, and Blue Star Gas. In addition to meeting with lawmakers, the group also engaged in a social media campaign.

George Koloroutis, president of Ferrellgas North America, added, “Utilizing clean, American-made fuels like autogas for our nation’s vehicle fleets ultimately reduces our dependence on foreign oil. America has been lagging behind the rest of the world in using this environmentally friendly, economical fuel, and it’s time we started investing in U.S. energy security with autogas.”

“Propane autogas is a clean, cost-effective and domestically produced vehicle fuel that is rapidly growing in popularity with fleets across the country,” said Penta. “Our new fueling station in Geneva is a crucial step toward making American-made autogas more widely available to the public. Not only do vehicles running on autogas experience lower fuel costs, the up-front expense of implementing autogas fueling infrastructure is significantly lower than that of other alternative fuels—making it a much more viable choice for going green while saving some green.”

In other Alliance AutoGas news, the City of West Point, Mississippi plans to convert eight 2009 Ford Crown Victoria police cruisers to propane autogas. To help with the conversions, Alliance AutoGas offers not only vehicle conversions but also on-site fueling and ongoing safety training and technical support.

According to Police Chief Bobby Lane, whose team will be utilizing the converted vehicles, the propane-powered engines are expected to last two-three times longer with projected savings for the city of $26,000 annually.

“The city of West Point is ultimately supporting American energy security by running their police fleet vehicles on autogas,” added Alliance AutoGas representative Mark Denton. “The U.S. autogas supply is more than 90 percent made-in-America, so these officers can feel good knowing they’re helping reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.”

“National Bus Sales has been searching for a high-quality propane autogas solution, and we are thrilled to be partnering with ROUSH CleanTech to bring dedicated liquid propane autogas technology to America’s public and private bus fleets,” said John Walsh, president of National Bus Sales and Leasing, Inc. “In this time of high gas prices and the need for sustainability, this unequivocal product is guaranteed to lower harmful carbon emissions and operating costs.”

TX-CARTS currently has buses in its fleet that use traditional fuels. The new bus that they will be adding will feature the frame of a Ford E-450 cutaway with the shuttle bus body added by Elkhart. The buses will seat 20 passengers and two wheelchairs and be equipped with the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system.

“This new venture has the potential to revolutionize the way governments, municipalities, and the public view the paratransit industry,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “No longer does the traditional image of dirty exhaust and compromised air quality from buses have to be the norm.”

Other legislators sponsoring the Propane GAS Act include Representatives Dan Boren (D-OK) and Mike Rogers (R-AL), as well as Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

“Providing more incentives for vehicles using propane autogas can play a key role in infusing competition into the U.S. transportation fuel market, stimulating job growth and reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” said U.S. Congressman John Carter (R-TX). “Propane is a proven and cleaner-burning alternative fuel. This bill puts into motion the necessary steps to help solidify a place for propane autogas on the nation’s menu of fuels that insures a more cost-effective, domestically produced fuel option exists for American drivers.”

According to organizations such as CleanFUEL USA, propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world and the third most used fuel after gasoline and diesel. Today, it is primarily used in the transportation sector in fleet vehicles. More than 90 percent of the propane used in the states is produced in North America and a national infrastructure is already in place.

Curtis Donaldson, founder and CEO of CleanFUEL USA said of the proposed bill, “Our nation’s supply and demand issues for transportation fuel is teetering on a tipping point of no return – one where all viable options should be on the table. Propane autogas is the ‘right here, right now’ fuel, and we applaud Congressman Carter in initiating the Propane GAS Act. As a U.S. Representative for Texas (a global leader in the energy industry), Carter truly understands both the needs and opportunities to diversify our energy mix and his efforts on this bill is a clear indication of that.”

Randy Miller, Director of Propane Operations says that they’ve been marketing propane for years. “Obviously, being ag-related, grain drying is a big part of our propane business,” he says, adding that the last couple of years have increased demand for grain drying.

Miller says home heat is also important and they have recently expanded their territory significantly, including into the northeast. “We’re always looking for new markets,” he said. “We’re seeing some interest from major cities as far as using propane as a fuel for city buses. It’s a very clean fuel, burns very clean, very little residue or exhaust.”

GROWMARK negotiates their supply of propane on behalf of members with the flexibility to deliver to areas when and where it is most needed.

Listen to Chuck Zimmerman’s interview with Randy Miller here about the GROWMARK propane business: Randy Miller Interview

A DOE Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant secured by the Clean Energy Coalition enabled the conversions of the cargo vans to propane and helped to pay for the propane fuel tank installation. “Clean Energy Coalition provides funding and resources for partnerships like ROUSH CleanTech and Wright & Filippis to flourish,” said Sean Reed, executive director for Clean Energy Coalition. “These partnerships are resulting in remarkable advances in alternative fueling options and making it difficult for any transportation company to say ‘no’ to cleaner, more cost-effective alternatives for their fleets.”

Wright & Filippis’ fleet vehicles travel more than 975,000 miles each year to serve patients needing home delivery of medical products. By switching to propane autogas, the company’s fleet is expected save more than $3,000 per vehicle, burn 48,000 fewer gallons of gasoline and potentially eliminate more than 930,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from its yearly carbon footprint.

“We can’t take chances when we are delivering products that are critical to people’s lives,” said A.J. Filippis, president of Wright & Filippis. “We have to make sure our vehicles are reliable, and we have that comfort level by utilizing propane autogas to power them.” He continued by noting that these companies are “putting into play opportunities for other local companies” to take advantage of the technologies.

Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at ROUSH CleanTech added, “Propane autogas powered vehicles help reduce our dependence on foreign oil because 90 percent of U.S. propane supplies are domestic. We’re proud to develop new technologies that utilize alternative fuel sources to help fleet operators, such as Wright & Filippis, meet their goals of reducing both the operating costs and carbon footprint of their fleet.”

“The Department of Energy’s Clean Cities initiative is bringing together local governments and industry to demonstrate the benefits of advanced technology vehicles and help communities use less oil and gasoline to power their vehicles,” said Secretary Chu. “The initiatives announced today are just the latest steps in our broader efforts to reduce America’s dependence on oil, improve our energy security, and save families and businesses money.”

Much of Minnesota’s efforts to reduce gas use has focused on the use of higher blends of ethanol including E85. The state has more than 360 E85 pumps and was the first to pass a 5 percent biodiesel blend mandate. The cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Brooklyn Park were early adopters of alternative fuel vehicles, as were Hennepin, Dakota and Ramsey counties. The state fleet includes 2,500 flex fuel vehicles that can use E85 or gasoline that used nearly 1 million gallons of E85 in 2010.

“We are very pleased to see the hard work of our many partner organizations reflected in our number one ranking,” said Lisa Thurstin, manager of outdoor air programs for the American Lung Association in Minnesota, which administers the Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition. “The ranking was determined based on the amount of E85, biodiesel, natural gas, propane and other cleaner-burning alternative fuels reported by each Clean Cities coalition to the Department of Energy.”

The EV program was announced during a call with Chu, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup, and St. Paul Mayor Christopher Coleman.

“We are excited to launch this website, which not only highlights our fleet partners and successes, but also serves as a resource for fleet owners and managers who are looking for unbiased information about propane autogas vehicles and fueling,” said Chelsea Jenkins, director of Virginia Clean Cities, whom is administering the program. “Autogas reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is domestically produced, so autogas fleets can feel good about their fuel choice while reducing their operating and fuel costs.”

Website features include:

·   Propane Autogas for Fleets

·   Fuel Savings Calculator

·   Fueling Station Information

The program, administered by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, in conjunction with Virginia Clean Cities, is hoping to convert more than 1,000 vehicles, both fleet and public, to run on propane. In addition, they plan to install 25 propane autogas fueling stations throughout the Southeast.

“With gasoline prices on a steady rise, there has never been a better time for fleets to learn the bottom-line benefits of clean fuel alternatives like autogas We encourage private businesses and government organizations with vehicle fleets to explore the new site and find out what autogas can do for their fleets,” concluded Jenkins.

“If Boone and his team of lobbyists were serious about American energy security, they would include other American-made alternative fuels like propane autogas in their push for incentives,” said Autogas for America founder Stuart Weidie. “Natural gas is an abundant natural resource, but it’s not our only clean-burning alternative to gasoline and diesel. The NAT GAS Act doesn’t give Americans solutions; it crowns a single solution as the victor.”

According to Autogas for America, 90 percent of the propane autogas is produced in America. Of this percent, 60 percent is generated from domestic natural gas refining. The organization also says propane autogas is less expensive than gasoline or diesel. Customized fleets that are operating with the fuel, on average, see more than $1.00 per gallon savings as compared to their previous fuel.

Weide continued, “Our legislature should not manipulate the market by giving a special interest advantage to one solution. They should recognize that taxpayers want multiple clean-fuel options to reduce harmful emissions and replace oil imports with affordable, American-made energy. The NAT GAS Act is an example of legislative cherry picking, the kind of legislation that skews the natural selection process that otherwise enables innovation in a free market economy.”

ROUSH CleanTech, one of the companies that have deployed auto technologies to convert fleet vehicles to run on autogas is ready to support President Obama’s energy goals, but is also frustrated with the introduction of the NAT Gas Act.

“An important, strong national energy policy was outlined by President Obama and Secretary Chu last week that will dramatically increase the adoption of fleet vehicles powered by domestically produced alternative fuels,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “While we are supportive of all alternative fuels, we won’t be as successful in achieving the President’s vision if each industry introduces legislation that plays to their own agenda, like we saw with the introduction of the NATGAS Act.  Wouldn’t we find the most success with one piece of legislation supporting all domestically produced alternative fuels?”

Several announcements were made last week surrounding the “greening” of fleets. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a streamlined certification process for aftermarket alternative fuel conversion systems that make it easier for companies to offer alternative fuel conversions for a broad range of vehicle makes and models. Also last week, the Department of Energy together with the White House announced the National Clean Fleets Partnership. This program highlights the need for fleets to adopt “advanced technology vehicles or ones that use alternative fuels, such as electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, or propane.”

“This is truly exciting news for the ROUSH CleanTech team and our customers,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “CARB certification is that final nod of approval needed to launch a full line of clean burning propane-autogas-powered passenger and cargo vans to fleet managers in California and other states, who have been eagerly awaiting the availability of our cost-effective alternative fuel solution.”

With CARB approval ROUSH can now sell Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans with propane technology. As such, Prime Time Shuttle, a ground transportation company that serves Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), will be incorporating the newly certified vans into their fleet. The company has 15 vans ready to go and will add another 35-40 over the next several months with its full fleet of 175 vans replaced with propane autogas technology within two years.

“We like what we see at ROUSH CleanTech,” said Rattan Joea, president of Prime Time Shuttle. “We’ve wanted to add the autogas E-series vans for quite some time, but needed CARB certification to seal the deal. We can’t wait to show our customers our commitment to a healthier environment with a reliable fleet of alternative fueled vans and shuttles, engineered with racing legend Jack Roush’s dedication to superior automotive products.”

The vans have already received air quality and emission approvals from the Environmental Protection Agency. Recently, the van was recognized with the “Propane Hero” award given to SuperShuttle for formidable performance as an alternative fuel vehicle at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.