tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43889686146601152912024-03-13T08:32:17.379-07:00Utah Clean Cities CoalitionUtah's Clean Cities Coalition is one of 85 coalitions around the country that's part of the U.S. Department of Energy's strategy to reduce America's dependence on imported foreign oil. We promote the following energy security strategies: alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), low-fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid electric vehicles and idle reduction. Locally, alternative fuels include compressed natural gas, propane, and to a lesser degree, ethanol and biodiesel.Utah Clean Cities Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17554307001354543565noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-18329274846972599362016-04-04T10:20:00.001-07:002016-04-04T10:20:46.579-07:00Grant to Advance Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Technologies<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: black; max-width: 600px !important; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times, 'times new roman', serif;"><strong><span style="color: #333333;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE </span></strong><br /><span style="color: #333333;">Contact: Anna Rosenbaum<br />202.618.6363 / <a href="mailto:anna@narc.org" style="color: #38abd8;" target="_blank">anna@narc.org</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times, 'times new roman', serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 22px;"><span style="color: #77b6d0; line-height: 33px;">National Association of Regional Councils</span><br /><span style="color: #77b6d0; line-height: 33px;">Receives Grant to Advance Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Technologies</span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, times, 'times new roman', serif;"><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> (March 22, 2016) - The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) is launching the <a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/partnerships/search?project_search=Alternative+Fuel+and+Advanced+Vehicle+Procurement+Aggregating+Initiatives#aggregated-alliance" style="color: #38abd8;">Aggregated Alternative Technology Alliance</a> (AATA) initiative as part of the national effort to reduce petroleum consumption by 2.5 billion gallons per year by 2020 through the acquisition of alternative fuel and/or advanced technology vehicles and related technology (AFATVs). This initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clean Cities Program under the Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Procurement Aggregating Initiative.<br /><br />Led by NARC, AATA is a partnership between five regional councils, nine <a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/coalitions/" style="color: #38abd8;">Clean Cities coalitions</a>, and five technical partners that is dedicated to advancing fuel-efficient vehicle technologies through targeted outreach and education and the coordination of five large regional procurement initiatives and one national scale initiative. AATA is designed as a sustainable and replicable approach towards collaborative procurement for AFATV that encourages peer exchange of best practices and provides access to experts in AFATV fields nationwide. The AATA team represents over 63 million Americans across the country and will directly engage at least 40,000 key AFATV stakeholders through procurement initiatives.<br /><br />AATA technical partners, Meister Consultants Group, Inc., Electrification Coalition, Yborra & Associates, ICM, and the Propane Education & Research Council, will work with five regional councils and Clean Cities coalitions to create and leverage AFATV best practices and procurement templates that can be modified to meet the needs and legal requirements of jurisdictions. In addition, AATA will explore options to combine or bundle AFATV with the re-fueling and charging station infrastructure, creating additional cost reduction opportunities to help reduce large-scale adoption barriers.<br /><br />The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, North Central Texas Council of Governments, and Pima Association of Governments, with support from their Clean Cities coalitions, will each deploy a regional procurement process using tailored best practices and templates to combine their member governments’ purchasing power for AFATV. The national procurement initiative will be spearheaded by MARC with support from NARC and several Clean Cities from around the country, including the Clean Communities of Central New York, Metropolitan Energy Center /Kansas City Regional Clean Cities, Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition, Utah Clean Cities, Western Washington Clean Cities, and Clean Fuels Ohio.<br /><br />“NARC is excited to be leading this highly qualified Alliance as it makes alternative fuel and other advanced vehicles more accessible to communities, “ said NARC Executive Director Leslie Wollack. “By coming together regionally to reduce costs and streamline the procurement process, we’ll be able to make big strides in the [AFATV] market thereby reducing petroleum dependence at the national level.”<br /><br />In all, AATA strives to positively impact the AFATV market in a 24-month period through the deployment of replicable fuel-neutral best practices and cooperative procurement templates that will enable competitive pricing and lower the up-front cost up to 15% for AFATV acquisition in local, regional, and state jurisdictions, as well as for private fleets through five large regional procurement initiatives and one national scale initiative.<br /> </span><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times, 'times new roman', serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>About the National Association of Regional Councils</strong><br /><em>The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) serves as the national voice for regionalism by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC’s member organizations are composed of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural. Visit <a href="http://narc.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6f332e973fea19c6d59ade453&id=b1ca600afb&e=28b325c6b9" style="color: #38abd8;">www.NARC.org</a> for more information. </em><br /><br /><strong>The Clean Cities Program</strong><br /><em>Since 1993, the Energy Department’s Clean Cities program has supported community-led efforts to help fleets and consumers find the alternative fuel or fuel-efficient solutions that meet their needs. Clean Cities’ nearly 100 local coalitions across the country work to reduce petroleum consumption, limit pollution, and save money.</em></span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-73556728186809602182016-04-04T10:05:00.000-07:002016-04-04T10:09:40.799-07:002016 Westport Training Schedule Released<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Westport News Update:</span>
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2016 service training schedule is set! This intense three-day course, held at our Westport facility in Dallas, Texas covers a range of essential topics in both the classroom and on our Production floor - including hands-on repairs for light-duty vehicles (dedicated and bi-fuel).</div>
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This year we have 5 sessions:</div>
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1) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1893119891" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">April 13-16</span></span></div>
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2) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1893119893" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 15-17</span></span></div>
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3) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1893119894" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 17-19</span></span></div>
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4) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1893119895" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 19-21</span></span></div>
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5) December 7-9</div>
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<strong>The classes are free!</strong> I believe it's critical to have a robust training program - that's how vehicles are diagnosed efficiently and effectively, thereby reducing downtime (and loss of revenue / use) of your vehicles. Many companies "talk" about the importance of a training program, but this program is another example of Westport's commitment to delivering a high level of customer service. This is the backbone of a truly successful alternative fuel vehicle offering. Because of how important I view this program, I want to make this as small of a financially burden on your organization as feasible. </div>
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I'm often asked if we can do training on-site...at your location. The answer is "yes". There will be a cost; however, the real crux is I believe it does a disservice to your folks. In Dallas, technicians are able to learn about various systems through our extensive line-up of vehicles located on-site and they are able to meet face-to-face, the very people they will interacting with on warranty and service support (many comment this is worth the trip alone!). Is it because we have great people? Well, yes...but more importantly, it provides your technicians a clear path to resolution of a vehicle - whether it be shipping a part or diagnosing a vehicle. </div>
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What do you need to do? Email me back with specifics - (a) how many people and (a) what dates you are requesting and I'll ensure it gets to the right people to coordinate. Space is limited as we try and limit the number of people per class. If you are interested, I would jump on this opportunity as quickly as possible.</div>
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Switching gears...</div>
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Many energy experts have predicted low energy prices for the next couple of years, but the recent month or so shows that energy prices may have bottomed. The chart below highlights the stability of natural gas prices. If you like volatility and uncertainty, gasoline is a great option. </div>
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Last comment - we received our MY2016 CNG Transit Cargo Van / Passenger Wagon EPA certification; CARB pending (expected very soon). Our dedicated CNG F-150 CARB certification is imminent. I appreciate your business and if there is anything I can do to further support you and your organization, please do not hesitate to reach out.</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-33310286274582492962016-03-22T08:17:00.001-07:002016-03-22T08:17:15.434-07:00March Question of the Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It’s tax time! What are some common questions related to the federal tax credits for alternative fuels and infrastructure?</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tax season is upon us, and the recent federal tax incentive extensions and changes impact the alternative fuel and infrastructure tax credits.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (H.R. 2029, </span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2029/text" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.congress.gov/bill/<wbr></wbr>114th-congress/house-bill/<wbr></wbr>2029/text</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) retroactively extended several tax credits, including the Alternative Fuel Excise and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credits. It also included updates to calculation method for the Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit amounts, specifically for propane and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Below we discuss three recent frequently asked questions about these credits.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">How have the Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit amounts changed for propane and LNG in 2016 and beyond?<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/319" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>laws/319</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) applies to alternative fuel sold or used to operate a motor vehicle. Previously, the excise tax credit amount for propane and LNG was based on a <i>volumetric</i> basis ($0.50 per gallon). For fuel sold or used starting January 1, 2016, however, the excise tax credit amount for propane and LNG is based on an <i>energy equivalent</i> basis. This means the credit for propane is now measured per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) and LNG is measured per diesel gallon equivalent (DGE). Specifically, the updated Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8849, Schedule 3 (</span><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f8849s3--2016.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr></wbr>prior/f8849s3--2016.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) defines 2016 tax credit rates for propane and LNG as follows:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Propane:</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> One GGE is equal to 5.75 pounds (lbs.) or 1.353 gallons of propane.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LNG:</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> One DGE is equal to 6.06 lbs. or 1.71 gallons of LNG.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What does this mean for propane and natural gas retailers and fleets? In short, the tax credit for the same amount of fuel is now less:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The <b>propane</b> tax credit was previously <b>$0.50 per gallon</b> and is now $0.50 per GGE (1.353 gallons of propane), which equates to <b>$0.37 per gallon</b>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The <b>LNG</b> tax credit was previously <b>$0.50 per gallon </b>and is now $0.50 per DGE (1.71 gallons of LNG), which equates to <b>$0.29 per gallon</b>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The tax credit amount for compressed natural gas (CNG) is still based on the GGE, where one GGE is equal to 121 cubic feet.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica) provides additional information on federal tax incentives for LNG and CNG (</span><a href="https://www.ngvamerica.org/government-policy/federal-incentives/federal-tax-incentives" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.ngvamerica.org/<wbr></wbr>government-policy/federal-<wbr></wbr>incentives/federal-tax-<wbr></wbr>incentives</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">), and highlights the impacts of the recent tax credit changes in the article, <i>New Year Rings in Changes for CNG and LNG in 2016 </i>(</span><a href="http://ngv.com/new-year-rings-in-changes-for-cng-and-lng-in-2016/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://ngv.com/new-year-<wbr></wbr>rings-in-changes-for-cng-and-<wbr></wbr>lng-in-2016/</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The National Propane Gas association explains the excise tax equalization for propane (</span><a href="https://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1898" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.npga.org/i4a/<wbr></wbr>pages/index.cfm?pageid=1898</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So, you said the Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit was retroactively extended. Does that mean I can claim it for fuels sold or used in 2015?<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Yes! Both the federal Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit and Biodiesel Mixture Excise Tax Credit (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/395" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>laws/395</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) were extended to cover 2015, meaning that propane, CNG, LNG, hydrogen, and biodiesel sold or used in 2015 are eligible for the federal tax credit. To file for the tax credit, registered claimants must submit a single one-time 2015 claim with IRS Form 8849 (</span><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8849.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr></wbr>pdf/f8849.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">), as well as the accompanying Schedule 3 (</span><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8849s3.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr></wbr>pdf/f8849s3.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). The deadline to submit a claim for fuels sold or used in 2015 is <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1429812916" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 8, 2016</span></span>. <b>Please note that the tax credit amount for propane and LNG sold or used in 2015 is based on the previous, volumetric rate of $0.50 per gallon.</b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For additional information on claiming the tax credit for fuels sold or used in 2015, please see IRS Notice 2016-05 (</span><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-16-05.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr></wbr>drop/n-16-05.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Are tax-exempt entities eligible for the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit?<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">While a tax-exempt entity, such as a school or state government fleet, may not be eligible to claim the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/10513" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>laws/10513</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">directly, the entity selling the fueling infrastructure to the tax-exempt entity can claim the credit and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">pass the “discount” along to the fleet. According to Title 26 of the United States Code, Section 30C(e)(3) (</span><a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2014-title26/pdf/USCODE-2014-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapA-partIV-subpartB-sec30C.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/<wbr></wbr>pkg/USCODE-2014-title26/pdf/<wbr></wbr>USCODE-2014-title26-subtitleA-<wbr></wbr>chap1-subchapA-partIV-<wbr></wbr>subpartB-sec30C.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">), the</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> entity selling the fueling equipment to the tax-exempt entity can be treated as the taxpayer and claim the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit, but only if the seller discloses the amount of the credit allowable to the tax-exempt purchaser in writing. In practice, this means the tax-exempt fleet would have the opportunity to use this information to request a discount. However, the infrastructure seller is not required to pass along any savings associated with the tax credit.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For more information on how tax-exempt entities may be eligible for the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit, please see the IRS Instructions for Form 8911 (</span><a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8911.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr></wbr>pdf/i8911.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Please note that the Technical Response Service recommends consulting a qualified tax professional or the IRS before making any tax-related decisions.</span></b></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-10487639384702810302016-02-26T07:52:00.000-07:002016-02-26T07:52:53.095-07:00Februrary Question of the Month <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities uses a lot of acronyms. What are the most important ones to understand? <u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Have you ever been on the DOE’s AFDC to learn about EVSE for EVs or PHEVs to meet EPAct requirements? Let’s take a step back. Perhaps you feel like you need a translator just to understand the basics of alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. If this sounds familiar, get in the know with our list of the top Clean Cities acronyms, broken down into 10 categories:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Federal Agencies and National Laboratories<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">DOE:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>U.S. Department of Energy</b>: The federal agency with the mission to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.<b> </b>Clean Cities is part of that overall mission. DOE includes:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EIA: Energy Information Administration</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Collects, analyzes, and disseminates impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>ii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">DOE National Laboratories: Organizations affiliated with DOE, focused on delivering solutions to energy challenges and transforming the way our nation uses energy. There are more than a dozen DOE national laboratories. The labs that contribute to the work of Clean Cities include:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">ANL: Argonne National Laboratory</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">INL: Idaho National Laboratory</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">NREL: National Renewable Energy Laboratory</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">ORNL: Oak Ridge National Laboratory</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PNNL: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">DOT:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>U.S. Department of Transportation</b>: A federal agency with the mission to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future. The <b>Federal Highway Administration</b> (<b>FHWA</b>) is part of DOT.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EPA: U.S.</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>Environmental Protection Agency</b>:<b> </b>A federal agency with the mission to protect human health and the environment.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AFDC: </span></b><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alternative Fuels Data Center</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>A web-based resource that provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reduce petroleum consumption through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vehicle Characteristics <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">GVWR: Gross vehicle weight rating</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>A metric that includes total vehicle weight plus fluids, passengers, and cargo. GVWR is used to define vehicle classes.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">VMT: Vehicle miles traveled</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>VMT is the number of miles traveled by a vehicle or set of vehicles over a certain time period.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fuel Economy<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">MPG: Miles per gallon</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: The standard for tracking a vehicle’s fuel economy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">MPGe: Miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: For vehicles that do not use liquid fuels, a measure of fuel economy that allows for a reasonable comparison between vehicles using different fuels. MPGe represents the number of miles the vehicle can go using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">GGE: Gasoline gallon equivalent</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>The amount of fuel it takes to equal the energy content of one liquid gallon of gasoline.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">DGE: Diesel gallon equivalent</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>The amount of fuel it takes to equal the energy content of one liquid gallon of diesel.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vehicle Classes: Various agencies and organizations classify vehicles differently. Below are FHWA classifications:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LDV:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>Light-duty vehicle</b>: A vehicle under 10,000 pounds (lbs.; Class 1-2).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">MDV:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>Medium-duty vehicle</b>: A vehicle between 10,000 and 26,000 lbs. (Class 3-6).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">HDV: Heavy-duty vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>A vehicle over 26,000 lbs. (Class 7-8).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vehicle Emissions and Pollutants<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">GHG: Greenhouse gas</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: A global pollutant, meaning it has climate and other impacts globally, no matter where it is emitted. <b>Carbon dioxide</b> (<b>CO<sub>2</sub></b>) is by far the most abundant GHG produced by the transportation sector.<s><u></u><u></u></s></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Air pollutants:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CO: Carbon monoxide</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: A colorless, odorless gas emitted from combustion processes. In the United States, 56% of CO (up to 95% in cities) is emitted by on-road vehicles.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>ii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">NOx: Oxides</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>of nitrogen</b>:<b> </b>A group of highly reactive gasses emitted from combustion processes that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Approximately 55% of man-made NO<sub>x</sub> emissions come from motor vehicles.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>iii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">SOx: Oxides of sulfur</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>A group of highly reactive gasses emitted from combustion processes. SO<sub>x</sub> is a concern for life cycle analysis of electric vehicle emissions, but not for conventional or other alternative fuel vehicles, because electricity generation is the largest source of SO<sub>x</sub>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>iv.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PM: Particulate</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>matter</b>: A complex mixture of acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles, emitted directly from vehicles (especially diesel) and formed through the atmospheric reactions of NO<sub>x </sub>and SO<sub>x</sub>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>v.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">VOC: Volatile organic compound</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Organic compounds that become a gas at room temperature. VOCs are the leading cause of ground-level ozone, also known as smog.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fuel Vehicles<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AFV: Alternative fuel vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>Any dedicated, flexible fuel, bi-fuel, or dual-fuel vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Biodiesel<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">B5: 5% biodiesel</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, <b>95% petroleum diesel</b>: Considered </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">diesel fuel and approved for safe operation in any compression-ignition engine designed to operate on petroleum diesel.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>ii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">B20: 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: T</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">he most common biodiesel blend in the United States.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>iii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">B100: 100% biodiesel</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Also referred to as pure biodiesel.</span><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Electricity<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">HEV: Hybrid electric vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Powered by an <b>internal combustion engine</b> (<b>ICE</b>) and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the ICE.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>ii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PEV: Plug-in electric vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>Derives all or part of their power from electricity supplied by the electric grid. PEVs include:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PHEV: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: An HEV that can be plugged into an electric power source to charge the battery.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EV: All-electric vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Uses a battery to store the electric energy that powers the motor. Batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>iii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EVSE: Electric vehicle supply equipment</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Deliver electrical energy from an electricity source to charge a PEV’s batteries.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Ethanol<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">E85</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: A<b> </b>high-level ethanol-gasoline blend containing 51%-83% ethanol, depending on geography and season.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>ii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">FFV: Flexible fuel vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: A vehicle with an ICE capable of operating on gasoline, E85, or a mixture of the two.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">e.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Hydrogen<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">FCEV: Fuel cell</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>electric</b> <b>vehicle</b>:<b> </b>A vehicle that uses electricity to power a motor, but produces its primary electricity using a fuel cell powered by hydrogen.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">f.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Natural Gas<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CNG: Compressed natural gas</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>ii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LNG: Liquefied natural gas</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>iii.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RNG: Renewable natural gas</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Also known as biomethane, a fuel produced from organic materials (e.g., waste from landfills, livestock). It can be compressed or liquefied, and is pipeline-quality gas that is compatible with conventional natural gas in vehicles.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>iv.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">NGV: Natural gas vehicle</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>A dedicated, bi-fuel, or dual-fuel vehicle capable of running on CNG or LNG.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">g.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Propane<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">LPG:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>Liquefied petroleum gas</b>: A term used interchangeably with propane.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities Tools and Resources<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">GREET: </span></b><a href="https://greet.es.anl.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>An ANL model that evaluates the energy and emission impacts of alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, the fuel cycle from wells-to-wheels, and the vehicle cycle through material recovery and vehicle disposal.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AFLEET: </span></b><a href="https://greet.es.anl.gov/afleet_tool" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle <wbr></wbr>Environmental and Economic Transportation</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: An ANL spreadsheet tool that<b> </b>estimates petroleum use, GHG and air pollutant emissions, and cost of ownership of AFVs and conventional vehicles, using simple spreadsheet inputs.<s><u></u><u></u></s></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PREP:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/prep/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Petroleum Reduction Planning</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: An online tool that helps fleets create a comprehensive plan to reduce petroleum consumption and GHG emissions.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">VICE:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/VICE_2_0_Jan_17_14.xlsx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vehicle and Infrastructure Cash-Flow Evaluation</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: An NREL spreadsheet model for fleet managers to assess the financial soundness of converting their fleets to run on CNG.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Federal Programs</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CAFE: Corporate Average Fuel Economy</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: DOT standards to improve the fuel efficiency and emissions of new on-road motor vehicles.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CMAQ: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: A DOT program that provides funding for projects and programs to reduce transportation-related emissions.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RFS: Renewable Fuel Standard</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>An EPA program that requires transportation fuel sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels to reduce GHG emissions.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <wbr></wbr> </span>i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RINs:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>Renewable Identification Numbers</b>: Credits used for compliance with the RFS.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Key Federal Legislation<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CAA: Clean Air Act of 1970</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>Defines EPA’s responsibilities for protecting and improving air quality. CAA authorizes the development of comprehensive federal and state regulations to limit both stationary and mobile emissions sources.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EPAct:</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>Energy Policy Act</b>:<b> </b>EPAct 1992 encourages the use of alternative fuels through both regulatory and voluntary activities that DOE carries out. It was amended several times, including via EPAct 2005.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EISA: Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">:<b> </b>Aims to improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce United States dependence on petroleum. EISA includes provisions for the RFS and CAFE standards.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">ARRA: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) of 2009</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Appropriates investments in energy independence and renewable energy technologies, including Clean Cities and other grant programs.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Bonus</span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">TRS:</span></b><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Technical Response Service</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Sometimes you even need an acronym to figure out an acronym! That’s where the TRS comes in. For assistance with technical questions about alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, email the TRS at </span><a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <wbr></wbr>or call 800-254-6735.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</span></a><span style="color: navy; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">800-254-6735</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-10918533801428693172016-01-25T12:55:00.003-07:002016-01-25T14:09:30.380-07:00January Question of the Month <h2 class="postheader" style="background-color: white; color: #192f73; float: left; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i style="color: #192f73;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How many gas gallon equivalents (GGEs) of </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">petroleum</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> were reduced through Clean Cities Coalition efforts across the nation in 2014?</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="line-height: 19.6px;">Clean Cities Coalition and their stakeholders averted more than 6.8 million tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 658 million gasoline gallon equivalents (MGGEs) of petroleum in 2014 alone. Coupled with fuel saving from National Clean Cities Programs a total of 1,021.5 billion GGEs of petroleum were displaced in 2014. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/cleancities/image.axd?picture=2016%2f1%2fpetroleum_savings_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="This graph shows how the cumulative petroleum savings has increased through the years from 15 million gallons in 1994, to 7.5 billion gallons in 2014. Clean Cities is on track to meet its goal of saving 2.5 billion gallons of petroleum per year by 2020. Since its inception in 1993, the program has saved more than 7.5 billion gallons of petroleum." border="0" src="http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/cleancities/image.axd?picture=2016%2f1%2fpetroleum_savings_large.jpg" style="border: none; margin-top: 0px; padding: 5px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each year, U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities coordinators characterize the membership, funding, projects, and activities of their respective coalitions. After evaluation and analysis, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) summarizes and publishes these findings. The latest summary of the data is now available in the <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://energy.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0ceacc853dc73fbc4cac713a5&id=ae0d54503d&e=b83eb4b388" style="color: #183c56; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Clean Cities 2014 Annual Metrics Report</a></em>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Clean Cities 2014 Annual Metrics Report</em> includes data submitted about sales of alternative fuels; deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles; idle reduction initiatives; fuel economy activities; and programs to reduce vehicle miles traveled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clean Cities' petroleum-use reduction in 2014 led to a substantial reduction in GHG emissions, the pollutants that contribute to climate change. Coalition efforts averted more than 6.8 million tons of GHG emissions in 2014. In addition, coalition efforts saved nearly 658 MGGEs petroleum in 2014 alone—19% higher than the reported petroleum savings total in 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As of 2014, Clean Cities has saved more than 7.5 billion gallons of petroleum and more than 48 million tons of GHG emissions since its inception in 1993.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The increased use of alternative fuels and the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) accounted for the most substantial displacements of GHG emissions and petroleum. In 2014, the use of alternative fuels and AFVs, in addition to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in electric vehicles, helped avert more than 2.1 million tons of GHG emissions. These savings are equivalent to removing 464,992 cars from the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alternative fuels (used in AFVs and in biodiesel blends) and HEVs also accounted for approximately 553 MGGEs in 2014, or 86% of the total petroleum savings. This was an increase of 19% over the amount of petroleum that was saved in 2013. In 2014, the average AFV saved 859 GGEs of petroleum and avoided 3.3 tons of GHG emissions—a 10% and 2% (respectively) increase from 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more information, read the <a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/2014_metrics_report.pdf" style="color: #183c56; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">full report</a> or see the Clean Cities <a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/accomplishments/" style="color: #183c56; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Goals and Accomplishments page</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.3em;">Kendall Septon, National Renewable Energy Laboratory</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.3em;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team</span><br />
<a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #183c56; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.3em;">800-254-6735</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-73783674263135346842016-01-16T10:44:00.001-07:002016-01-16T10:46:29.809-07:00IRS Issues Guidance for 2015 Alt Fuel Credit Claims <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.6px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">IRS Notice 2016-05 issued on January 14, 2016 establishes the procedures for claiming the $0.50 credit for alternative fuel sold or used in calendar year 2015. As expected, the notice requires that a <i>single one-time</i> claim for all alternative fuels (including CNG and LNG) should be made no later than August 8, 2016. Claims should be made using <b>Form 8849</b>(Claim for Refund of Excise Taxes) accompanied by <b>Schedule 3</b> (Certain Fuel Mixtures and the Alternative Fuel Credit).<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #222222;">The notice indicates that taxpayers who filed protective or anticipatory claims in 2015 must refile their claims; the IRS will not consider the previous claims perfected by the extension of the tax credits. Claims for 2015 may be submitted as early as January 15, 2016 but </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">February 8, 2016 </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">is the of</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ficial start date for filing such claims and the date that will be used for determining whether the IRS owes interest on late payments to taxpayers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">To file a claim, a person must be a registered alternative fueler. If you previously submitted claims to the IRS then you are likely registered. First time claimants who are not registered must file Form 637 (Application for Registration) prior to making claims for credits. Persons intending to file the claim should seek advice from tax counsel or an accountant to ensure that claims are properly submitted.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Notice 2016-05 is available: <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-16-05.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr></wbr>drop/n-16-05.pdf</a><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">IRS tax forms can be located <a href="http://www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a>. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you have any questions regarding the tax credits the IRS point of contact:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><b>Excise Tax Branch</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Phone: (202) 317-6855 </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">http://www.irs.gov/ </span></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-43242716945138711922016-01-01T14:12:00.001-07:002016-01-01T14:12:11.029-07:00Happy New Year - Letter from UCCC Executive Director<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Members, Stakeholders and AFV supporters!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is about time I said, “Thank You!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you for all you do! Over the past two decades the Utah
Clean Cities Coalition has accomplished some pretty amazing things and none of
it would not have been possible without your incredible support. In 2014 alone,
the efforts of our dedicated stakeholders reduced over 13 million gasoline
gallon equivalents in the state of Utah, and we are eagerly looking forward to
our 2015 annual survey results. You have
made Utah a leader in the alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technology field.
Whether you are a CNG crazy, an EV crazy, among the dedicated LNG heavy-duty
gang, a provider of bio-fuels, or you make conscientious transportation choices
like our Idle Free cities, you have made a tremendous difference! Our
communities are cleaner and healthier because of your efforts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It is that time of year when you take stock of the past and
plan for the exciting challenges of the new year. UCCC and its partners have
much to be proud of, whether its Utah’s #1 ranking CNG Infrastructure per capita,
recognition by the DOE for the most improved LNG statewide infrastructure,
national recognition of our public transportation system, or the new
progressive programs for EVSE infrastructure developments spearheaded by
members of UCCC’s EV taskforce. The list goes on. The number one common denominator?
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Outstanding leadership. At the Federal level with our own
Senator Orin Hatch sponsoring the Clean Air Act in 1991. At the state level
with many state legislators helping to implement new incentives to build our
economic base and clean the air with the use of alternative fuels, most
currently Rep. Snow, Rep. Arent and Rep. Handy. At the local level with the mayors
that support the Governor’s annual idle free declaration. Partnered with the
many business leaders and community members committed to smarter and cleaner
transportation, we have made Utah a leader in the nation for alternative fuels
and advanced technology vehicles– we are so proud! Thank you for your efforts!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I would be remiss not to thank our own leadership, the UCCC
Board of Directors and Operating Committee, for their dedication to our
mission, donation of their time and resources and their invaluable guidance. We
are excited to welcome David Duey back as chair of the Operating Committee for
2016, and we would thank Steve Anderton for all of his hard work as chair in
2014 & 2015. We wish him well and look forward to working with him in his
new position as Managing Director, of Transmission and Distribution Support
Services at Rocky Mountain Power.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am looking forward to the New Year. Tammie Cooper has settled in as the
Communications and Northern Coordinator, and together we are ready to take 2016
by storm. Our number one goal is to reconnect with stakeholders and learn how we
can be of the most value to you. This year will be a time of reevaluation,
rejuvenation and implementation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Utah is a leader because of all of your efforts and we have
been noticed! We will continue to move forward with cleaner alternative fuels
and vehicle technologies, to increase our energy independence, to ensure the
stability of our local economy, and to strive to never be ranked among dirtiest
states in the nation for air quality again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In closing, idle less and continue to be the best!</div>
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<br />Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />Robin Erickson<br />Executive Director & Southern Coordinator<br />Utah Clean Cities Coalition</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-32632230684281016242015-12-30T14:31:00.000-07:002016-01-25T14:40:51.514-07:00UCCC 2015 Annual Report SurveyDear UCCC Stakeholders,<br />
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Utah Clean Cities Coalition would like to wish you and your families a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!<br />
<br />
We have big plans for 2016 and we look forward to working with you on many new and exciting initiatives! While we are rolling out the groundwork for those projects, we are also in the process of reporting on our progress in 2015. Please help us complete our Annual AFV and Alternative Fuel Use Report.<br />
<br />
<div>
Each year UCCC collects data on alternative fuel (AF) and advanced technology vehicle (AFV) usage in Utah (see below for 2014 results). This data helps us quantify the success of our programs and our stakeholder's efforts to reduce the regions dependence on petroleum imports. This information also gives us insights into the local AFV market, allowing us to make informed decisions on how best to direct our efforts in the coming year. Last but certainly not least, this data is a significant help when competing for grants, which help bring funding and other resources into our region.<br />
<br />
Please use the excel survey below to tell us what your company/fleet has done to reduce petroleum consumption in Utah in the <u>2015 calendar year</u>. Remember, the more information you can provide the better our report will be! <br />
<br />
<i><u>To download the survey and/or survey instructions click on the images below (if they do not show up in the new browser, refresh the page). Once in full screen mode, click on the download icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen, and save file to your computer. Please read instructions carefully, complete, and return via email to irene.rizza@utahcleancities.org <span style="color: red;"><b>by </b><b>February 16th 2016</b></span>.</u></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> Thank you for your participation and for helping us advance our mission of energy, economic and environmental security!</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<b><span style="color: red;">INSTRUCTIONS</span></b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx0NTS97ePgbTnkxMWNOem5Vd28/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yETGNZB3Bo/VoRMM8KtmtI/AAAAAAAAAxs/ejnH_Vx-hDk/s400/instructions.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">SURVEY</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx0NTS97ePgbRDNoYWFsZ3NkZEk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XPlM9xN7_E/VoRMM54T5tI/AAAAAAAAAxo/p2btNA9GwGQ/s400/survey.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>2014 Survey Results</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VLRDaadia4/VoROcFqD0aI/AAAAAAAAAx8/X69RN4znx8o/s1600/results.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1VLRDaadia4/VoROcFqD0aI/AAAAAAAAAx8/X69RN4znx8o/s400/results.JPG" width="390" /></a></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-40548085322207347622015-12-30T11:52:00.001-07:002015-12-30T11:52:15.211-07:00December 2015 Federal Alt Fuel Legislation Overview <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December was a busy month on Capital Hill. On Friday, December 4<sup>th</sup>, President Obama signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, (<a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/home/LegislativeData.php?n=Browse" target="_blank">Public Law</a> 114-94). T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he FAST Act, l</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ike prior </span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/key_legislation#surface" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">surface transportation</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> legislation, authorizes funds for highway construction, as well as highway safety and public transportation programs. Two weeks later, on December 18th, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 was signed into law, as part of the $1.15 trillion omnibus spending package to fund the federal government through October 2016. Included with these appropriations are tax provisions that will retroactively extend several alternative fuel tax credits that expired in 2014, from Jan. 1, 2015, through Dec. 31, 2016. Both pieces of legislation contained c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ritical provisions for the alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle industry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FAST Act</b> provisions with implications for Clean Cities portfolio items:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>National Electric Vehicle Charging and Alternative Fuel Station Corridors. </b>Section 1413 of the bill charges the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) with designating national plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling corridors in strategic locations along major highways by December 2016. DOT will update and re-designate the corridors every five years.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PEV Charging on Federal Property.</b> Section 1413 also explicitly authorizes the U.S. General Services Administration or other federal agencies to install electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that may be used by federal employees and certain others to charge their privately-owned vehicles. Those who use the EVSE to charge vehicles must pay to reimburse the agencies for the EVSE procurement, installation, and maintenance.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State High Occupancy Lane (HOV) Exemptions. </b>Section 1411 extends the provisions related to HOV lane exemptions for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles. Only alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and PEVs, however, may access HOV lanes toll-free through <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1548703533" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">September 30, 2025</span></span>. States are allowed to implement toll-access HOV programs for other low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles through <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1548703534" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">September 30, 2019</span></span>.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tire Fuel Efficiency Standards. </b>Section 24331 states that DOT, EPA, and the U.S. Department of Energy will develop regulations for passenger car tire fuel efficiency standards by December 2017. Some exemptions apply, including light truck, snow, and spare tires.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Natural Gas Vehicle Fuel Economy Calculation.</b> Section 24341 moves up to 2017, from 2020, when natural gas vehicle fuel economy calculation methodology (see 40 <a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/submitcitation.action?publication=CFR" target="_blank">Code of Federal Regulations</a> 600.510) will change. Model year 2017 and later vehicles will use the new calculation methodology to better align with the conventional vehicle fuel economy methodology update schedule.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>PATH Act</b> provisions with implications for Clean Cities portfolio items:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Extension of excise tax credits relating to alternative fuels</b>.Section 192 extends of the federal $0.50/gallon alternative fuels excise tax credit on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and and propane. However, according to Section 342, the excise tax credit equivalency for LNG and propane will be measured on on an energy-equivalent basis, rather than on a volumetric one. This provision will make the excise tax credit for LNG and propane used or sold after 2015 approximately $0.29/gallon and approximately $0.36/gallon, respectively.<br /></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extension of credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Section 182 extends the 30% alternative refueling infrastructure tax credit, which is capped at $30,000<br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Extension of credit for new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Section 193 extends through 2016 the credit for purchases of new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles. The
provision allows a credit of between $4,000 and $40,000 depending on the weight of the vehicle
for the purchase of such vehicles.<br /></span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extension of second generation biofuel producer credi</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t. Section 184</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> extends
through 2016 the credit for cellulosic biofuels producers.<br /></span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extension of biodiesel and renewable diesel incentives.</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Section 185 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">extends
through 2016 the existing $1.00 per gallon tax credit for biodiesel and biodiesel mixtures, and
the small agri-biodiesel producer credit of 10 cents per gallon. The provision also extends
through 2016 the $1.00 per gallon production tax credit for diesel fuel created from biomass.
The provision extends through 2016 the fuel excise tax credit for biodiesel mixtures.<br /></span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extension of special allowance for second generation biofuel plant property</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Section 189</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> extends through 2016 the 50-percent bonus depreciation for cellulosic biofuel
facilities.<br /></span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extension of credit for 2-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Section 183 extends through 2016 the 10-percent credit for plug-in electric motorcycles and 2-wheeled
vehicles (capped at $2,500).</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">To view the full text of the FAST Act, visit </span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/hr22/BILLS-114hr22enr.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.congress.gov/114/<wbr></wbr>bills/hr22/BILLS-114hr22enr.<wbr></wbr>pdf</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">To view the full text of the PATH Act, visit </span><a href="http://waysandmeans.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/PATH_Act_xml.pdf">http://waysandmeans.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/PATH_Act_xml.pdf</a></span></div>
<div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>In the News</u></b>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fleetsandfuels.com/fuels/cng/2015/12/ngvamerica-applauds-congress-for-fast/?utm_source=Fleets-Fuels+December+9%2C+2015&utm_campaign=fleetsfuelsnewsbrief&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">NGVAmerica Praises Congress for FAST</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/104596-federal-transportation-bill-carries-good-news-for-ngvs" target="_blank">Federal Transportation Bill Carries Good News for NGVs</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stnonline.com/news/industry-releases/item/7095-ngvamerica-applauds-congress-for-highway-bill-s-support-of-ngvs-fast-act-will-put-more-ngvs-on-the-road" target="_blank">NGVAmerica applauds congress for highway bill's support of NVGs</a></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2015/12/congress-passes-natural-gas-tax-credit-legislation.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">U.S. Congress Passes Natural Gas Tax Credit Legislation</span></a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://ngtnews.com/u-s-house-passes-bill-with-provisions-to-extend-alt-fuel-tax-credits/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congress Extends Federal Alternative Fuel Tax Credits</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://waste360.com/fuel/updated-industry-reacts-tax-credit-extension-alternative-fuels" target="_blank">Industry Reacts to Tax Credit Extension for Alternative Fuels</a></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-27959045083413071512015-12-30T09:45:00.003-07:002015-12-30T09:45:54.809-07:00December Question of the Month <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.6px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I heard<b> </b>the Clean Cities website was recently revamped. What changed?<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As the work of Clean Cities continues to grow, the Clean Cities team is committed to ongoing communication about the program’s resources and accomplishments. Last month, Clean Cities launched a new and improved version of its website (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">), which aims to highlight the program and assist the public and stakeholders.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The redesigned Clean Cities website has a fresh new look, is easy to navigate, and includes many new features to help users learn about and connect with the program.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Below are the top five changes you should know about the site: <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Reorganized Resources: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Some resources have moved with the new design. Most notably, funding information (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/funding-opportunities/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/funding-opportunities/</span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">and publications (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/publications/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/publications/</span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">are now located in the About section, which can be accessed from the top website banner. As before, funding opportunities are separated into current and related categories, and the easily searchable publications are listed by popularity and publish date. Information about Clean Cities partnerships, such as the National Clean Fleets Partnership and the National Parks Initiative, is now conveniently accessed from the Partnerships & Projects section, , which can also be accessed from the top website banner (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/partnerships/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/partnerships/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Selective Communication Options: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It’s easier than ever to stay up to date on Clean Cities. You can now subscribe to the newsletters and updates that you want – and choose to skip those you don’t! You can sign up to receive the Clean Cities Monthly Update, the <i>Clean Cities Now</i> Newsletter, or Webinar Alerts (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/subscribe/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/subscribe/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). The “What’s Happening?” bar on the bottom of the homepage is another easy to way to catch up on the latest events, news, blog posts, and videos.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Searchable Clean Cities Projects</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Under the Partnership & Projects section, which is accessed from the top website banner, users may now view and search Clean Cities funded transportation projects (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/partnerships/search" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/partnerships/search</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). You can search by keyword or filter by the initiative or award, such as projects under the National Parks Initiative, Electric Vehicle Community Readiness, or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Project Awards. Project descriptions include basic information, states impacted, partners involved, the Clean Cities award amount, and the amount of local matching funds.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Audience-Tailored Content: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The new website design clearly separates information for different audiences. While the old website combined resources for the public and resources for Clean Cities coordinators, the new design restricts public access to the Coordinator Toolbox (located in the upper right corner of the header). The new arrangement allows coordinators to find tools and resources specific to their coalition in one place using one password, as well as ensures that all other website content is useful for and tailored to the general public. Coordinators with questions about accessing the Toolbox may refer to recent Clean Cities communication and webinars.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities On-the-Go: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lastly, the new design has an updated, clean aesthetic. From the newly organized coalition pages (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/coalitions/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/coalitions/</span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">to the streamlined Technical Assistance page (</span><a href="https://cleancities.energy.gov/technical-assistance/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://cleancities.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/technical-assistance/</span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, the website is intuitive and easy to read. As an added bonus, the new website is mobile-friendly and responsive, so you can access Clean Cities information wherever you go.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Visit the updated Clean Cities website to see all of these features and more!</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Happy Holidays!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</span></a><span style="color: navy; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-29537349734944884932015-11-23T19:15:00.000-07:002015-11-23T19:15:04.693-07:00November Question of the Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.6px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What is renewable natural gas (RNG) and can it be used to fuel vehicles?<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RNG is pipeline-quality natural gas made by collecting and purifying biogas, the methane produced from decomposing organic matter. Biogas can be collected from sources such as </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">landfills, livestock operations, wastewater treatment plants, food manufacturing and wholesalers, supermarkets, restaurants, and hospitals. Once purified to remove contaminants and increase its heat content, the gas is called </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RNG and is a “drop-in” fuel that can be transported with conventional natural gas in pipelines, dispensed at the same fueling stations, stored in the same storage tanks, and used in natural gas vehicles without any engine modifications.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">D</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">espite its advantages, there are only 60 operational RNG production facilities in the United States. Many more use the biogas to generate electricity. This is due to federal and state programs, such as the federal Investment Tax Credit and state renewable portfolio standards, which incentivize the use of biogas for power generation rather than for vehicle fuel.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Production</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The purification process for biogas is called conditioning or upgrading, and it involves removing water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and various contaminants and trace elements. From there, RNG can be compressed to make renewable compressed natural gas (R-CNG) or super-cooled to make renewable liquefied natural gas (R-LNG).</span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RNG is produced from feedstocks that come from a wide range of industrial sectors, many of which already collect and process biomass as part of their daily operations:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Landfills: </span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Landfill gas (LFG) is collected from decomposing waste in landfills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landfills are the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. Landfills account for 70% of the operational RNG projects in the United States. One of the largest LFG-to-vehicle fuel projects is Waste Management's Altamont Landfill near Livermore, California. This project produces up to 13,000 gallons of R-LNG each day to fuel 300 refuse trucks.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Livestock Operations: </span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Animal manure can be collected and taken to an anaerobic digester for RNG production. A few farms across the country have started to use biogas to produce RNG vehicle fuel, including Hilarides Dairy in California and Fair Oaks Dairy in Indiana.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Wastewater Treatment Plants</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: Approximately 9% of the more than 16,000 wastewater treatment plants in the United States use anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. The Janesville Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wisconsin is an example of a plant that uses biogas to produce RNG for use in vehicles.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Other Biomass Sources</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">: RNG can also be produced from lignocellulosic material, such as crop residues and dedicated energy crops, through thermochemical conversion, co-digestion, and dry fermentation. These technologies are being used in Europe, but have limited applications in the United States. RNG also can be produced from food waste, either alone or in conjunction with biosolids from livestock operations or wastewater treatment plants. CleanWorld Partners’ Sacramento BioDigester and quasar’s Central Ohio BioEnergy project convert food waste to RNG for vehicle fueling.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RFS2 Compliance<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RNG qualifies as a cellulosic biofuel under the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) program. In fact, R</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #292929; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">NG accounted for more than 50 million renewable identification numbers (RINs) in 2014 – 98% of all cellulosic biofuel RINs. </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">According to organizations that track biofuels market data, cellulosic biofuel RINs were valued at $0.70</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #292929; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">– </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">0.85 per diesel gallon equivalent in 2014; this value is expected to increase in the future. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Other Benefits</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Like conventional natural gas, RNG can be produced domestically and can </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">displace the petroleum currently being imported for transportation use.</span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> However, RNG offers some additional benefits. RNG has practically a net zero carbon impact. On a lifecycle basis, RNG accounts for fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than most currently available motor fuels. RNG can reduce GHG emissions by 95% compared to conventional gasoline and diesel fuel. This is partially because capturing biogas from landfills and livestock operations can reduce GHG emissions by preventing methane releases that were occurring into the atmosphere. Additionally, RNG produced through anaerobic digestion eliminates odors and results in nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer as a by-product. Also, biogas feedstocks are plentiful, so RNG could make use of the 450 million pounds of municipal solid waste dumped in landfills, 160 billion pounds of food waste generated, or the 500 million tons of animal waste produced each year.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Barriers<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Like conventional natural gas, the main barriers to RNG are lack of vehicle availability and fueling infrastructure, though efforts are underway to address both of these obstacles. However, RNG production costs exceed those for conventional natural gas, especially for small-scale operations. Small-scale RNG production can cost around $5.50<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #292929;">–</span>$9 per million British thermal units compared to $4.50 for conventional natural gas. Additional financing and incentive opportunities, as well as state renewable portfolio standards that encourage the investment in biogas for vehicle fuel production, may spur additional production.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">More Information<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For more information on RNG, please see the following additional resources:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alternative Fuels Data Center’s RNG Production page: </span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas_renewable.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>fuels/natural_gas_renewable.<wbr></wbr>html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities’ presentation<i>: RNG and RINs: </i></span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/cleancities/uploads/webinars/document/document_url/73/1_-_Mintz_RNG_062915_final_posting.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>cleancities/uploads/webinars/<wbr></wbr>document/document_url/73/1_-_<wbr></wbr>Mintz_RNG_062915_final_<wbr></wbr>posting.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">American Biogas Council: </span><a href="https://www.americanbiogascouncil.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.<wbr></wbr>americanbiogascouncil.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EPA<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 11pt;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Landfill Methane Outreach Program: </span><a href="http://www3.epa.gov/lmop/index.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www3.epa.gov/lmop/<wbr></wbr>index.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 11pt;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AgSTAR Program: </span><a href="http://www2.epa.gov/agstar" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www2.epa.gov/agstar</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-16217195939299611242015-10-25T08:50:00.002-07:002015-10-25T08:50:27.119-07:00October Question of the Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.60000038146973px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">How can I improve my gas mileage while driving this winter?</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Whether taking that long-awaited ski trip or just commuting to work in the frigid weather, there are several things you can do to improve your fuel economy and save money in the wintertime.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Why You Get Worse Gas Mileage When It's Cold</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Cold weather and winter driving conditions can reduce your fuel economy significantly. On particularly chilly days,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">when temperatures drop to 20°F or lower, you can expect to see up to a 12% hit on your fuel economy for short city trips. During very quick trips—traveling only three to four miles—your fuel economy could dip even lower (as much as 22%)!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This reduction in fuel economy is due to several factors. First of all, cold temperatures increase the time it takes your vehicle to warm the cabin, engine, drive-line fluids, and other components up to fuel-efficient operating temperatures. Cold fluids increase the friction on your engine and transmission, which can reduce fuel economy. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Let’s take a moment to address one of the main myths about driving in cold weather:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Myth:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> To warm up your engine and vehicle cabin in the wintertime, you should let the engine run for several minutes before driving.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Truth:</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds of idling. In fact, the engine will warm up faster when driving.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Idling can use a quarter to half a gallon of fuel per hour, and even more fuel if the engine is cold or accessories like seat heaters are on.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Also keep in mind that winter gasoline blends in cold climates have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends. This is because refineries alter the chemical makeup of gasoline to allow it to evaporate more easily in low temperatures, ensuring proper engine operation.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Aerodynamic drag is another consideration. In simple terms, cold air is denser than warm air, so when temperatures drop, wind resistance increases slightly. This requires a little more power from your engine to drive at a given speed. The effects of aerodynamic drag on fuel economy are most significant at highway speeds.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Winter Fuel-Saving Tips<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The following tips can help you warm your car (and fingers!) more efficiently and improve your fuel economy in the winter:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Park in a warmer place like a garage</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> that traps heat to keep the initial temperature of your engine and cabin higher than it would be outside in the elements.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Avoid idling</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>to warm up the engine and cabin</b>. See more information above.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Avoid using seat warmers more than necessary,</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> as they require additional power.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners: Pre-heat your vehicle while still plugged in</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Since PEVs use battery power to provide</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> heat to the cabin, cabin and seat heaters can drain the vehicle’s battery and reduce the overall range. If you need to warm up quickly, warm the vehicle while it’s still charging.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PEV owners: Use seat heaters instead of the cabin heater when able</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Using seat heaters instead of the cabin heater can save energy. Seat heaters use less energy than cabin heaters and can often be more efficient at warming you up quickly in the winter.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Read the owner’s manual</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> for detailed information on how your vehicle’s cabin and seat heaters work and how to use them efficiently.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Do you live in a place where snow and ice isn't an issue? Check out the May Question of the Month (</span><a href="http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/cleancities/post/2015/05/19/summer_fuel_economy.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.eereblogs.energy.<wbr></wbr>gov/cleancities/post/2015/05/<wbr></wbr>19/summer_fuel_economy.aspx</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) for year-round warm weather driving tips.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">More Information</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For more information on how to improve your fuel economy, please refer to the following FuelEconomy.gov tips:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fuel Economy in Cold Weather - </span><a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.fueleconomy.gov/<wbr></wbr>feg/coldweather.shtml</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Gas Mileage Tips - </span><a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.fueleconomy.gov/<wbr></wbr>feg/drive.shtml</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span lang="EN"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape - </span><a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.fueleconomy.gov/<wbr></wbr>feg/maintain.jsp</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</span></a><span style="color: navy; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-60559543658351712152015-09-27T19:41:00.002-07:002015-09-27T19:41:27.965-07:00September Question of the Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Question of the Month: </i></b><i>Are fuel taxes equal for all fuels?<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Answer: </b>In theory, if all motor fuels were taxed equitably it would ensure tax consistency among jurisdictions and reduce consumer burdens. In practice, motor fuel taxes vary widely between jurisdictions and across fuel types. This is largely because federal and some state highway excise taxes are based on <i>volume</i>, not on<i>energy content</i>, resulting in significant tax inequity among fuels. As discussed in the July and August Questions of the Month, motor fuel taxes are used to fund transportation infrastructure. <span lang="EN">The number of vehicle miles traveled on a specific amount of fuel is linked to the amount of energy in the fuel. Therefore, energy content provides a more accurate measure of a vehicle’s impact on a roadway. </span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before we go any further, let’s make sure you understand some basic keywords and phrases regarding energy content:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Btu:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> British thermal units, or the unit of measure to show an amount of energy.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heating value:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A measure of energy content in Btus, which represents the amount of heat released during combustion. Typically, we use the lower heating value when comparing fuels.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE):</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The amount of fuel that has the equivalent energy to a gallon of gasoline. Similarly, diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) is the amount of fuel that has the equivalent energy to a gallon of diesel. GGE is used for alternative fuels that typically replace gasoline (e.g., ethanol), whereas DGE is used to measure fuels that replace diesel (e.g., liquefied natural gas, or LNG).</span></li>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Federal Excise Taxes<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last month, the President signed H.R.3236 (Public Law 114-41), the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015, which assesses the federal fuel excise tax levied against LNG and propane on a Btu basis relative to diesel and gasoline, respectively, beginning on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1959174844" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 1, 2016</span></span>. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is already taxed based on an energy content basis relative to gasoline. Prior to Public Law 114-41, the federal excise taxes for LNG and propane were higher than the conventional fuel counterpart. This is still the case for biodiesel and ethanol, leaving these fuels at a tax disadvantage compared to diesel and gasoline, respectively.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">State Excise Taxes<u></u><u></u></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Motor fuel tax variations within and between states are even more complex. Many states have some of the same tax equity issues that we see at the federal level. Plus, there are many different fuel definitions and measures, which create an undue burden for interstate fleets that must comply with the International Fuel Tax Agreement (</span><a href="http://www.iftach.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.iftach.org/</a>)<span lang="EN">. For example, only some states tax CNG and LNG on a GGE or DGE basis. Though a number of states are currently evaluating legislative proposals to tax fuels this way, others states are waiting for a decision by the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM). And if NCWM does adopt a standard, states will still have to individually adopt the standard into their laws or regulations before it can be implemented. <u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taxes on Electricity as a Transportation Fuel<u></u><u></u></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Other motor fuels, such as electricity and hydrogen, do not have federal excise tax requirements. Although plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) currently represent a very small portion of the total vehicle population, it is likely PEV and FCEV registrations will continue to grow in coming years. </span>Any effort to collect taxes on electricity to pay for highway infrastructure would need to account for the fact that PEVs are capable of fueling at home. In addition, some plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners pay taxes on their gasoline use. Making the situation even more complicated, electricity is already taxed in ways not tied to highway funding. <span lang="EN">Some states have implemented annual PEV fees through registration or vehicle decal programs to account for lost revenue from motor fuel taxes, which we discussed in the August Question of the Month.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Refer to the following for more information on motor fuel taxes:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Laws and Incentives website (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>laws</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s A Primer on Motor Fuel Excise Taxes and the Role of Alternative Fuels and Energy Efficient Vehicles (</span><a href="http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy15osti/60975.pdf" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.nrel.gov/docs/<wbr></wbr>fy15osti/60975.pdf</a></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com">technicalresponse@icfi.com</a><span style="color: navy;"></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">800-254-6735</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-62500977283183143672015-07-24T18:53:00.002-07:002015-07-27T11:08:49.608-07:00Outlook: The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>By </i><i>Guest Blogger: </i><i>Sandra Curtin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> Research and Communications Manager</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> <a href="http://www.fchea.org/" target="_blank">Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association</a> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s an exciting time to be part of the hydrogen and fuel cell
industry. This energy technology has
moved into the commercial realm, with proven benefits spurring repeat
customers, growing sales and deployments in a wide range of market sectors.<br /><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fuel cells – devices that utilize hydrogen and hydrogen-rich fuels to
generate electricity through a chemical reaction, rather than combustion – are low-to-zero
emission, efficient, resilient technologies sold to provide stationary and
backup power, portable power, and power for industrial vehicles, zero-emission
light duty motor vehicles, and buses.<br /><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hydrogen and fuel cell industry now supplies fuel cells to Fortune
500 companies to deliver clean, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power for
retail sites, warehouses, data centers and other critical facilities. Municipalities are using them, too, to power facilities
like public buildings, emergency services, and waste water treatment
plants. By using fuel cells, both public
and corporate facilities can remain up and running when grid power goes down.<o:p><br /></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fuel cells are scalable, allowing the technology to power a building,
or produce enough power to supply tens of thousands of homes. eBay boasts one of the largest fuel cell
installations in the U.S., with 6 megawatts (MW) installed at its <a href="http://blog.ebay.com/introducing-our-salt-lake-city-data-center-advancing-our-commitment-to-cleaner-greener-commerce/" target="_blank">South Jordan,Utah, data center</a>.<span style="color: red;"> </span>There are more than 230 MW of fuel
cells installed in the U.S. across thousands of sites, ranging in size from a
few kilowatts for off-grid applications, providing primary or backup power to
cell phone towers, lighting, and monitoring equipment, to multi-MW power plants
that supply power directly to the utility grid.
Fuel cells are also a leading solution in the material handling market,
with more than 7,000 fuel cell-powered forklifts operating in warehouses and
distribution centers across North America.<br /><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After finding success in stationary power generation and material
handling applications, fuel cells are now moving into the mainstream, available
to everyday customers, with the commercial introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles
(FCEVs). In December, Hyundai began
leasing <a href="https://www.hyundaiusa.com/tucsonfuelcell/" target="_blank">Tucson FCEV</a> to individual customers in southern California, Korea and in Europe. Toyota plans to sell its <a href="http://www.toyota.com/mirai/fcv.html" target="_blank">Mirai FCEV</a> to the public this
autumn and Honda is expected to follow shortly after in 2016. Most of the other major auto manufacturers
are also developing FCEVs. By 2020 the
industry expects to place tens of thousands of FCEVs in the hands of customers
in the U.S., Europe and Asia.<br /><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Governments and businesses around the world are investing in developing
hydrogen infrastructure to prepare for these vehicles. California has set aside <a href="http://cafcp.org/category/topics/stations?page=1" target="_blank">$20 million per yearto fund at least 100 hydrogen stations,</a> enough to support an initial FCEV market. Automakers are also supporting the launch of
FCEVs in California by investing millions in funding and loans to hydrogen
station developers. Beyond California, a
network of hydrogen stations is also planned across five northeastern states. Japan’s government has an initial goal of
opening 100 hydrogen stations and had allocated more than $175 million to
subsidize construction and operation and
major Japanese automakers have joined to help develop the country’s hydrogen
fueling infrastructure. Korea’s
government has a goal of opening 200 hydrogen stations by 2025. In Europe, Germany, the United Kingdom, and
Scandinavia are developing networks of hydrogen stations and are emerging
markets for FCEV introductions.<o:p><br /></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ultimately, we are confident in the outlook of our industry. Whether powering homes, businesses, data
centers, cell towers, municipalities, forklifts, cars, or buses, fuel cell
technologies have a proven track record of providing clean, efficient, and
reliable power, and we expect continued growth in the coming years in existing
markets, as well as new ones.</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>UCCC invites guest bloggers to share their insights into the alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle market. We appreciate their contributions and the opportunity to broaden the conversation with others in the community.</b></span></i><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-82722914270786006362015-07-24T15:10:00.000-07:002015-07-24T15:13:52.826-07:00July Question of the Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.60000038146973px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What factors affect fuel prices?<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">When gasoline and diesel prices spike, we often want to blame someone for our pain at the pump. The reality is that the oil industry is a complex market. Though there are numerous factors that could ultimately influence the price of fuel, such as weather, government policies, and international relations, there are four factors that have the most significant influence. These factors include the cost of crude oil, refining costs and profits, distribution and marketing costs, and fuel taxes. Alternative fuels, such as natural gas, propane, electricity, and biofuels, can mitigate some price fluctuations attributable to short-term events, like natural disasters, because they diversify the fuel supply; however, some alternative fuel prices are also dependent on similar factors.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In May 2015, the average retail price of regular grade gasoline was $2.72, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Below is a summary of the factors that affect gasoline prices, and the relative percentage of each component. We have also described how each of these factors may affect alternative fuel prices.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><img align="left" class="CToWUd a6T" height="238" hspace="12" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=887a5fe872&view=fimg&th=14eae6138b1ed1b3&attid=0.0.1&disp=emb&realattid=376a6a385922343f_0.2&attbid=ANGjdJ_9ZRI8Fv4mA5C95DE7x0-9lwI2PProvFVXgMlQ_n_yOuYahVLLkzfGd5MZPp_RPN7ShsZzFGP2EM4BfhwX-TPYi3baQATz_vtjDcToZrXtUpju0CTp-8fYb68&sz=w874-h476&ats=1437772955513&rm=14eae6138b1ed1b3&zw&atsh=1" style="cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" width="437" /><u></u><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Crude Oil</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As of May, approximately <b>51%</b> of the cost of gasoline was related to the price of crude oil. The fluctuation in crude oil price is the biggest factor in the volatility of the price of gasoline, as the other costs (described blow) are relatively static.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Crude oil prices are largely a product of supply and demand. Global demand has grown in recent years due to world economic growth and increased access to vehicles, particularly in developing nations. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which produced about 40% of the world’s crude oil between 2000 and 2014, also has significant influence on oil prices by setting production limits among members. Part of the reason oil prices have declined significantly since July 2014 is that OPEC nations are not limiting production, resulting in a global ‘glut’ of crude oil. Much of this glut stems from a surge in oil production in the United States and Canada over the last few years from unconventional sources, like shale. This price could change dramatically, however, if there is a major global supply disruption. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">With the exception of electricity and natural gas, alternative fuel prices can also be impacted by the price of crude oil and the price and demand for petroleum products. Higher or lower demand for gasoline also influences ethanol demand, for example, and ethanol is closely linked to the price of gasoline, as shown in the Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Price Report. Biodiesel wholesale costs are largely influenced by the price of diesel. Propane costs historically tend to follow crude oil prices, though not to the same extent as other fuels, and change seasonally because of the demand for propane as heating fuel in the winter.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alternative fuel prices are also affected by the applicable commodity price, though the impact varies by fuel. For example, the price of natural gas only comprises 20% of the compressed natural gas (CNG) price at the pump, according to the American Gas Association (AGA). Because the natural gas is a relatively small percentage of the overall fuel price, a swing in the natural gas commodity prices has less of an effect on the CNG price at the pump. In addition, natural gas costs are typically regulated and less expensive than petroleum (on a gasoline gallon equivalent, or GGE, basis) and the infrastructure is independent of oil infrastructure.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Refining Costs and Profits</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Crude oil must be refined into gasoline and diesel so it is compatible with our vehicles. Refining oil takes energy and costs may vary based on the type and origin of the crude oil used in the process. In May, refinery costs and profits represented about <b>22%</b> of the cost of a gallon of gasoline.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Alternative fuels, such as propane, natural gas, and biofuels, are also “refined” or otherwise altered before they can be used in vehicles. Propane is a by-product of crude oil refining and is also produced as a liquid from natural gas and oil wells. Propane from natural gas liquids does not require refining; however, it must go through a scrubbing process to remove contaminants, as well as a separation process. Natural gas is produced from natural gas and oil wells, and is also subject to a separation and treatment process to remove contaminants. It must also be compressed in order to be transported in major distribution pipelines. Biofuel production facilities are often called ‘biorefineries’ because they produce and refine crude biofuels at the same location.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Distribution and Marketing</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Since many of us do not live next to oil refineries, gasoline and diesel must be transported to local fueling stations first through a sophisticated system of pipelines, trucks, or barges to a network of fuel terminals, which can also be referred to as a distribution rack. The distributors, also called jobbers, load and blend the gasoline and diesel with other products (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) in tanker trucks, which is driven to your local retail outlets and placed in underground storage tanks. In every part of the supply chain there are costs associated with employee salaries and benefits, equipment, taxes, insurance, and other types of overhead. In May, these resulting costs equaled about <b>10%</b> of the price of a gallon of gasoline.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Taxes</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Finally, motor fuel taxes contribute to the construction and maintenance of the roads we use on a regular basis. In the early 1900s, state governments devised ways to collect taxes on each gallon of fuel to help cover these costs and increase revenue. In May, federal, state, and local taxes accounted for <b>17%</b> of the average retail price of a gallon of gasoline. Federal excise taxes are currently $0.184 per gallon of gasoline or ethanol and $0.244 per gallon of diesel or biodiesel. Propane and CNG are taxed at $0.183 per gallon of propane or GGE of CNG, and liquefied natural gas is taxed at $0.243 per gallon. The September Question of the Month will delve into this topic in more detail.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">State and local fuel taxes vary widely by jurisdiction. Though motor fuel taxes are applied to each gallon of gasoline or diesel sold, alternative fuels can also be taxed on an energy equivalent basis with gasoline and/or diesel. Some states use alternatives to traditional state fuel taxes, such as annual fees for alternative fuel vehicles or taxes based on the number of miles traveled. Look for the August Question of the Month for more information on these alternatives.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Though the alternative fuel supply chain differs slightly from conventional fuels, many of the same factors influencing oil prices also impact alternative fuels. Now when you fill up your vehicle, take a moment to think about all the infrastructure and people required to process and deliver fuel from the field to the pump.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For more information on fuel prices, please refer to the following websites:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EIA’s <span style="color: windowtext;">Factors Affecting Gasoline Prices</span> (</span><a href="http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=gasoline_factors_affecting_prices" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.eia.gov/<wbr></wbr>energyexplained/index.cfm?<wbr></wbr>page=gasoline_factors_<wbr></wbr>affecting_prices</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)</span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EIA’s </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> (</span><a href="http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/<wbr></wbr>gasdiesel/</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)</span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities’ Alternative Fuel Price Report (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/prices.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>fuels/prices.html</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, Form 720 (</span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f720.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-<wbr></wbr>pdf/f720.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AGA’s 2015 Playbook (</span><a href="https://www.aga.org/playbook" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.aga.org/playbook</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-88957177091871479962015-06-27T13:44:00.000-07:002015-06-27T13:44:27.702-07:00June Question of the Month <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.60000038146973px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What are the latest updates on hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicle deployment?<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have been around for a while, mostly in limited quantities and locations through demonstration projects. But these vehicles, with their potential to significantly cut petroleum consumption and reduce emissions, are starting to make their way into dealerships and onto roads across the country</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Though the market for FCEVs is still in its infancy, many government organizations and private companies are working on research and deployment efforts to make hydrogen a widespread, viable, affordable, and safe alternative vehicle fuel.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Below are some of the recent activities related to FCEV commercialization:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vehicle Availability<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">FCEVs are beginning to enter the consumer market in certain regions in the United States and around the world. Hyundai introduced the 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell in California last year for lease, and Toyota Motor Company announced they will release the 2016 Mirai for sale this October at eight California dealerships that were specially selected for their experience with alternative fuels and their proximity to existing hydrogen fueling stations. Vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes/Daimler, Nissan, and Volkswagen are expecting to launch FCEV production vehicles in select regions of the country in the coming years. Other automakers continue to introduce their FCEVs through demonstration projects. The FCEV market is also growing for buses, ground support equipment, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, back-up power, prime power applications, and continues to be strong for forklifts.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">While OEMs are offering affordable lease options, some of which include the cost of fuel, FCEVs are still expensive. However, production costs have decreased significantly in recent years and FCEVs are expected to be cost-competitive with conventional vehicles in the coming years.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As the FCEV market expands, hydrogen fueling infrastructure will need to grow to match demand. Most of the hydrogen stations available today have been built to support OEM FCEV demonstration projects. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s (AFDC) Alternative Fueling Station Locator (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/hydrogen_locations.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>fuels/hydrogen_locations.html</a>)<wbr></wbr>, there are 12 publicly accessible hydrogen stations in the United States, with many more in the planning stages. According to the California Fuel Cell Partnership (<a href="http://cafcp.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN">http://cafcp.org/</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, there are 49 more stations in development in California that will be publically available. Development efforts are also underway in Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Like the vehicles, the high cost of fueling equipment remains a key challenge. Hydrogen station costs can vary significantly based on hydrogen feedstock, station capacity, utilization, proximity to production, and available incentives. The </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Hydrogen Station Cost Calculator estimates that stations can cost between $2 and $5 million. However, like FCEVs, as the demand grows, the cost of hydrogen fueling equipment will decrease and the number of stations will increase.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Codes, Standards, and Incentives<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The widespread deployment of FCEVs and the associated network of hydrogen fueling stations requires the development, maintenance, and harmonization of codes, standards, and regulations to keep up with the technology. These efforts are ongoing and are supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as well as domestic and international organizations.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Incentives will also continue to be important to promote and maintain a market for hydrogen and FCEVs. California is leading in the number of relevant state incentives. For instance, to meet the objectives of California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program, the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/drive/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.energy.ca.gov/<wbr></wbr>drive/</a>) is allocating $20 million annually for the construction of at least 100 public hydrogen stations in California by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_215278242" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 1, 2024</span></span>. In addition, California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project offers up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of approved FCEVs (<a href="http://energycenter.org/clean-vehicle-rebate-project" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://energycenter.org/<wbr></wbr>clean-vehicle-rebate-project</a>). Nine other states (Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont) have also adopted California’s ZEV mandate to increase the number of ZEVs, including FCEVs, on the roads.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Ongoing Research and Development<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Significant research and development efforts by DOE, the national laboratories, and other H2USA partners have brought the hydrogen industry to where it is today (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/accomplishments-and-progress" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN">http://energy.gov/eere/<wbr></wbr>fuelcells/accomplishments-and-<wbr></wbr>progress</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). Through their Fuel Cell Technologies Office (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cell-technologies-office" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN">http://energy.gov/eere/<wbr></wbr>fuelcells/fuel-cell-<wbr></wbr>technologies-office</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">),</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> DOE continues to support research in the areas of hydrogen production, delivery, and storage, as well as technology validation, manufacturing, and market transformation.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Additional Resources<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AFDC’s <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Hydrogen page (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/hydrogen.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>fuels/hydrogen.html</span></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">) provides basic information on hydrogen, FCEVs, and the associated infrastructure.</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AFDC’s Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/search/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>vehicles/search/</a>) allows users to look for available FCEVs.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">H2USA, a public-private partnership to promote hydrogen and FCEV commercialization and adoption, maintains a FCEV page (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://h2usa.org/fuel-cell-electric-vehicles" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://h2usa.org/fuel-cell-<wbr></wbr>electric-vehicles</a>).<u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">NREL’s Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology Validation page (<a href="http://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/proj_tech_validation.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/<wbr></wbr>proj_tech_validation.html</a>) includes evaluation and performance review data on various FCEVs in a real-world setting, as well as hydrogen station performance, maintenance, cost, and safety data.<u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">NREL’s report, <i>Hydrogen Station Cost Estimates</i> (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/56412.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.nrel.gov/docs/<wbr></wbr>fy13osti/56412.pdf</a>) outlines the costs associated with hydrogen fueling stations.<u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Argonne National Laboratory’s Hydrogen Refueling Station Analysis Model</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> (HRSAM;</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_delivery.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://hydrogen.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>h2a_delivery.html</a><span style="color: black;">) </span>can be used to calculate the cost of hydrogen stations.<u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">NREL’s Hydrogen Financial Analysis Scenario Tool </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">(H2FAST; </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/h2fast/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/<wbr></wbr>h2fast/</a><span style="color: black;">) </span>can also provide useful information on the cost of hydrogen stations.<span style="color: black;"></span><u></u><u></u></span></li>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">DOE’s website (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/safety-codes-and-standards" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://energy.gov/eere/<wbr></wbr>fuelcells/safety-codes-and-<wbr></wbr>standards</a>) covers relevant safety, codes, and standards.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AFDC’s Hydrogen Laws and Incentives page (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/HY" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>fuels/laws/HY</a><span style="color: black;">)</span> is a searchable tool with information on state regulations and incentives pertaining to hydrogen.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-30653786703254054002015-06-27T12:59:00.005-07:002015-06-27T12:59:51.119-07:00Dedicated-CNG Civic Still Available in Utah <i style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;">Honda Discontinues dedicated-CNG Civic & Civic Hybrid models</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">June 15th, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">American Honda North America announced that they will be discontinuing its dedicated-CNG Civic Natural Gas and Civic Hybrid models. Challenges with refueling infrastructure and consumer demand where the major drivers of this decision according to Honda VP John Mendel. This change is part of Honda's shift towards a new generation of advanced technology vehicles for the 2016 model year, including a new fuel cell vehicle. <a href="http://hondanews.com/releases/advancing-environment-a-natural-fit-in-honda-vehicle-lineup" target="_blank"><b>Official Release</b></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Currently, there are over 250 dedicated-CNG Civics (model year 2014 and model year 2015) in stock at Honda Dealerships across the country. Honda has committed to provide the same high level of service and warranty support for all natural gas civic clients in the future. </span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;">Below is a list of all Utah dealers that have dedicated-CNG vehicles in stock. </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As of today, there are only eight 2014 Civic Natural Gas units remaining in the </span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;">state of Utah. </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;">American Honda has offered to bring additional vehicles in from </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;">out-of-state for business and fleet customers if there is demand. However, if</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;"> these vehicles are not purchased in the near term, they will be used for fill out-of-state orders. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;">If you are interested, as a fleet or consumer, please contact the dealers listed or Elizabeth Munger a Honda Field Sales Consultant (</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 18px;">512-694-1004 or emunger@earthlink.net).<br /></span><br />
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<b><u>Natural gas industry partner letter issued on June 15th:</u></b><br />
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<b><u>In the News:<br /></u></b><br />
NGI THE WEEKLY GAS MARKET REPORT: <a href="http://www.naturalgasintel.com/articles/102674-honda-drops-production-of-ngvs-moves-to-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles" target="_blank">Honda Drops Production of NGVs; Moves to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles</a><br />
FLEETS & FUELS: <a href="http://www.fleetsandfuels.com/fuels/cng/2015/06/honda-dropping-civic-hybrid-and-cng-models/?utm_source=Fleets-Fuels+June+17%2C+2015&utm_campaign=fleetsfuelsnewsbrief&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Honda Drops CNG After 15 Years</a><br />
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/honda-to-discontinue-cng-and-hybrid-civic-models-1434386062" target="_blank">Honda to Discontinue CNG and Hybrid Civic Models</a><br />
AUTOMOTIVE NEWS: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20150615/OEM05/150619915/honda-will-drop-cng-vehicles-to-focus-on-hybrids-evs" target="_blank">Honda will drop CNG vehicles to focus on hybrids, EVs</a><br />
NGT NEWS: <a href="http://www.ngtnews.com/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.10850#.VY7_gvlViko" target="_blank">Honda Scraps the CNG Civic</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-81133852581973569092015-05-21T07:45:00.002-07:002015-05-21T07:45:14.647-07:00May Question of the Month <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.60000038146973px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">How can I improve my gas mileage while driving this summer?</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Whether you are taking a summer road trip or just running errands around town, there are things you can do to improve your fuel economy and save money on fuel in the summertime.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">You may notice an increase in your fuel economy as the weather gets warmer. This is because vehicle engines, transmissions and other components take less time to warm up and summer gasoline blends can have slightly more energy per gallon than winter blends. However, if you use your air conditioning (AC) a lot or drive with the windows down, you might actually see your fuel economy drop.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AC is the main contributor to reduced fuel economy in the summertime. In fact, using the AC can reduce a conventional vehicle’s fuel economy by as much as 25%, or even more if you are driving a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). Driving with the windows down can also reduce fuel economy due to greater aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) on the vehicle. Though this has a small effect on fuel economy, aerodynamic drag is more apparent when driving at the highway speeds typical for road trips.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The following tips can help you use the AC more efficiently and therefore improve fuel economy in the summer:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Read the owner’s manual</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> for detailed information on how your vehicle’s AC system works and how to use it efficiently.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Park your vehicle in shady areas</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> or use a sunshade to keep the interior from getting too hot.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Do not use the AC more than needed. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If you need to use the AC, avoid using the “max” setting for extended periods.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If you are driving at high speeds, use the AC instead of rolling down the windows. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If the vehicle is too hot, you may lower the car windows to expel hot air for the first few minutes. Once the hot air has left the vehicle, switch to using the AC.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Avoid excessive idling.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Idling can use a quarter to half a gallon of fuel per hour, and more if the AC is on. Do not idle the vehicle to cool it down before a trip; most AC systems actually cool the vehicle faster while driving.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PEV owners, pre-cool your vehicle with the AC while still plugged in.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Since PEVs use battery power to provide AC, it can drain the vehicle’s batteries and reduce the vehicle’s overall range. If you need to use the AC to cool down your PEV, try to do so while the vehicle is still charging.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The following tips should be used year-round to improve fuel economy:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Use cruise control </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">while driving on highways to maintain a consistent speed and conserve fuel.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Remove any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Vehicles with heavier loads tend to have reduced fuel economy. An additional 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce fuel economy by 1%. <b> <u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Avoid transporting cargo on the rooftop</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <b>of the vehicle</b>. Traveling with cargo on the roof increases wind resistance and can significantly lower your fuel economy. Rear-mounted cargo has a much smaller effect on fuel economy than rooftop cargo.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Avoid aggressive driving</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Aggressive driving (speeding, quick acceleration and heavy braking) can reduce fuel economy by as much as 33% at highway speeds and 5% at city speeds. This informational video shows real-world effects of aggressive driving on fuel economy: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zWXwqqqHm0" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=4zWXwqqqHm0</a>.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Ensure your tires are properly inflated</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. Tires that are not inflated to the proper pressure can reduce fuel economy by 0.3% for every one pound per square inch (PSI) drop in pressure in all of the tires. Having your tires inflated to the proper pressure is also safer and can help tires last longer.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Pay attention to the speed limit. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Not only is this a safe practice, but gas mileage tends to decrease when driving at speeds above 50 miles per hour.<b><u></u><u></u></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For more information on how to improve your fuel economy, please refer to the following FuelEconomy.gov websites:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fuel Economy in Hot Weather - </span><a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.fueleconomy.gov/<wbr></wbr>feg/hotweather.shtml</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span lang="EN"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Gas Mileage Tips - </span><a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.fueleconomy.gov/<wbr></wbr>feg/drive.shtml</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span lang="EN"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape - </span><a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.fueleconomy.gov/<wbr></wbr>feg/maintain.jsp</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-42715370373161603682015-04-22T14:52:00.003-07:002015-04-22T14:52:34.920-07:00April Question of the Month <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.60000038146973px;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What are the weight limits for heavy-duty vehicles on interstate highways? What weight limit exemptions exist for vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology?</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Under federal law, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">no vehicle weighing more than 20,000 pounds (lbs) on one axle, 34,000 lbs on a tandem axle, or 80,000 lbs overall may access federal interstate highways (e.g., Interstate 70, which runs across the country from Maryland to Utah), regardless of where they get on the highway.<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#14cd7958e4a4e5d5_14cd79499b9ed4f8__ftn1" name="14cd7958e4a4e5d5_14cd79499b9ed4f8__ftnref1" style="color: #1155cc;" title=""><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[1]</span></a> States must enforce these requirements, or they may not be eligible for federal highway funding. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) allows states to offer weight-limit exemptions for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) with on-board idle reduction technology.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Please note that states may set their own weight restrictions for roads that start and end within their boundaries, but we will focus on interstate highway requirements here.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Idle Reduction Technologies<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Federal regulations allow states to adopt weight exemptions for auxiliary power units (APUs) or other qualified technologies that reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions from engine idling. APUs are portable, vehicle-mounted systems that provide power for climate control and electrical devices without idling. For long-haul trucks, these systems typically have a small internal combustion engine (usually diesel) equipped with a generator to provide electricity and heat. Other on-board idle reduction technologies include automatic start-stop controls, energy recovery systems, fuel-operated heaters, coolant heaters, and battery-electric and thermal-storage air conditioners.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">State Weight Exemptions<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">States may permit HDVs equipped with idle reduction technology to exceed the specified weight limit by up to 550 lbs to compensate for the additional weight of the equipment. The allowance was previously 400 lbs, but the federal Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) legislation, enacted in 2012, increased it to 550 lbs. States must enact a law or institute an enforcement policy with their own exemptions to reflect this increased weight allowance. A map of APU weight exemptions by state is available on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) State Recognition of the Auxiliary Power Weight Exemption to Gross Vehicle Weight website (</span><a href="http://energy.gov/eere/vehicles/map-state-recognition-auxiliary-power-weight-exemption" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://energy.gov/eere/<wbr></wbr>vehicles/map-state-<wbr></wbr>recognition-auxiliary-power-<wbr></wbr>weight-exemption</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). Vehicle weight limit exemptions for APUs are also displayed in the table below. As the map and table show, many states have not updated their laws and enforcement policies to reflect the increase in the federal allowance to 550 lbs, which means the exemption is still limited to 400 lbs. There are also six states where the exemption is not permitted at all.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">APU Weight Exemption</span></b><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Authority<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">State Implementation<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">550 lbs<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">State Legislation<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">CO, CT, FL, MD, MN, MO, NH, TN, VA, WV*<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">400 lbs<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">State Enforcement Policy<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">AR, IA, ID, LA, MI, MS, MT, ND, NJ, NV, OH, SD, UT, VT, WY<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">State Legislation<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">AK, AL, AZ, DE, GA, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, NE, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, SC, TX, WA, WI<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">None<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">State Legislation<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">CA, DC, HI, KY, NC, RI<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">* West Virginia Code 17C-13A-4 refers to the U.S. Code directly for the exact weight.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">States must require HDV drivers to demonstrate eligibility for vehicle weight limit exemptions. For example, drivers may need to have paperwork on hand that verifies the weight of the idle reduction equipment and be able to demonstrate that it is functional. Requirements are different from state to state.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">More information on these state weight limit exemptions is also available on the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Laws and Incentives database (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>laws</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). The Advanced Search options (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/search" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>afdc/laws/search</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">) allow you to identify specific exemptions by location, technology/fuel type (idle reduction), incentive/regulation type (exemption), and user-type (vehicle owner or driver). Each description of a state idle reduction weight exemption includes a reference to the applicable legislation or policy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Refer to the following for more information on idle reduction technologies and state vehicle weight limit exemptions for this equipment:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">EERE National Idling Reduction Network News (</span><a href="http://energy.gov/eere/vehicles/vehicle-technologies-office-national-idling-reduction-network-news" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://energy.gov/eere/<wbr></wbr>vehicles/vehicle-technologies-<wbr></wbr>office-national-idling-<wbr></wbr>reduction-network-news</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AFDC’s Onboard Idle Reduction Equipment for Heavy-Duty Trucks page (</span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/conserve/idle_reduction_onboard.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>conserve/idle_reduction_<wbr></wbr>onboard.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Argonne National Laboratory’s Idle Reduction Tools and Outreach Materials (</span><a href="http://www.anl.gov/energy-systems/project/idle-reduction-tools-and-outreach-materials" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">http://www.anl.gov/energy-<wbr></wbr>systems/project/idle-<wbr></wbr>reduction-tools-and-outreach-<wbr></wbr>materials</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</span></a><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">800-254-6735</span><u></u><u></u></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-38053731339386406562015-04-22T11:00:00.002-07:002015-04-22T11:00:35.016-07:00March Question of the Month <h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">
<strong>Question of the Month: </strong> </h2>
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<i><b>Question of the Month</b>: What are the key terms and considerations I should remember when discussing emissions?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<strong>Answer: </strong>When discussing emissions, it is important to use the appropriate terms, know the context, and present a complete picture. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a number of tools and resources available to understand and calculate the emissions benefits of alternative fuels and vehicles (see below). But first, let's get back to the basics.</div>
<br /><span style="color: #3366ff;"><b>Criteria Pollutants versus Non-Criteria Pollutants</b></span><br />
Vehicles emit both criteria pollutants and non-criteria pollutants. In compliance with the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies six common pollutants as criteria pollutants based on certain health and environmental standards:<br />
<ul>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Carbon monoxide (CO)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Oxides of nitrogen (NOx)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Particulate matter (PM)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Ozone</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Oxides of sulfur (SOx)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Lead</li>
</ul>
For more information about criteria pollutant emissions:(<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4Er3RS63zsx26xQqmUaFU0CE4nsNbBWF2vdKGYEJGJQzmLpfwHJxuCl-XwAI_X8yg-n9Rpk_hns1okeQUX94JF1VhzAIZUVwpVeLRMubKlyqNHOdZJcEspIyioI67SI1iVM&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/<wbr></wbr>urbanair/</a>).<br />
<br />
Greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide,are considered non-criteria pollutants. The following also fall into this category:<br />
<ul>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Total hydrocarbons (HCs)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Methane</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Air toxics</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Other organic gases</li>
</ul>
<br />
For more information about GHG emissions: ( <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4ErOg_0_gxsnjaUQHBqc4aHDbE_0gLzKjcFBpYkVWMaaVC80KvMqafe5VZjunHVw69wfs50wt5kRogz3-ZJreDdrusxC6ag96TejqefrH_VHVMWdXrC1EGYJ4eEMIdghZHtQYgmxuR56XQ6Cu2fwQVRcerDARrI5xrW&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/<wbr></wbr>climatechange/ghgemissions/<wbr></wbr>gases.html</a>).<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3366ff; display: inline !important;">
<b>Measuring Emissions</b></div>
You can evaluate vehicle emissions through a number of lenses. Considering emissions in different contexts can present a more impactful picture, depending on the stakeholder.<br />
<ul>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Life cycle emissions:Emissions generated through all stages of a fuel's life, including raw material extraction, processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal or recycling. Life cycle emissions are typically considered when evaluating "global pollutants," or pollutants that have an impact regardless of where they are emitted. For example, GHGs are usually measured on a life cycle basis.</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Tailpipe emissions: Emissions directly from the exhaust of the vehicle. Tailpipe emissions are considered when looking at "local pollutants," or pollutants that impact air quality directly where they are emitted. For example, criteria pollutants, such as PM, are typically measured as tailpipe emissions.</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Evaporative emissions: Emissions from the vehicle's fuel system and during the fueling process, not including the combustion of the fuel. Evaporative emissions are also considered when evaluating "local pollutants."</li>
</ul>
When quantifying or presenting emissions benefits for a particular project, make sure to ask yourself which type of information would have the most impact. For example, an air quality organization (e.g., your local American Lung Association chapter) would like to hear about tailpipe and evaporative emissions. A national company focused on their footprint and impact on climate change would want to hear about life cycle emissions.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3366ff;">
<b>Emissions Standards</b></div>
EPA sets tailpipe and evaporative emissions standards for new vehicles.<br />
<ul>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">For information on federal non-GHG emissions standards, including CO, NOx, PM, and organic gases, visit the EPA's Emission Standards Reference Guide: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4ErVtH3auNVGz9aX7XGkY5Wj_WN-z0JfSLFXfUOL1zs-bwopxqUqipIbM5_bJx0Jf8yys_GqBGgzxNcEzfuqLIG76dZhyK5t3yWJXn87HbIRWsHEX2MTiyJ5F4XI5Hugfpk&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/otaq/<wbr></wbr>standards/</a>. EPA's Tier 3 Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards Program page (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o0wDTMKXNtXk4yQehSeYu-Jg-nhZcAJK0rlDahCbgzQPsysbmavN7QfwuE2NvQ7Rdtg1527fbrhyvBoPVvwvToOyn7pNNM0l1rEC7RnUIYOABL8xzR-EQQS3bUDd1PUDAPNEE1pCa9Y0Q&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/otaq/<wbr></wbr>tier3.htm</a>) covers the regulations for light-duty, medium-duty, and some heavy-duty vehicles that will be phased in beginning in 2017.</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">For information about federal GHG emissions standards, which are implemented in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's fuel economy standards, visit EPA's Regulations & Standards page:<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o0wDTMKXNtXk42NV8IC4B9Zpn8Y6TX97V-zTYv1geIztwDt8sa8dfWGgBnaiAJnZdSX3tqqbQQhjquD-cnNGSx9OGceiRkPkEvp60OAJQQRqw8GA_FrnWATDi_Ik5HRW8w0aeDMPGRDNsgVY4_v-kumMD74nX9hcSng==&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/otaq/<wbr></wbr>climate/regulations.htm</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) enforces vehicle emissions standards for California that are more stringent than federal EPA standards. Vehicles may be certified as compliant with federal standards, CARB standards, or both. For information on CARB's emissions standards, visit the Mobile Source Program Portal (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4ErQJT22vuQ-JC3rgwDEKftmZSd3Utj03LnHC7cxlqDoUnI3X8VLifrUFkLXpJa-jzFeoBk1uuLVXE0LdHwxSuw82N6V0ZROJCMSuFpugib9P1r0slCEoWKu0cUN0brTl24&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/<wbr></wbr>msprog.htm</a>). Several other states have chosen to comply with certain CARB standards as well, so read up on the requirements in your state. See the AFDC Laws & Incentives website for more information (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4Er9lU5bI95l2GJ9mhMATAJNYOW1f2mAN0WSFO23ldjS1bxrU5vVa-k3D7JJ-f8lvazPbF5Wu_c1B0KjewaxmQakKq982WgdIlNPYrAf0fRRSBHyg-hzVex6w==&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>laws</a>).<br />
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<b>Other Considerations</b></div>
It is important to take into account the "full package" when looking at alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) emissions; again, try to anticipate questions from the audience to tease out the most relevant information. For example, keep the following in mind:<br />
<ul>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">While a fuel may not offer large reductions in one pollutant, it may offer significant benefits in other pollutants.</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Emissions information should also be presented in the larger context of federal and state regulations.</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Be sure you are comparing "apples to apples" when looking at AFV and conventional vehicle emissions. For instance, look at which pollutants are covered, and whether tailpipe, life cycle, and/or evaporative emissions are being measured. Every study is different, so it can be very difficult to compare outcomes of one to outcomes of another.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="color: #3366ff;">
<b>Emissions Analysis Tools</b></div>
With all of that in mind, the following tools can be used to calculate fleet emissions and plan for overall emission reductions:<br />
<ul>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">AFDC Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o0yV4Tsw7OfG_eBSZ5B7XzgHfCqGESob3Fe74GiHdBAsPM9_aagJBLfBCGAQdySw04AxvLXGEMXpxGjTdR6cs7UcVAqwcJs3tCyht1mnr-IEYBhouBj3z754uVBMn3tyPar4JvyMSdM51&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>prep/</a>)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Argonne National Laboratory's (ANL) Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4Er2uEdvZI39t3Xc0Bsc13EYI8YGgc00quyCYO610cObnDaCZgsy3b2pZe2Y9IQBl-dNoOEt45FqAlOzfUaIdAYQHdSvYw0pqROCcJJQBuFRd51PWiweX0xqQ==&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://greet.es.anl.gov/<wbr></wbr>afleet</a>)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">ANL's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) Model (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4ErJZ5-iej43xp-37l-b-Fe8vCuXn7aq2XC8OBrIi01mgZJnRNFjtN8FwbEOT65_-7f4FChiaivM2_Upau-OiWVsWPgce4EIqrAReJ5RJbF9HE=&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://greet.es.anl.gov/</a>)</li>
<li style="color: #383838; margin-left: 15px;">Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle and Infrastructure Cash-Flow Evaluation (VICE) Model 2.0 (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NEFPl8sG-AMLcllOE9t4OK5bZig627dcHuH6zaGCUVWaqxtzK78o02meTcSCy4ErX8nfgEpeKEuyBzGgtpgQSofbyKAy-knfBAPLRWuSSBeKkjtnr1BuN_G9z2MFfzExca8WHQ6l-SL4vOEbR_xULVr6Qn16UYJe9nknt1G5qYwH4RzuKyam1Xd-ARCmp378&c=3zwNb6NfR0M2SRoqzPyHVzfKPqT4Trq7IV_zJsoSyUFkdcJBL6pDYw==&ch=Rnn_TfCK9NxaIdNDGvbfahdxTxDsDTF--goQyAQoNT-elCOdGZ2QNg==" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>vice_model/</a>)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<br />
<a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" shape="rect" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">technicalresponse@icfi.com</a><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6666660308838px;"></strong><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span>800-254-6735</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-71762747983842558522015-02-23T12:27:00.000-07:002015-07-07T14:19:41.941-07:00February Question of the Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Question of the Month: </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What were the trends related to state laws and incentives enacted in 2014?<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Answer: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In 2014, state legislatures and agencies developed a variety of incentives, laws, and regulations that support the use of alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and other strategies that align with Clean Cities' mission to cut the amount of petroleum used in transportation.<b> </b>As compared to 2013, however, the number of newly adopted state laws and incentives decreased, possibly indicating the effectiveness of existing state programs and a maturing alternative fuels market. In addition, several states worked to fine-tune existing programs this past year, in an effort to find the best market penetration strategy.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The majority of state actions across all alternative fuel types in 2014 involved new tax-related incentives and fuel tax regulations. Specific alternative fuels displayed their own trends as well. Laws and incentives related to the following vehicle categories showed particularly notable trends:</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">, including both all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and the associated charging infrastructure were the most popular alternative fuel technologies that received attention in the form of new state laws and incentives in 2014. States worked to streamline many aspects of PEV ownership, including allowing direct purchase of PEVs from a manufacturer, modifying rebates and incentives for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and allowing EVSE at previously restricted locations, such as state facilities and leased properties. A few states initiated studies to determine how to assess PEV owners a supplemental fee in lieu of the gasoline tax they would no longer be paying. Utilities continued to provide new incentives in 2014, including electricity rate discounts for customers using EVSE.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Natural gas vehicles (NGVs)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> continued to draw significant consideration in 2014, particularly in those states following the national trend of basing a compressed natural gas (CNG) motor fuel tax on the favorable gasoline gallon equivalent conversion. The NGV market and consumers will also benefit from grants, weight exemptions, fuel-training programs, and fleet requirements enacted in the last year.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Alternative Fuels Data Center’s (AFDC) <b><i>State Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Laws and Incentives:</i> <i>2014 Year in Review</i></b><i> </i>provides a further synopsis of incentives and laws enacted in 2014 and is available at </span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/bulletins/2014_01_15_Year_In_Review.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>bulletins/2014_01_15_Year_In_<wbr></wbr>Review.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In addition, the AFDC <b>Laws & Incentives</b> <b>website </b>provides a searchable database to identify and view relevant state laws and incentives by fuel type, as well as by variety of incentive or regulation. As legislative and gubernatorial actions occur, follow the AFDC website for updates at </span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>laws</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. This database may be particularly useful in the states in which the 2014 elections changed control of the legislative or executive branches. In addition, as the 2014 tax filing deadline approaches, the Laws & Incentives website is a valuable resource for basic information regarding new or expiring state and federal tax credits.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As new trends and issues emerge from legislation, policy bulletins are posted to the AFDC<b> Technology and Policy Bulletins</b> page at </span><a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/technology_bulletins.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">http://www.afdc.energy.gov/<wbr></wbr>technology_bulletins.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You may submit new or updated state laws and incentives, and suggestions for policy bulletin topics, by emailing the TRS directly at </span><a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="color: windowtext;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="mailto:technicalresponse@icfi.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">technicalresponse@icfi.com</span></a><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">800-254-6735<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-52851999267444291152015-02-20T13:02:00.000-07:002015-02-20T13:02:01.712-07:002015 Legislative Session: Bills to Watch<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2015 Legislative session is underway and UCCC is in full support of legislation that cleans up our air, while at the same time reducing our dependency on foreign oil. The following <i>numbered bills</i> are pieces of legislation UCCC is currently following:</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0015.html" target="_blank">HB 15:</a> Clean Fuel Amendments & Rebates</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Sponsor</u>: Representative Stephen Handy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bill creates the Conversion to Alernative Fuel Grant Program and extends tax credits for energy efficient vehicles. It seeks to accelerate the conversion rate to alternative fuels and authorizes the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to make grants from the Clean Fuels and Vehicle Technology Fund to a person who installs conversion equipment on a motor vehicle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0017.html" target="_blank"><b>HB 17:</b></a><b> Motor Vehicle Emissions</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Sponsor:</u> Representative Lee Perry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bill would amend the visible contaminant emission standards for certain diesel engines, amend the penalty for violating the motor vehicle visible emissions limits and make technical corrections. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0049.html" target="_blank">HB 49</a>: Clean Fuel School Buses and Infrastructure</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Sponsor: </u>Representative Stephen Handy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would allow the State Board of Education to award a grant to replace old school buses manufactured before 2002 with new, clean fueled buses that use alternative fuels or clean diesel fuel, install an alternative fueling infrastructure that may be accessible to the public, and/or retrofit bus maintenance shops to maintain the alternative fueled buses. This bill would act as a one-time program appropriation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0110.html" target="_blank">HB 110</a>: Motor Vehicle Emissions Amendments</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Sponsor:</u> Representative Patrice Arent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bill modifies provisions related to motor vehicle emissions. It would give the Division of Motor Vehicles the authority to suspend a vehicle's registration if the vehicle does not meet air emission standards. </span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-77101354034445353132015-02-19T13:03:00.000-07:002015-02-19T13:03:04.099-07:00THINK IDLE FREE: Idle Free Classes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Mdu6LEAMs/VOZBDJkOdzI/AAAAAAAAAfM/AgPYg5Ozd3U/s1600/image003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Mdu6LEAMs/VOZBDJkOdzI/AAAAAAAAAfM/AgPYg5Ozd3U/s1600/image003.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Lancer Automotive Group will be offering Idle Free training on <b>March 17</b></span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><b>th</b></sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><b> from 8:00-9:30am</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">and the <b>18</b></span><b><sup style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> from 5:30-8:00pm</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> at the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lancer+Automotive/@40.690892,-111.899154,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xb20fe62762fb944b?sa=X&ei=L0HmVOeIKcjqoAS1pIHoDg&ved=0CIABEPwSMAo" target="_blank">3687 S 300 W location in Salt Lake City.</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">These <i>free</i> Idle Free classes feature information on no idling laws, the issue of unnecessary vehicle idling, including health, environmental, economic and vehicle maintenance impacts, plus an introduction to other green/eco-driving practices. Attendees will learn how to save hundreds of dollars annually while being fuel efficient and environmentally responsible. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">We will provide Certification upon completion of training. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Class time will range from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on question and answer period. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Please RSVP by March 15</span><sup style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">th</sup></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> to </span><a href="mailto:scott@lancerautogroup.com" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;" target="_blank">scott@lancerautogroup.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> to reserve your spot.</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-48465719612697992312015-02-19T12:20:00.002-07:002015-02-19T12:20:47.239-07:00Air Pollution: A Call to Action<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Health Risks
Associated with Air Pollution</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Utah’s got a
new silent killer in town named “air pollution”. The Utah Physicians for a
Healthy Environment sates that, “Air pollution provokes a systemic inflammatory
process centered in the vascular network that delivers blood through the body,
including all major organs.” When this
happens, the effects can be just as damaging as inhaling cigarette smoke. Last spring, the World Health Organization
(WHO) estimated that air pollution is responsible for an average of 7 million
premature deaths annually worldwide. These
deaths were associated with various diseases caused by exposure to air
pollution which include: heart disease, stroke, pulmonary disease, lung cancer,
and respiratory infections. Dr. Maria
Neira, the director of WHO’s Department of Public Health, responded to the
findings with a call to action, stating that “few risks have a greater impact
on global health today than air pollution; the evidence signals the need for
concerted action to clean up the air we all breathe.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Utah
Clean Cities Coalition is dedicated to doing just that: <i>taking action against some of the biggest air pollutant offenders.</i> The Utah Division of Air Quality reports that
over <b>50 percent</b> of Utah’s air
pollution comes from mobile sources. From promoting alternative fuels to
striving for an idle free state, Utah is on its way to becoming a little
cleaner each day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternative
fuels, as defined by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, are biodiesel, electricity,
ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, natural gas, and propane. These are great for our environment because
they can burn up to 90 percent cleaner than traditional petroleum fuels. New technology helps vehicles to utilize
these cleaner burning fuels. Flex Fuel,
Hybrid, and EVs are just a few of the many types of cars you can drive while
contributing to fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternative
Fuel vehicles are the number one way to reduce your vehicle emissions. However,
there are plenty of things you can start doing today to help us reach our goal
of cleaner air. Turning your car off
instead of idling, proper car maintenance, and carpooling or taking transit are
all great ways you can reduce your emissions daily. When you opt to bike or walk instead of
driving, your vehicle emissions are cut to zero! Take advantage of nice weather
by avoiding your car and getting outside instead. Working together as a community, we can all improve
Utah’s air quality for a healthier tomorrow.
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://utahcleancities.org/">http://utahcleancities.org/</a>
for more information on alternative fuels and tips on how to reduce vehicle
emissions.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4388968614660115291.post-25468683391811788862015-01-24T16:03:00.002-07:002015-01-24T16:20:42.049-07:00UCCC 2014 Annual Report SurveyDear UCCC Stakeholders,<br />
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Utah Clean Cities Coalition would like to wish you and your
families a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!<br />
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2015 promises to be an exciting year, and we look forward to working with you on new and innovative projects! While we are looking ahead, we are also taking stock of our progress in 2014 - which means we have started our Annual AFV and Alternative Fuel Use Report!<br />
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UCCC is collecting data on alternative fuel (AF) and advanced technology vehicle (AFV) usage in Utah for the <u>2014 calendar year</u>. This data helps us quantify the success of our programs and our stakeholder's efforts to reduce the regions dependence on petroleum imports. Please tell us what your company/fleet has done to reduce petroleum consumption in Utah in 2014, and remember the more information you can provide the better our report will be! <br />
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<i><u>To download the survey hover over the top right corner of the image below. Then click on the pop-out icon. Once in full screen mode, click on the download icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen.Once completed, return via email to irene.rizza@utahcleancities.org <b>by </b><b>February 13th 2015</b>.</u></i><br />
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<i><b> Thank you for your participation and for helping us advance our mission of energy, economic and environmental security!</b></i></div>
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<iframe height="200" src="https://docs.google.com/a/utahcleancities.org/file/d/0Bx0NTS97ePgbUlpnRkVUcUNDWkE/preview" width="267"></iframe><br />
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<b>UCCC 2013 Annual Report Results</b></div>
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