Utah Clean Cities Coalition

2012 Stakeholder Meeting

2012-01-23T15:04:00.004-07:00

University of Utah’s Officer’s Club
150 South Fort Douglas Boulevard, Bldg 649
Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Public Transportation Directions:

Frontrunner: http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=UTA-Home-FrontRunner
Take Frontrunner to Central Station.
From Central Station Trax and various Bus Routes run to Fort Douglas (see below)

Trax: http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=uta-home-trax
Station Parking: http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=TRAX-TRAXParkingandStops
http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=RidingUTA-ParkAndRideLots

From Central Station:
Take the GREEN (to West Valley) or BLUE (to Sandy) line to the Courthouse Station /450 S. Main St
Transfer to the RED line (to the University)
Get off at Wasatch Dr. @ 250 S‎
Cross Mario Capecchi Dr. using the pedestrian foot bridge to the north of the station.
Continue on the side walk approx 200 ft and you will arrive at the entrance to the Officer’s Club

From Sandy:
Take the BLUE line (to Central Station) to Courthouse Station/450 S. Main St
Transfer to the RED line (to the University)
Get off at Wasatch Dr. @ 250 S‎
Cross Mario Capecchi Dr. using the pedestrian foot bridge to the north of the station.
Continue on the side walk approx 200 ft and you will arrive at the entrance to the Officer’s Club

From West Valley:
Take the GREEN line (to Central Station) to Courthouse Station/450 S. Main St
Transfer to the RED line (to the University)
Get off at Wasatch Dr. @ 250 S‎
Cross Mario Capecchi Dr. using the pedestrian foot bridge to the north of the station.
Continue on the side walk approx 200 ft and you will arrive at the entrance to the Officer’s Club

From Day Break:
Take the RED line (to the University) to Wasatch Dr @ 250 S‎
Cross Mario Capecchi Dr. using the pedestrian foot bridge to the north of the station.
Continue on the side walk approx 200 ft and you will arrive at the entrance to the Officer’s Club

Bus Routes: http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=UTA-Home-Bus
Several buses routes connect Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, Box Elder, Tooele, Utah & Summit Counties to the University.

Use Trip Planner: http://www.rideuta.com/ridinguta/tripplanner/planner.aspx
or Route Maps (http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=RidingUTA-SystemMaps) to determine the best route for you.

Driving Directions: (all mileage is approximate)

Onsite Parking is available (see map), but limited. Carpooling is appreciated!

From the North (I-15 Southbound)
I-15 S to exit 307 (400 S.)
Turn left onto 400 S, continue approx 4 mi.
(400 S will turn into 500 S after the s-curve, and then into Foothill Dr after the stadium)
Turn left on to Mario Capecchi Dr./ RT 282, continue approx. 0.7 mi.
Turn Right on to Medical Drive South/1900 E (1st right after going under the pedestrian bridge)
Make an immediate right following signs for the Guest House, continue approx. 0.1 mi.
Officers Club is the building on the right after the stop sign
Parking lot entrance is just past the building (star on map - page 3)

From the South (1-15 Northbound)
1-15 N to exit 298 (1-215 E Belt Route)
Merge on to I-215
Take Exit 1 for UT-186/Foothill Drive/parleys Way
Continue straight on Foothill Dr approx. 2-2.5 mi
Turn right on to Mario Capecchi Dr./ RT 282, continue approx. 0.7 mi.
Turn Right on to Medical Drive South/1900 E (1st right after going under the pedestrian bridge)
Make an immediate right following signs for the Guest House, continue approx. 0.1 mi.
Officers Club is the building on the right after the stop sign
Parking lot entrance is just past the building (star on map - page 3)

From the East (I-80 Westbound)
I-80 W to exit 129 for UT-186 W/Foothill Dr
Continue straight on Foothill Dr for approx 2-2.5 mi.
Turn right on to Mario Capecchi Dr./ RT 282, continue approx. 0.7 mi.
Turn Right on to Medical Drive South/1900 E (1st right after going under the pedestrian bridge)
Make an immediate right following signs for the Guest House, continue approx. 0.1 mi.
Officers Club is the building on the right after the stop sign
Parking lot entrance is just past the building (star on map - page 3)

From the West (1-80 Eastbound)
I-80 E to exit 121 (600 S.)
Merge on to 600 S
Turn Left on 700 E
Turn Right on to 400 S, continue for approx 2 mi.
(400 S will turn into 500 S after the s-curve, and then into Foothill Dr after the stadium)
Turn left on to Mario Capecchi Dr./ RT 282, continue approx. 0.7 mi.
Turn Right on to Medical Drive South/1900 E (1st right after going under the pedestrian bridge)
Make an immediate right following signs for the Guest House, continue approx. 0.1 mi.
Officers Club is the building on the right after the stop sign
Parking lot entrance is just past the building (star on map - page 3)

Time to Renew Your Membership?

2011-12-25T18:41:00.005-07:00

UCC has been cleaning house and getting organized for the new year. Have you?

Check to make sure your membership is up-to-date!

Remember UCC's Goals:

•Reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
•Enhance air quality in the community.
•Familiarize fleet managers/operators with the benefits of including AFVs in their fleets.
•Stay informed and knowledgeable about new technology, incentives and grants.
•Encourage involvement and participation because it's the right thing to do!

With your support we can meet and exceed them.

UCC membership matrix

UCCC is giving CleanBoost a Test Drive

2011-12-22T22:57:00.003-07:00

During the next few months Utah Clean Cities will be testing out CleanBoost, an EPA approved fuel additive. It has been proven in laboratory tests and field studies to lower vehicular emissions by increasing combustion efficiency. This results in increased engine performance, increased fuel economy and decreased wear and tear on equipment. All of these benefits translate into savings for fleet operators. This additive can be used with all grades of diesel fuel, Bio-Diesel Fuel, JP8, kerosene and gasoline, and result in an average fuel savings of 3-5%.

So how does it work? CleanBoost works with the molecular structure of fuels. Large hydrocarbon molecules have more hydrogen and burn less efficiently. This additive uses a metal catalyst to increase combustion rates of large molecules, creating smaller molecules that burn quickly and more completely, eliminating soot and NOx SOx and VOx emissions.

J-1321 laboratory testing at the Southwest Research Institute showed significant improvements in fuel economy. Tests confirmed that the CleanBoost additive increased the BTU (unit of heat) of combusted fuel without increasing Cetane, which increases engine temperatures, NOx output and engine wear. Fleet field tests have shown increased performance on the road with a decrease in fuel consumption that can range from 7% to 10 %.

As a caveat, CleanBoost starts cleaning out the engine immediate; however during this process many impurities are captured in the engine oil. Once an engine has been serviced 2-3 times oil viscosity should stabilize, and engine performance and fuel economy will increase. We will keep you posted on our progress here.

If you are interested in learning more about this fuel additive or other CleanBoost products that lower emissions and improve fuel economy contact Joshua Scoville with OuterCircle Distribution @ 801.993.9698 or joshu@ocdist.com. More information can also be found at http://www.ocdist.com/.

***DISCLAIMER***

UCCC is providing vehicles for CleanBoost to test out their product.
UCCC will not be conducting an scientific grade/certifiable test of CleanBoost

City “greens” Parking Compliance Fleet

2011-12-22T22:54:00.003-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE of the MAYOR | RALPH BECKER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2011
Contact: Art Raymond
c. 801-547-2659

City “greens” Parking Compliance Fleet

New hybrid vehicles, bicycle patrols are cost-saving and cleaner

SALT LAKE CITY – Please join Mayor Ralph Becker, Council Chairwoman Jill Remington Love and others in an unveiling of Salt Lake City’s new, high-efficiency compliance fleet at a press event on Wednesday, Dec. 21 near the electronic parking pay station at the northwest corner of 200 East and Broadway (300 South) downtown.

As part of ongoing efforts to optimize the provision of City services, Mayor Becker and the Salt Lake City Public Services Department announce the City’s compliance division has added bicycle-based patrols and two new, hybrid vehicles. The additions replace aging, less efficient vehicles and are expected to garner savings in a number of areas. Salt Lake City’s new Compliance Director, Ben Roberts, said the changes are part of an overall retooling of the division.

“Adding bicycle patrols and hybrid vehicles is a positive trend being implemented by municipalities across the country, and right here in Salt Lake City by various agencies,” Roberts said. “The changes we’re making achieve a number of goals including increased efficiency, operational savings and reduction of our carbon footprint.”

The new bicycle patrols alone, once fully implemented,will reduce the fleet’s carbon emissions by an estimated 93,000 pounds annually, while offering compliance officers increased mobility.

The Salt Lake City Council also recently approved the citywide installation of new, solar-powered electronic parking pay stations. The stations allow for multiple payment options including coins, debit and credit cards, as well as merchant-issued cards. The change brings the City’s public parking options up-to-date with a proven, user-friendly system.

The new hybrid vehicles and bicycles will be on display at the event.

EVENT: Salt Lake City Parking Compliance Green Fleet Unveiling

WHO: Mayor Ralph Becker

Council Chairwoman Jill Remington Love

Compliance Director Ben Roberts

Downtown Alliance Executive Director Jason Mathis

WHERE: 300 South & 200 East

Near electronic pay station on northwest corner

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.

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Fueling the Future of the West - Western Governors’ Association Policy Resolution

2011-12-22T22:43:00.004-07:00

Below is a copy of the Policy Resolution Governor Herbert signed on November 13th at the Western Governor's Association Meeting. This resolution promotes the emergence of the US as a leader in alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technology development. With this resolution, participating Governors seek to increase alternative fuel and alternative fuel vehicle use.

We are proud that Utah is at the forefront of this initiative!

Western Governors’ Association
Policy Resolution
11-13 - 11

Fueling the Future of the West: A Roadmap for Energy Security and Environmental Stewardship

A. BACKGROUND

1. The Western Governors have placed a high priority on forming energy policies that can lead to the rational development of the Western region’s full range of energy resources to support the nation’s need for domestic energy. Transportation fuels are the major component of the Western region’s energy consumption, and the region, like the nation, relies on petroleum for approximately 94 percent of that fuel.

2. Petroleum will continue to be the dominant transportation fuel in the near term, requiring us to maintain economically viable production and refining sectors, but we also must increase our efforts to hasten the development of alternative fuels and to deploy far more efficient vehicles and means to move goods and services.

3. Our near-total dependence on petroleum for transportation fuels is of concern to consumers, businesses and government. This dependence makes Western states vulnerable to limited refinery capacity, supply shortages and price spikes, in addition to its overarching impacts on national security, the environment and the economy. In the West, where driving distances can be much greater than other parts of the country, these impacts can be magnified.

4. While our demand for transportation fuels has grown unabated over the last 40 years, domestic production has been unable to keep pace, doubling our dependency on imported petroleum from 30 percent in 1970 to 60 percent today. Some of that supply is imported from nations that are fragile at best, and often hostile towards the United States.

5. The Western states are in position to become key producers and beneficiaries in the emerging alternative-fuels economy. We have abundant resources that have great potential as domestic sources for transportation fuels. By working together and leading this transition, Western states can achieve ambitious goals more rapidly than through individual efforts. Similarly, water availability and quality, air quality, land use, habitat protection, and feedstock supplies are of great concern to all Western states, and careful consideration of these issues is critical as we transition to clean, alternative fuels and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

6. In 2009, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, conventional lightduty vehicles accounted for 85% of the nation’s market share, followed by flex fuel (11%), hybrid electric (3%), and diesel vehicles (2%). Heavy-duty trucks were largely driven by diesel (91%) and gasoline (7%). Rail transport derives about 96% of its energy from diesel fuel, and the air and marine sector are completely driven by petroleum-based energy.

7. In 2006, Western Governors launched the “Transportation Fuels for the Future” initiative through a resolution in 2006. The Western Governors’ Association (WGA) formed an Advisory Committee comprising Governors’ representatives, transportation experts and stakeholders. The Advisory Committee produced an overarching policy, the Transportation Fuels for the Future: A Roadmap for the West. The policy roadmap and detailed team reports identify what is technically and economically feasible and what is needed to increase the usage of alternative fuels to diversify our fuel sources and to develop and deploy efficient vehicle technologies as rapidly as feasible.

8. In 2008, Western Governors formed a Transportation Fuels Council, which consisted of appointed designees to identify strategies to implement the policies in this roadmap. In 2009, the Council released a report updating the Governors on progress made to date. The report also outlined several key issues for future consideration by the Governors, including the conversion of existing fleets, developing regional alternative fuel corridors, streamlining regulatory standards to promote fungibility, and examining issues related to the impact of energy production on water availability.

9. The U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Program was established in 1993 to develop local partnerships to facilitate, among other things, the use of alternative fuels. In April 2011, the President announced establishment of the Clean Fleets Program. The program is designed to leverage a public/private partnership to promote alternative fuels and fuel saving measures into daily operations and will work in conjunction with Clean Cities.

10. Data from the Energy Information Administration suggests that the domestic supply of economically recoverable natural gas has grown more than 40 percent since 2004. Western Governors are very interested in seeing this natural gas become a greater part of the transportation sector. For example, in November 2011 Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah and Pennsylvania signed a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage automobile manufacturers in the U.S. to develop a functional and affordable fleet natural gas vehicle. The signers left the MOU open for other states to sign and it is expected that the number of states joining in this MOU will increase.

B. GOVERNORS’ POLICY STATEMENT

1. Western Governors recognize the significant economic, energy security and environmental opportunities that are gained by emerging as national and international leaders in the development of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. The Governors also agree on the costs of inaction to consumers, future economic development and national security.

2. Western Governors agree that a mix of domestic and alternative fuel sources and increased vehicle fuel efficiency is needed to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, increase local economic development and promote environmental stewardship.

3. Western Governors seek to lead by example and recognize the need to increase the utilization of alternative fuels and vehicles in state vehicle fleets. State vehicle fleets present a tremendous opportunity for states to tackle the issues regarding manufacture of alternative fuel vehicles and development of infrastructure through a common sense approach that can be leveraged through regional cooperation.

4. In addition to the above, the Governors may consider adopting the following programs within each of their states:
a. Promoting fuel and transportation-system efficiency, encouraging the public to value fuel efficiency that can lead to reduced fuel consumption and motor vehicle emissions by emphasizing it in themes and messages, promoting alternative and advanced fuels and vehicle technologies, and by setting a positive example with their own choices and state fleets.
b. Identifying critical research needs and seeking funding to turn universities into centers of excellence on alternative fuels technologies, vehicle fuel efficiency, motor vehicle emissions, and environmental considerations.
c. Supporting and coordinating feedstock research to include new production opportunities, higher yields, carbon capture and storage opportunities, conversions technologies and transportation logistics.
d. Providing information and undertaking alternative fuels demonstrations to gain experience, generate data and evaluate options.
e. Reducing fuel use by encouraging urban and community planners to consider mass transit transportation and other beneficial planning options that can reduce our dependency on foreign fuels sources.

5. In order to promote consumer confidence in alternative fuel vehicles, Western Governors pledge to work in concert to support the deployment of consistent, reliable, and widely available fueling infrastructure. This may include regional, multi-state alternative fueling corridors as well as coordination of codes, standards, and other policies governing fueling and electric charging stations. These corridors and common standards should be implemented through a partnership among local, state and federal officials and the private sector.

6. Federal programs that seek to promote the use of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies should provide an opportunity for coordination with state and local officials to ensure that our citizens’ needs are being met efficiently and effectively.

C. GOVERNORS’ MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVE

1. Western Governors will appoint or reaffirm their membership in the WGA Transportation Fuels Council. Within 45 days of the enactment of this resolution, the Council should amend its charter to support the policy objectives outlined above and to fulfill the following management directives. The Council may seek the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy and its national laboratories in analyzing and implementing the policy objectives in this resolution.

2. Western States, as appropriately determined by each individual State, will seek to work together to leverage their efforts through joint vehicle solicitations such as the 2011 multi-state MOU that promotes the purchase of natural gas vehicles. WGA and its Western State members will work with private industries and the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Fleets and Clean Cities Program, to leverage existing efforts and encourage the use of alternative fuels by federal, state and private fleets.

3. Western Governors direct the WGA staff to assemble a workshop to explore opportunities for public and private sector coordination on regional infrastructure corridors and fleet conversions. The workshop will identify priorities for developing or otherwise making available alternative fuel infrastructure and make recommendations to the governors on a goal for alternative fuel fleet conversions.

4. Western Governors direct WGA staff to pursue mechanisms to assist the Governors in enacting policies including:
a. convening stakeholders to work through issues, as necessary;
b. collaborating with the states as they develop plans to increase alternative fuels production and use and to improve vehicle fuel efficiency;
c. assisting, facilitating and coordinating fuel resource identification and development through regional efforts;
d. collaborating regularly with existing regional policy organizations to develop and implement regional transportation fuels policies and actions. Such organizations could include: WGA affiliates -- the Western Interstate Energy Board, Western Regional Air Partnership and Western States Water Council; Western Climate Initiative; NGV America; American Natural Gas Alliance; Governors’ Biofuels Coalition; National Biodiesel Board; and the DOE Clean Cities and Clean Fleets.

5. This policy resolution shall be conveyed to the President of the United States; the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy and Transportation; the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and the appropriate members and committees of Congress.

6. The Western Governors’ Association shall post this resolution to its Web site to be referenced and transmitted as necessary.

PDF Document

Memorandum of Understanding

2011-12-22T22:24:00.009-07:00

Memorandum of Understanding

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) describes a coordinated effort between the undersigned States (States) to attract automobile manufacturers in the U.S. to develop a functional and affordable original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fleet natural gas vehicle (NGV) that will also meet public demand. The States recognize the benefits and unique attributes of clean burning natural gas and understand the significant opportunity compressed natural gas (CNG) presents to save State and taxpayer dollars by encouraging an energy future that utilizes domestic energy resources to fuel our nation’s transportation needs. Through the joint solicitation of a Multi-State Request for Proposal (Joint-RFP) that aggregates annual State fleet vehicle procurements, the States will endeavor to provide a demand base sufficient to support the design, manufacture, and sale of functional and affordable OEM NGVs by automotive manufacturers in the United States.

In anticipation of soliciting a Joint-RFP, the States will endeavor to coordinate with local agencies, municipalities, and companies to determine the number of NGVs each State can commit to purchase and the required specifications necessary to meet fleet needs. The Joint-RFP shall require that the ultimate cost of an OEM NGV should be comparably priced to an equivalent gasoline powered model and that warranty and reliability concerns are not compromised. Simultaneously, the States understand the need for continued development and expansion of CNG fueling infrastructure and should endeavor to encourage private investment, predicated on demonstrating an anticipated increase in State NGVs, to meet growing demand.

Pursuant to the terms of the Joint-RFP, to be executed at a later date, the States intend, where practical, to transition new fleet vehicle acquisitions, in committed volumes, to a resulting OEM NGV. Such future acquisitions should, when economically feasible, rely on traditional distribution channels that incorporate local businesses in procurement processes. In continued recognition of the benefits of CNG, the States should also endeavor to pursue fleet vehicle conversions to CNG, where economically compelling, based on a life-cycle cost analysis. The States will also reach out to fellow Governors to determine broader interest and participation in the principles and process outlined in this MOU.

This MOU embodies the principle understandings of the States but shall not create any legal relationship, rights, duties, or obligations binding or enforceable at law or in equity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each State shall in good faith endeavor to reach a mutually agreeable and economically beneficial Joint-RFP, as contemplated herein. This MOU does not create additional state power, enhance existing state power, or interfere with federal authority or law. This MOU shall continue to demonstrate the States’ understanding until execution of the Joint-RFP, or until otherwise discontinued by either State.

Set Forth By:

NatGasCar Signs New Distributor/Installer

2011-11-28T08:59:00.003-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Bry Granger
Alternative Vehicle Solutions
255 W 2950 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Phone: 801-463-0444
http://www.avs-cng.com/
bry@avs-cng.com

Salt Lake City, UT – Nov 14, 2011 – Alternative Vehicle Solutions (AVS), a tier 1 supplier to General Motors Alternative Fuel Division, ISO-9001: 2008 Compliant manufacturer and installer of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems, is pleased to announce we are now distributing and installing systems from NatGasCar. Formed in 2008, NatGasCar, LLC manufactures EPA Certified natural gas systems for the conversion of Chrysler and Dodge vehicles to run on clean, American natural gas.

With natural gas being the leading alternative fuel source it is important that businesses and consumers have options. With the addition of NatGasCar to the Alternative Vehicle Solutions’ lineup we are now able to offer solutions for Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, and G.M. vehicles. We look forward to working with NatGasCar because they share our dedication to both safety and simplicity.

NatGasCar is looking forward to working with AVS, and we feel that our CNG conversion systems will supplement AVS’s strong market position. AVS has the people, resources, processes, leadership, and technical support to help make NatGasCar LLC a success and properly grow the CNG industry as a whole. I know that CNG system installations performed at AVS will meet the high standards of NatGasCar and CNG customers looking for an alternative fuel conversion they can trust. Stated Bradley Trembath, President of NatGasCar LLC.

For Information: http://www.avs-cng.com or
Contact: bry@avs-cng.com
Phone: 801-463-0444

###

2011-11-15T09:03:00.005-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2011
Contact: Robin Erickson
(435) 652-4721 Ext. 138

Auto Gas America Expands CNG Fleet in Southern Utah
Washington City continues to promote Alternative Fuels

WASHINGTON CITY, UT - Washington City, with the help of Utah Clean Cities Coalition, recently became the first organization in Utah to take advantage of new rules set forth by the EPA to expand their use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as the clean burning fuel of choice for their fleet.

Robin Erickson, Executive Director of Utah Clean Cities, Mike Shaw, Public Works Director for Washington City, and Auto Gas America, an Ogden based manufacturer of EPA certified fuel systems, combined their winning efforts to move this project to completion. Auto Gas America engineered and certified the systems that Ares Transportation Technology, a Salt Lake City based Conversion Company, installed for Washington City.

In the past it has not been economically feasible to certify in-service vehicles, unless the fleet was large enough to disperse conversion process costs of approximately $100,000. "We now have the opportunity to use EPA data to engineer a system that will perform as well as current model year vehicles, while still meeting the emission guidelines, and reducing end-user cost" said Auto Gas America engineer Aaron Stuart.

Alden Ricks, Manager of Ares Transportation Technology, said, "Through this process we were able to demonstrate that, with the proper certification and installation, CNG is a viable, cost effective fuel for older vehicles. We believe that this process will become the norm and not an exception"

“Auto Gas America's system allows municipalities, businesses and the public to have access to certified conversion kits without having to go through the certification process,” Bryan Wilcox, President of Auto Gas America, stated. "Combining our system with the second largest CNG refueling infrastructure in the nation provides a winning formula of economic and air quality benefits to the state of Utah."

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The Utah Governor's Energy Development Summit

2011-11-08T13:21:00.003-07:00

Registration will begin in the next few weeks. Stay posted for the date.
(Check out the Utah Clean Cities vehicle on the bottom right!)

2011 Alternative Fuel Awareness Month in Utah

2011-10-31T11:44:00.012-07:00

November 2011 is the 3rd Annual Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Awareness Month. This campaign started in 2009 with a declaration from Governor Herbert supported by Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Provo City, and Ogden City Mayors. The goal was to encourage Utah residents to learn more about alternative energy sources available here in Utah.

Support for AFV Awareness Month grew in 2010 with eight mayors signing on to the Governor's Declaration. This year 47 Mayors from across the state of Utah are joining Governor Herbert and Utah Clean Cities to promoting AFV Awareness Month. Finding cleaner burning, cheaper, domestic fuels is a clear priority for Utahns.

Alternative energy infrastructure has been expanding, allowing fleets and citizens to make the switch to AFV's. Across the state of Utah, cities and towns are using fleets, garbage trucks, police vehicles, and buses that are fueled by cleaner energies. Jordan, Sevier, and Alpine County school districts have CNG buses, which have lower fuel and maintenance costs with the added benefit of quieter, cleaner transportation. Hybrid electric and natural gas powered engines are also gaining traction as governments and citizens look for sustainable energies that cut costs and preserve air quality.

Natural gas is available in Uintah Basin, located in Eastern Utah, providing a local source for the fuel. Local availability allows Utah to expand CNG and LNG infrastructure throughout the state, creating Clean Energy Corridors that are being utilized by trucking and delivery companies as well as the public.

This year Utah Clean Cities will be showcasing leaders of Utah's AFV infrastructure with a month long "AFV Tour." Throughout the month different businesses will have their doors open to the public for fueling questions and general information. See tour location below. Unless otherwise indicated, business representative will be available during normal hours of operation. With 123 different fueling stations in the state of Utah, this is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about Alternative Fuel options and their benefits.

If you have any questions, contact Irene Rizza (801-535-7736) or Robin Erickson (435-652-4721 x138).

Tour Locations:
WEEK 1: November 1st – 4th

University of Utah Fleet and CNG Station
425 S 1778 E
SLC, UT 84102
Chad Larsen - 801-581-4189
CNG Station & Fleet
Hours: Thursday & Friday 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Smith's Electric Charging Station
870 E 800 S
Salt Lake City UT 84102
Marsha - 801-355-2801
Electric Charging Station

Salt Lake City’s Electric Charging Stations
Locations
Dan Bergenthal - 801-535-7106
Electric Charging Station
Call for information

Salt Lake City Fleet
1990 W 500 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Art Valente – 801-535-6952
Fleet
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 3:00-4:00pm

Ken Garff Honda
900 S State St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Wayne Peterson, General Manger
Certified Honda Civic GX Dealer
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

State of Utah Fleet and Stations
4600 South Redwood Road - NW side of Campus
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
Sam Lee & Ed Benson- 801-538-3014/801-706-4304
CNG Station & Fleet
Hours: Thursday & Friday 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Kennecott Copper
Rio Tinto 4700 Daybreak Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84095
Kyle Bennett - 801-204-2000
Fleet & Station
Hours: TBA

Semi-Service
4285 W 1385 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Hettie Fitzgerald ,Office Manager – 801-521-0360
CNG Station & Conversions
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 1pm -4pm

Ares Technology
2020 Industrial Circle
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Alden Rix - 801-828-3469
CNG and Propane Conversions
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

AVS - Lancer Automotive
3687 S 300 W
Salt Lake City UT 84115
Scott Brandeberry - 801-268-8863
CNG Conversion
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

SLC Community College
4600 South Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
Judy Fisher – 801-957-5252
CNG Conversion Training

Murray CNG station (Questar Gas - City of Murray)
4646 S 500 W
Murray UT 84123
Gordon Larsen 801-556-2905
CNG Public Fueling Station

Jordan School District
8370 S 4300 W
West Jordan, UT 84088
Herb Jensen & Marty Latimer - 801-567-8100
CNG Bus Fleet & Public Fueling Station
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tim Dahle Nissan
4528 S State Street
Murray, UT 84107
Time Dahle
Nissan Dealership - Nissan Leaf

Riverton Chevy
10770 South Automall Drive
Sandy UT, 84070
Kevin Campbell
Chevrolet Volt Dealership

Bear Creek SUV
450 W 910 S - Suite 300
Heber City, UT 84032
Bill Saks – 435-654-9447
Natural Gas Conversions
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9:00-6:00
Public should call in advance

Top Stop
2010 N Park Ave
Park City UT 84060
Joe - 435-649-3689
CNG Public Fueling Station
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Williams Northwest Pipeline
599 S 500 E
Vernal, UT 84078-4442
John Davis, Manager – 801-584-06852
Natural Gas Pipeline & Fleet

Sinclair
850 S Carbon Ave
Price UT 84501
Leigh Mecham- 435-637-4002
CNG Public Fueling Station

WEEK 2: November 14th – 18th

Utah State University
1400 E 900 N
Logan, UT 84321
Alden Erickson - 801-538-3440 (alden.erickson@usu.edu)
CNG Shuttle, Fueling Station & Research for Algae for biodiesel
Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

LW's Conoco
1050 W 200 N
Logan, UT 84321
Larry Miller -435-753-7461
CNG Public Fueling Station

LW's Travel Plaza
1674 W 1100 S
Brigham City, UT
Larry Miller - 435-723-9999
CNG Public Fueling Station

Flying J Travel Plaza
1172 W 2100 S,
Ogden, UT 84401
Rocky, General Manager - 801-399-5577
CNG Public Fueling Station

AutoGasAmerica
1596 W 2650 S STE 103
Ogden, UT 84401
Bryan Wilcox - 1-866-931-8940
CNG Conversions

Chevron - JP's American Car Care
1350 E 700 S
Clearfield, UT 84015
Kim Hugie - 801-773-7222
Ethanol (E85) Public Fueling Station

CNG America Auto Sales
Call - Kim Hugie: 801-389-6233
CNG Conversions

Go Natural CNG
2023 S 625 W
Woods Cross, UT 84087
Rick Oliver or Jack Falkenrath – 801-677-1176
CNG Conversions & Manufacturing Kits
Hours: 9:00 am- 5:00pm

Washaki Renewable
2400 N 7950 W
Plymouth, UT 84330
Sam Powell - 435-866-2292/801-995-8045 (samp@wrebiofuels.com)
Biodiesel Producer
Hours: TBA

Associated Foods LNG Trucks
1825 W 2550 N
Ogden, UT 84401
Kris Romeril – 801-978-8450 (KCRomeril@afstores.com)
Glen Keysaw - 801-786-8840
LNG Trucks

WEEK 3: November 28th – December 1st

Sevier School District
180 E 600 N
Richfield, UT 84701
Deloss Christensen - 435-896-8214
CNG Bus Fleet

Zion National Park
Zion Park Blvd
Springdale UT 84767
Jack Burns, Chief, Concessions Management - 435-772-0145
Propane Shuttle Fleet

Chevron Coral Canyon Market
41 N 6300 W
Hurricane, UT 84737
O.C. Levitt - 435-628-4858
CNG Public Fueling Station

Washington City Fleet Facility
1302 Washington Dam Rd
Washington City, UT 84780
Tracy Comas - 435-656-6333
CNG Public Fueling Station

St. George Shell
915 E Saint George Blvd
Saint George UT 84770
Ron - 435-656-1350
CNG Public Fueling Station

Guy's Automaster
583 N 3050 E
St. George, UT 84790
Guy S. Simkins - 435-627-9212
CNG Conversions
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm

St. George Express
PO box 2499
Saint George, UT 84771
Jan Miller – 435-652-1100 (info@stgeorgeexpress.com)
Shuttle Service & Natural Gas Fleet

Cedar Service Center
260 E 2015 N
Cedar City, UT 84720
Questar Gas - 801-324-3900
CNG Private Station

KB Express
734 S Main St
Cedar City, UT 84720
Mike Whitney - 435-586-1344
CNG Public Fueling Station
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:00 pm

St. George Shuttle
790 South Bluff Street
St. George, UT 84770
Janet - 435-628-8320
Shuttle Service & Natural Gas Fleet

Idle Free Salt Lake!

2011-10-26T09:10:00.005-07:00

On October 25th, the Salt Lake City's Council unanimously approved Mayor Becker's Idling Ordinance. Salt Lake City is not alone in its fight against air pollution. Other municipalities across the nation have successfully instated similar ordinances - including Park City right here in Utah. However, like all new things, there will be questions and it will take time to adjust to this new legislation. The best way for residents and visitors to become accustomed to the new law so is to get the facts. So, courtesy of the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office, here are some helpful facts that can help you better understand the new legislation.

Idling exemptions:
· Idling while in traffic, at control signal or at the direction of a police officer
· Idling as needed to operate heaters or air conditioners where temp is below 32 or above 90, for health or safety or passengers and service animals.
· Idling to operate defrosters.· Idling for emergency vehicles (fire apparatus, ambulance, etc).
· Idling for ensure safe operation of a vehicle
· Idling for testing, service, repair, installation, maintenance or diagnostic purposes.
· Idling to warm up or cool down turbo charged vehicle.
· Idling to operate auxiliary equipment for which the vehicle was designed – such as a lift, crane, hoist, cement mixer or utility vehicle.
· Idling as needed to ensure safe loading and unloading of goods or people.
· Idling to recharge battery or energy unit of a hybrid vehicle.
· Idling as needed for vehicles that house K-9 service animals.
· Idling by on duty policy offers to perform duties.
· Idling in drive throughs if the drive through business has adequate idle-free signage. (This was a new addition presented by the Mayor and made by the council before the ordinance passed on October 25th.)

Other Helpful Facts:
· There is a six month grace period before ordinance will be enforced (Enforcement begins April 25th). During this six month period they city will engage in an extensive public education campaign.
· First citation of this ordinance is a warning.
· Second citation, if paid within ten days is $50.
· SLC is now one of MANY jurisdictions in the country that has an idling law. New York City, Denver, Minneapolis, Austin, Washington, DC, Connecticut, Delaware all have idling limits.
http://www.atri-online.org/research/results/idling_chart.pdf
· The City Council has asked the administration to return one year’s time to evaluate the success of the ordinance. If things need fine tuning, they will be address it at that time.
· The Mayor’s Office (and the Council) see this ordinance as one tool in the toolbox for addressing air quality. They have committed themselves to find ways to improve traffic light synchronization, to encourage mass transit, to create walkable neighborhoods and to pursue an array of air quality improving options.

SLC Ordinance Homepage: http://www.slcgov.com/idlefree/default.htm
Final ordinance transmitted to the City Council: https://dotnet.slcgov.com/Mayor/MayorCouncilTransmittals/Documents/p601_.PDF
Public comment report: http://www.slcgov.com/idlefree/comments.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.slcgov.com/idlefree/faq.pdf
To learn more about idling: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html

SmartDrive Study Finds Eco-Driving Improves Fuel Economy 22% in Commercial Transportation Fleets

2011-10-24T09:43:00.005-07:00

Study Identified Fuel-Wasting Maneuvers and How to Change Them

SAN DIEGO, Oct 17, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SmartDrive Systems, a leader in fleet safety and operational efficiency, today announced the results of its Commercial Transportation Fuel Efficiency Study at the American Trucking Association's Management Conference and Exhibition in Grapevine, TX. The findings reveal that commercial fleets can reduce fuel consumption on average as much as 22%, saving more than $12,500 per vehicle annually, by engaging in fuel-efficient, eco-driving best practices.

"With the volatility of fuel prices, reducing fuel consumption is increasingly important in controlling operating expenses for commercial transportation fleets," noted SmartDrive President Jason Palmer. "Our study documented a significant opportunity to increase fuel efficiency by addressing the 80% of fuel waste that can be improved through softer driving. The study also shows that training and real-time in-cab feedback combine to dramatically lower the incidence of wasteful maneuvers."

The study evaluated 695 tractor-trailers, heavy-duty trucks and drivers in multiple U.S. locations to assess the effect of driving performance on fuel consumption and the impact of training and in-vehicle instant feedback on improving fuel economy. Study data was compiled by SmartDrive sensors and recorders, then analyzed and training recommendations provided. Real-time in-vehicle feedback on driving maneuvers and idling gave drivers the ability to adjust driving performance as it happened. Post-training performance was measured showing substantial reductions in the number and severity of hard accelerations, hard decelerations and hard turns.

"Within two months, the top 25% of drivers improved their fuel economy from 5.92MPG to 7.98MPG, or 22%. That's a real savings that any commercial fleet operator would appreciate," Palmer added.

For a copy of the SmartDrive Commercial Transportation Fuel Efficiency Study, please visit booth 340 at the ATA Conference, or download it at www.smartdrive.net .

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive delivers innovative solutions that make it easy to improve driver safety and reduce operating cost. SmartDrive records comprehensive video-based data from the road, then thoroughly reviews and scores critical events and recommends action for fleet managers to quickly respond and deliver sustainable savings - all through an easy-to-use managed service. Commercial transportation fleets using SmartDrive solutions include Buzzuto's, Linfox, Roadstar, Verst, Lynch, Angelica, Reyes Holdings. The company has compiled the world's largest storehouse - more than 34 million events - of real-time, risky-driving incidents. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, CA, and employs over 375 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.smartdrive.net .

SOURCE: SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive Media Relations
Jim White, 619-955-6430
jim.white@smartdrive.net

New Go Natural CNG facility in Tulsa

2011-10-20T11:56:00.003-07:00

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jack Falkenrath, 801-281-4766, jfalkenrath@gonaturalcng.com

Go Natural CNG announces Grand Opening of additional facility in Tulsa

Woods Cross, UT - Go Natural CNG announced today that they are opening an additional sales and installation facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To celebrate the addition of the new 7,000 square foot location, a Grand Opening is being held on Tuesday October 25th at 10:30 AM. The address is 4116 South 88th East Avenue - Tulsa, Oklahoma and the public is invited. Food will be served and several local dignitaries are expected to be in attendance, including Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett.
Lucas Kjar, CEO of Go Natural CNG stated that he is excited to be opening the new facility in Tulsa. He said “Our research revealed that Oklahoma is the ideal place to expand our CNG vehicle conversion business. Local government officials have been very supportive and enthusiastic. Plus, the state incentives for CNG are among the highest in the nation and at just 78 cents per GGE, the price of CNG fuel in Oklahoma is extremely affordable.” Mr. Kjar went on to say that Go Natural CNG has already signed a contract with the city of Owasso to convert over forty vehicles and that work on these conversions will begin immediately following the Grand Opening celebration.
Go Natural’s partner, AutoSource Motors, will be sharing the new Oklahoma facility. While Go Natural CNG focuses on turn-key solutions for fleets, the goal of AutoSource Motors will be to create the area’s largest offering of publicly available ready-to-go natural gas powered cars, trucks and vans.
About: Founded in 2008, Go Natural CNG manufactures Fuel Interface Modules, EPA certified vehicle conversion kits, CSA certified CNG hoses and hydraulic natural gas compression units. Many of Go Natural CNG’s key employees have over twenty years of experience in the natural gas vehicle conversion business. Go Natural CNG’s company headquarters are located in Woods Cross, Utah. The facility is 35,000 square feet on 4 acres and includes 19 bays for small to mid-size vehicles and 10 bays that are large enough to accommodate buses and long haul trucks. For more information call 801-281-4766 or visit www.gonaturalcng.com.

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Grants & Loans Now Available for Clean Fuels in Utah

2011-10-20T11:20:00.007-07:00

NEWS RELEASE
October 12, 2011

Contact:
Lisa Burr, (801) 536-4019
Division of Air Quality

Salt Lake City, Utah – The Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) announced today it will award a total of $250,000 in grants and another $250,000 in loans from the Clean Fuels Grant and Loan Program to help businesses and government entities purchase clean fuel technologies.

“The collaboration between state, local governments and the business community to make these projects successful is a demonstration of the commitment being made to help alleviate the unique air quality challenges we face in Utah and encourage clean transportation options that support the State’s 10-year energy plan and economic development for businesses,” said Amanda Smith, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Since 2009, DAQ has awarded a total $743,818 in grants and $790,047 in loans. Projects have included the conversion of cars, trucks, and shuttle buses to natural gas as well as the purchase of natural gas refuse trucks, freight trucks, transit buses, and refueling stations.

Proposals must be submitted to DAQ by 5:00 p.m. on December 15, 2011. The awards will be announced in March.

For more information, visit: www.cleanfuels.utah.gov.

###

Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation 2011 Air Quality Gala

2011-10-18T11:27:00.006-07:00

We would like to invite you to join us in supporting clean air in Washington County!

The Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation is holding its First Annual Gala Fund-raising Dinner on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Courtyard Marriott at 6 p.m. Sterling Poulson, Senior Meteorologist at KUTV 2News, will be the featured speaker.
The net proceeds will benefit the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation, allowing them to purchase air quality monitors for use in their local district.

The Gala will also feature a silent auction and live music.

Tickets to the Gala are $40 each, $75 for a couple, or $300 for a table of 6. They can be purchased by calling 986-2585 or by visiting the Southwest Utah Public Health Department at 620 South 400 East, Suite 400

Questar Gas Open House - Heber, UT

2011-10-12T12:07:00.003-07:00

BAF Natural Gas Conversions now available at AVS.

2011-09-26T13:47:00.002-07:00

PRESS RELEASE
Contact:Bry Granger
Alternative Vehicle Solutions
255 W 2950 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Phone: 801-463-0444
http://www.avs-cng.combry@avs-cng.com

Salt Lake City, UT – August 22, 2011 –Alternative Vehicle Solutions (AVS), a tier 1 supplier for General Motors Alternative Fuel Division, ISO-9001 Compliant manufacturer, installer and distributor of Compressed Natural Gas systems. AVS is pleased to announce that we are now an authorized dealer of Natural Gas conversions from BAF, a Clean Energy Company (NYSE:CLNE). BAF, founded in 1992, is the largest manufacturer of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems for FORD vehicles in the United States. BAF is the only CNG upfitter designated by the Ford Motor Company as a Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) for gaseous-fueled vehicles. BAF’s alternative fuel vehicle upfitting capabilities include aftermarket compressed natural gas conversions of Ford-manufactured vans, cutaway shuttles, taxis, pick-ups and light-duty trucks.
Scott Brandeberry, V.P. of Operations at AVS said, “By adding BAF conversions to our lineup we are giving or customers’ options and delivering on our promise to provide only the highest quality products and services.”

Robert Sessa BAF Western Regional Sales Manager quoted, “We could not be happier that we have teamed up with a company that shares the same quality goals as our own, AVS is a great addition to our installer network.”

For Information: http://www.avs-cng.com
or Contact: bry@avs-cng.com
Phone: 801-463-0444
###

Looking for a CNG hose manufacturer?

2011-09-25T20:09:00.009-07:00

Go Natural CNG begins production of custom CNG hose assemblies

PRESS RELEASE
Woods Cross, Utah - Go Natural CNG is now manufacturing custom CNG hose assemblies. These assemblies are available in 3/8” and ½” inside diameters and can be used for CNG vehicles, CNG dispensers, CNG fuel transfer and at home CNG refueling. All of Go Natural’s CNG hose assemblies comply with NFPA 52, ANSI/IAS NGV 4.2-1999 and CSA 12.52-M99 certification requirements.

Each hose is constructed with an electrically conductive nylon core that is designed to dissipate static build-up. These hoses also include fiber reinforcement that helps maximize pressure capabilities while remaining flexible. The outside of the hoses are covered with a red polyurethane jacket that provides abrasion resistance and protection from outdoor elements, including ultraviolet light. In compressor or dispensing applications, Go Natural installs protective wire spring guards over the end of each hose.

Once an order is placed, Go Natural manufactures the hose assemblies to the length the customer specifies. The manufacturing process includes the installation of permanent crimp fittings and wire spring guards (as necessary). Before being shipped, each hose assembly is conductivity tested and pressure tested to 10,000 PSI.

Custom hose orders are typically shipped within 48 hours. To place orders or get more information call 801-281-4766 or visit www.gonaturalcng.com/hoses.

About: Go Natural CNG specializes in the creation and distribution of CNG conversion kits, CNG hoses and hydraulic natural gas compressors for fueling stations. Go Natural CNG also offers new replacement engine long blocks that are engineered for CNG use.

Contact:
Jack Falkenrath
801-281-4766
jfalkenrath@gonaturalcng.com

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Idle Free Service Saves Over 4,000 Tons of Diesel Emissions

2011-09-23T10:22:00.007-07:00

Utah Clean Cities giving away $500 in IdleAir services to truck drivers

PRESS RELEASE
September 23, 2011
Contact:
Robin Erickson
(435) 652-4721 Ext. 138

SALT LAKE CITY –As part of its ongoing support of Idle Free Utah, IdleAir is working with Utah Clean Cities to give drivers and fleets an opportunity to “Turn your key, be idle free.” In conjunction with Idle Free Awareness Month, Utah Clean Cities will be giving away a total of $500 of IdleAir service to reduce vehicle emissions and help improve air quality along the Wasatch Front.

The Idle Free Awareness campaign began as a weeklong initiative in 2008 with the support of Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon. Since its inception, the program has grown into a month long endeavor with the support of Governor Gary Herbert and over 40 Utah mayors.

“Reducing our idling time is an action each of us can take to help improve our local air quality,” Mayor Ralph Becker said. “As our Council continues to consider an ordinance to establish a citywide idle free policy, we appreciate Utah Clean Cities, IdleAir and Sapp Bros. Travel Centers partnering with us to promote practices that will lead to cleaner, healthier air here in Utah.”
Since 2008, Utah Clean Cities and its partners have actively promoted Idle Free education in Utah schools. Now IdleAir and Sapp Bros are helping take the message to the long haul driver community.

“The surrounding community is very important to us here at Sapp Bros,” said Holly Cunningham, general manager. “Our goal for the IdleAir project is to reduce the unnecessary idling that detracts from the local air quality, and to use this opportunity to educate drivers about the financial and environmental benefits of being Idle Free.”

IdleAir is an electrification station that allows drivers to turn off their engines and plug in, giving them an alternative to idling during rest periods. With IdleAir, drivers enjoy the comfort of conditioned air and entertainment options while saving money and getting better sleep without the noise, vibration, and exhaust fumes from idling. Local drivers can use IdleAir at the Sapp Bros travel center, located at 1953 California Avenue in Salt Lake City (I-215, Exit 21/California Ave), as well as at 20 other locations around the country.

“Reduced idling is a simple and easy way we can improve our air quality,” said Mayor Corroon. “I applaud Utah Clean Cities, IdleAir, and Sapp Bros Travel Centers for raising awareness and giving truck drivers an opportunity to be idle free right here in Salt Lake County.”

IdleAir has provided over 400,000 hours of idle free service, and has reduced our demand for foreign oil by over 400,000 gallons in Salt Lake City alone. By choosing IdleAir as an idle free alternative, drivers and fleets have helped mitigate over 4,000 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

For more information: http://www.idleair.com and http://utahcleancities.org.
###

September Clean Cities Question of the Month

2011-09-20T10:08:00.003-07:00

Question of the Month:
What are the top 10 resources for reliable and unbiased information about alternative fuels, advanced vehicles and other petroleum reduction strategies?

Answer:

1. Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC): http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/
The AFDC is a comprehensive clearinghouse of data, publications, tools, and information related to alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, idle reduction, fuel economy, and other petroleum reduction strategies. The AFDC Tools page (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/applications.html) is a one-stop-shop for links to tools, database searches, calculators, and interactive maps available through the AFDC, including the Alternative Fuel Station Locator, Vehicle Searches, Incentives and Laws Search, and Publication Search.

2. Clean Cities: http://www.cleancities.energy.gov/
The national Clean Cities website includes links to relevant news, events, and publications; program and coalition contacts; financial opportunities; and Coordinator Toolbox resources.

3. Fueleconomy.gov: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
Fueleconomy.gov allows users to search for fuel economy information for light-duty vehicles models through the Find and Compare Cars tools. In addition, the website includes a search tool for cars that do not use gasoline, verified gas mileage tips, and Your MPG fuel economy tracking tool.

4. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)'s Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels: http://www.eia.gov/renewable/alternative_transport_vehicles/index.cfm
EIA collects, analyzes, and disseminates information about energy production and use in the United States. On an annual basis EIA publishes their Alternatives to Traditional Transportation report, which summarizes data on the number of alternative fuel vehicles supplied and in use, and the amount of alternative fuel consumed. Please note that the data published is generally two years delayed; 2010 data will be available in the spring of 2012. EIA also publishes data on conventional fuel prices and production, as well as other topics of interest.

5. DOE's Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Information
The following DOE websites provides information about EPAct regulatory activities:
a. EPAct Transportation Regulatory Activities: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/index.html
This website provides information on vehicles and fuel use requirements for state
government and alternative fuel providers fleets, as well as the EPAct definition of an
"alternative fuel"
b. Federal Fleet Management:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/fedfleet_management.html
This website provides information about federal fleet requirements under EPAct and other
regulations.

6. DOE National Laboratories
The DOE national labs perform research, implement programs, and publish documents related to alternative fuels and advances vehicles. A full list of labs and technology centers is available on the DOE website: http://energy.gov/offices . The labs involved with Clean Cities include Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, National Energy Technology Laboratory, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

7. Clean Cities Coalitions
Coalitions around the country are deploying alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, educating their stakeholders and the public, and engaging their communities. The coalition websites and coordinator contact information listed on DOE's Clean Cities website (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/cleancities/coalitions/coalition_locations.php) are great resources for information and case studies. You may also reach out to the coordinator listserv with specific questions.

8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/
EPA administers a number of different programs aimed at reducing vehicle emissions. For example, the EPA website features information on the following:
a. Alternative Fuel Conversion Regulations (including an Excel spreadsheet of EPA-compliant conversion systems): http://epa.gov/otag/consumers/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm
b. Renewable Fuels Standard: http://www.epa.gov/otag/fuels/renewablefuels/index.htm
c. Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation "511" Program: http://www.epa.gov/otag/consumer/reports.htm

9. Other Federal Government Agencies
Several other federal government agencies implement programs and regulations related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. These agencies include the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; and U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The AFDC Incentives & Laws database provides information and links for additional information about federal incentives, laws, regulations, and programs by agency at the following website: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/fed_summary/Agency .

10. State and Government Agencies
State and local government agencies are great resources for information about regulations and programs in your area. the National Association of State Energy Officials maintains a list of state and territory energy office websites and contacts (http://www.naseo.org/members/states/ ). Likewise, the EPA posts a list of state and territorial environmental agency websites (http://www.epa.gov/epahome/state/htm). In addition, many state agency contacts are listed on the AFDC State Incentives and Laws website (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/state).

Industry associations and nonprofit organizations can also provide useful information specific to certain fuel or technology types or issue areas. For example, NAFA Fleet Management Association (http://www.nafa.org/) and ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability (http://www.iclei.org/) can be helpful resources.

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
technicalresponse@icfi.com
800-254-6735

August Clean Cities Question of the Month

2011-08-20T11:37:00.008-07:00

Question of the Month:
What is the status of E15 implementation now that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted the recent Clean Air Act (CAA) waivers?

Answer:
In March 2009, EPA received a formal CAA waiver request from the ethanol industry to raise the allowable ethanol content in gasoline for conventional passenger vehicles from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15). In October 2010, after an extensive evaluation, EPA granted a partial waiver for the use of E15 in Model Year (MY) 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles. In January 2011, EPA granted a second partial waiver for the use of E15 in MY 2001 and newer light-duty vehicles.

So when will I see E15 at my local gas station?
The EPA waivers were just the first step in the process of bringing E15 to the market. State and federal agencies have begun to tackle the many additional issues that must be addressed. In the last two months, EPA has made the following announcements:

E15 Labeling and Other Requirements.
On June 27, the EPA finalized new requirements to help ensure that E15 is properly labeled and used once it enters the market. Specifically, this rule outlined a label that must appear on all E15 fueling pumps to alert customers that the fuel may only be used in certain vehicles. In addition, the rule officially prohibits misfueling MY 2000 and older conventional gasoline vehicles with E15 and sets other requirements for E15 producers, distributors, and sellers. For more information, refer to the final rule in the Federal Register.

Underground Storage Tank Guidance.
On July 5, the EPA finalized guidance for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) containing ethanol blends greater than E10. The guidance will assist these entities USTs to be compatible with the fuel stored. For more information, refer to the final guidance in the Federal Register.

What else must be done?
Before any fuel can be sold in the United States, manufacturers must register it with EPA's Fuel and Fuel Additives program. As of August 10, 2011, E15 had not yet been fully registered with EPA. Other federal regulations must also be addressed. In addition, statewide laws and regulations limiting sale of E15 must be amended before the fuel can be sold in certain states. These state provisions include ethanol blend cap restrictions, biofuels mandates, and technical fuel specification standards.

Supplemental Information and Resources
It will no doubt take time to update laws and regulations to allow the sale of E15, and address other barriers. An exact timeframe is not known. For more information on the EPA partial waivers and to stay up-to-date on new developments related to E15, please reference the following resources:

EPA's E15 website

Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC)'s Technology Bulletin:E15 Approved for Use in 2001 and New Vehicles

In addition, the U.S. Government Accountability (GAO) Office recently published a report, Biofuels: Challenges to the Transportation, Sale and Use of Intermediate Ethanol Blends, which identifies three additional key challenges to the retail sale of E15 and other intermediate ethanol blends:

Compatibility
Intermediate ethanol blends may degrade or damage some materials used in existing UST systems and dispensing equipment, potentially causing leaks. Studies that test fuel storage and dispensing components and equipment are needed to fully understand the effects of intermediate ethanol blends.

Cost
New storage and dispensing equipment that is compatible with intermediate ethanol blends may be needed to sell the full at retail outlets. Currently, according to the GAO, the total cost of installing a compatible single-tank UST system and fuel dispenser is estimated to be more than $120,000. Cost will range widely depending on equipment replacement needs.

Liability
Many fuel retailers are concerned about potential liability issues if consumers misfuel their MY 2000 or older automobiles or non-road engines with E15. This issue was partially addressed by the recent E15 labeling rule, but concerns may still exist.

The GAO report identifies several ongoing EPA and U.S. Department of Energy studies that are addressing these and other challenges.

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
technicalresponse@icfi.com

July Clean Cities Question of the Month

2011-07-26T11:57:00.002-07:00

Question of the Month:
How do I navigate the terminology associated with aftermarket vehicle and engine conversion?

Answer:
The conversion vocabulary can sometimes be difficult to understand, particularly because the terms are not always used consistently. Below is a glossary of terms related to alternative fuel and advanced vehicle and engine conversions, broken down into categories. Please note that this information is meant to be a general Clean Cities reference guide; other agencies and organizations may define these terms differently.

Aftermarket Conversion:

Aftermarket conversion - An aftermarket conversion is a vehicle or engine that is modified to allow it to operate using a different fuel or power source than the one for which is was originally designed and certified to use. An aftermarket conversion can also be referred to as a retrofit or an upfit.

Key Players:

Conversion Manufacturer - An entity that produces and sells aftermarket conversion systems. A conversion manufacturer may have technicians that install the conversion system or may work with a qualified system retrofitter (QSR) to complete the installation.

QSR - An entity that operates independently of, but works closely with, conversion manufacturers to perform aftermarket conversions. QSRs are also commonly referred to as upfitters or installers.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) - An entity that produces new vehicles and engines "off the assembly line." Some OEMs produce vehicles and engines that are prepped for conversions, meaning they include components that are compatible with certain alternative fuels.

Aftermarket Conversion Types:

Non-engine fuel type - Involves changes to the vehicle components (not including the powertrain) to enable the engine to operate on an alternative fuel, but does not involve significant changes to the vehicles OEM-certified engine.

Rebuild - Involves modifying the original engine to be powered by a different fuel type.

Repower - Involves replacing the existing engine with a new, rebuilt, or manufactured engine powered by a different fuel type.

Powertrain - Involves changes to the vehicle powertain, and could involve installing an additional electrical motor.

Resulting Vehicle Fuel Configuration:

Dedicated - Vehicles that operate exclusively on an alternative fuel.

Bi-fuel and Dual-fuel - Vehicles that can operate on a combination of alternative and conventional fuel. This terms bi-fuel and dual-fuel are often used interchangeably and are defined differently by various agencies and organizations, but may include:

Vehicles that operate on a blend of an alternative fuel and a conventional fuel stored in one fuel tank; commonly called flexible-fuel vehicles.

Vehicles that operate on an alternative fuel or conventional fuel stored in separate tanks, using one fuel at a time.

Vehicles that operate on an alternative fuel and use a conventional fuel for ignition assist. These vehicles automatically switch over completely to an alternative fuel after the engine has warmed up.

For additional information about vehicle conversions, please refer to the recently updated Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center's Vehicle Conversions website (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/conversions.html).

In addition, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory will be publishing A Fleet Manager's Guide to Understanding Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Aftermarket Conversions later this summer. More information coming soon!

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
technicalresponse@icfi.com

June Clean Cities Question of the Month

2011-06-21T11:13:00.002-07:00

Question of the Month: What are the factors that determine the price of gasoline?

Answer: Gasoline price increases tend to emphasize the need for increased fuel supply or reduced fuel demand through the use of fuel-efficient vehicles, alternative fuels and other strategies that reduce petroleum consumption. The final price of gasoline is a product of many factors that can be complicated and constantly changing, but it comes down to the concept of supply and demand.

Currently, the average price of regular gasoline in the United states, including all taxes, is$3.78/gallon, as compared to $2.40/gallon in October 2010. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, http://www.eia.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp), the current cost of gasoline can be broken down into the following components:

Crude oil price (as purchased by refiners): 69%
Refining costs and profits: 16%
Taxes (federal and state): 10%
Distribution and marketing costs and profits: 5%

Of these components, changes in the cost of crude oil have the greatest impact on gasoline prices. As crude oil prices increase, they become a larger percentage of the overall cost of gasoline at the pump. Between 2000 and 2008, the average retail price of gasoline was $2.06/gallon and crude oil prices only made up 51% of the overall price, as compared to the breakdown above.

Crude oil prices are affected by economic, environmental and political factors. As with most finite resources, the economics of oil are driven by supply and demand. Oil suppliers price their products based on actual and expected demand for petroleum products relative to current and projected short- and long-term supply of oil. When supply is low and/or demand is high, gasoline prices tend to increase. When supply is high and/or demand is low, gasoline prices tend to decrease.

The demand for petroleum products is largely determined by the world economy. For instance, after the gasoline price spike in 2008, the economic situation led to a decline in global petroleum consumption and, therefore, a decrease in gasoline prices. Conversely, the recent rise in gasoline prices can be tied, in part, to the gradual improvement in the economy.

The global oil supply tends to be more difficult to predict. Environmental factors, such as weather events, can affect the supply of oil. For instance, hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in the mid-2000s (e.g., Hurricane Katrina in 2005) shut down U.S. crude oil production and negative affected refinery and pipeline operations, causing several spikes in oil and gasoline prices. In addition, global supply of oil can be affected by geopolitical issues. For example, the recent rise in gasoline prices can be partially attributed to political events outside out borders.

For Additional Information:

FuelEconomy.gov's Frequently Asked Questions about Gas Prices

EIA's Frequently Asked Questions

Clean Cities Alternative Fuels Price Report- Compares alternative fuels prices to gasoline and diesel on an energy-equivalent basis

Effects of Gasoline Prices on Driving Behavior and Vehicle Markets, Congressional Budget Office

Fact Sheet: Gas Prices and Oil Consumption Would Increase Without Biofuels, U.S. DOE

Clean Cities Announces Addition of Newest Partner Auto Gas America

2011-06-15T10:47:00.003-07:00

Click Image for a larger view:

Utah’s First ISO 9001 CNG Conversion Facility

2011-06-10T14:28:00.003-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
BRY SHERBEL
ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE SOLUTIONS
255 W 2950 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84115
PHONE: 801-463-0444
http://www.avs-cng.com/
BRY@AVS-CNG.COM

UTAH'S FIRST ISO 9001 COMPLIANT CONVERSION FACILITY

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 2011 - ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE SOLUTIONS (avs) RECENTLY OPENED THEIR NEW ISO 9001 COMPLIANT COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (cng) CONVESION FACILITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONVERTING DOMESTIC VEHICLES TO RUN ON CLEAN BURNING NATURAL GAS. AVS DISTRIBUTES AND INSTALLS COVERSION KITS FROM IMPCO AUTOMOTIVE.

ALTERNATIBE VEHICLE SOLUTIONS, A DIVISION OF LANCER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP WHO HAS BEEN WORKING WITH NATURAL GAS VEHICLES FOR OVER 10 YEARS, IS EXCITED TO HVAE THEIR NEW BUILDING OPERATIONAL. RENOWNED FOR THEIR CNG REPAIR AND DIAGNOTIC SKILLS THE AVS TECHNICIANS IN THE NEW FACILITY WILL BE INSTALLING QUALITY EPA CERTIFIED BI-FUEL AND DEDICATED CNG CONVERSIONS BY IMPCO AUTOMOTIVE FOR GM AND FORD VEHICLES.

SCOTT BRANDEBERRY, v.p. OF OPERATIONS AT ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE SOLUTIONS SAID, "WITH RISING GAS PRICES WE ARE SEEING A HIGHER DEMAND FOR OPTIONS TO REDUCE FUEL COSTS FOR THE PUBLIC AND BUSINESS IN UTAH AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THIS NEW BUILDING WILL ALLOW US TO SAFELY CONVET MORE VEHICLES, EDUCATE THE PUBLIC, AND BETTER SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS.

FOR INFORMATION: http://www.avs-cng.com/ OR
CONTACT: BRY@AVS-CNG.COM
PHONE: 801-463-0444

###

ACT Expo 2011

2011-04-25T09:14:00.003-07:00

The Alternative Clean Transportation Expo will take place in Long Beach, CA from May 4-6. The event is targeted towards individuals responsible for fleet purchasing, maintenance, and operational decisions, through showcasing successes in advanced clean vehicle technologies and alternative fuels. The expo will be a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders, fleet managers, equipment manufacturers, natural gas suppliers, and funding program representatives.

When: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 8:30 AM - Friday, May 6, 2011 5:00 PM

Where: Long Beach Convention Center

300 E Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, California 90802

(562) 436-3636

For information about the expo and registration fees click here.

For a free expo hall pass click here.

Congressman Matheson to Speak on the 2011 NAT GAS Act

2011-04-20T14:52:00.005-07:00

Congressman Matheson, Utah Clean Cities Director Carrie Giles, local alternative fuel representatives and NGV station owners will hold a news conference to highlight how the NAT GAS Act would help Utah drivers, the Utah energy industry, economy and environment.

WHAT: News conference to highlight how the NAT GAS Act will benefit Utah drivers.

WHERE: Flying J refueling station, 824 West, 2100 South, Salt Lake City

WHEN: Thursday, April 21st, 10:00AM

Blu: Utah's First L/CNG Station

April Clean Cities Question of the Month

2011-04-19T14:22:00.002-07:00

Question of the Month: What notable changes to federal alternative fuel conversion regulations resulted from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rulemaking?

Answer: On March 29, 2011, EPA announced the final rulemaking to adopt changes to the regulations in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 85, subpart F. These regulations apply to manufacturers of alternative fuel conversion systems for light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty highway vehicles and engines.The Clean Air Act prohibits anyone from altering a vehicle or engine from its certified configuration, and EPA is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles and engines sold in the United States meet federal emissions standards. This new approach simplifies and streamlines the process by which alternative fuel conversion systems manufacturers may demonstrate compliance with these emissions requirements and gain a regulatory exemption from potential tampering charges.

Age-based Categories

Previous regulations required all vehicle and engine conversion systems to be covered by a Certificate of Conformity (Certificate) in order to be exempt from federal tampering prohibitions. The amendments are based primarily on EPA’s determination that it is appropriate to treat conversions differently based on the age of the vehicle or engine being converted. All conversion manufacturers seeking an exemption must demonstrate compliance, but the demonstration requirements differ among categories. A summary of each age-based category and the associated compliance requirements is as follows:

New and Relatively New Vehicles and Engines

Includes vehicles/engines less than about two years old. More specifically, the date of the conversion is in a calendar year that is not more than one year after the original model year of the vehicle/engine.
Notification and demonstration requirements are very similar to previous practice, including a certification application that includes testing and on-board diagnostics (OBD) requirements. The demonstration requirement for new vehicles/engines is certification.
EPA issues a Certificate if all requirements are satisfied.
Once certified, annual recertification is no longer required to maintain the tampering exemption.

Intermediate Age Vehicles and Engines

· Includes vehicles/engines that are no longer “new and relatively new” (see above), but still fall within EPA’s definition of full useful life.

o The definition of full useful life varies among different vehicle and engine regulations. Useful life is expressed as a threshold age in years, mileage, and/or number of hours of operation.

· Notification and demonstration requirements include testing and data submission to show that the converted vehicle or engine meets applicable emission standards and an OBD scan tool report.

· EPA does not issue a Certificate but will publically list the conversion systems as having satisfied the demonstration and notification requirements.

· Converters of intermediate age vehicles and engines may voluntarily choose to satisfy the new vehicle/engine demonstration requirement (certification) instead of the intermediate age demonstration requirement, in which case they would receive a Certificate.

· Annual recertification is not required to maintain the tampering exemption.

Outside Useful Live Vehicles and Engines

· Includes vehicles/engines that are outside EPA’s definition of useful life.

· Notification and demonstration requirements include submission of a technical description, other information and data, and an OBD scan tool report.

· EPA does not issue a Certificate but will publically list the conversion systems as having satisfied the demonstration and notification requirements.

· Annual recertification is not required to maintain the tampering exemption.

Additional Information

The rule has been published in the Federal Register and is now in effect, as of April 8, 2011.

EPA also finalized several technical amendments related to exhaust and evaporative emissions testing requirements for gaseous-fueled vehicles, in addition to other technical changes to provide consistency and clarity.

Refer to EPA’s Alternative Fuel Conversion website (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm) for more information about the regulations, including full text of the final rule, response to comments received on the proposed rule, and compliance information.

Batmobile is Fueled by Clean CNG!

2011-04-15T08:04:00.002-07:00

Check out Utah Clean Cities and Semi Service Inc. on MotorWeek this Saturday, April 16th. Did you know that Semi Service Inc. has a replica 1989 Batmobile that runs on compressed natural gas? They take it throughout the state to educate the public on the advantages of CNG and other alternative fuels. Be sure to tune into the show!

Natural Gas Vehicles Take the Hill

2011-04-13T11:59:00.002-07:00

Vehicles Powered by Clean, American Natural Gas (NGVs) "Take the Hill" Today!

Natural gas-powered vehicles from around the country took the hill today to help educate the public about the benefits and potential of clean, American natural gas. Vehicles provided by companies included Ryder System, Inc.; the Vehicle Production Group, Inc.; BAF Technologies; IMPCO Automotive; Westport; General Motors Corp.; Washington Gas; Kenworth; Dillon Transport; Navistar; and others.

T. Boone Pickens, renowned entrepreneur and long-time advocate of natural gas, urged Congressional leaders and fellow Americans "to look to America's clean, abundant and affordable natural gas reserves as the key to our energy future."

"Natural gas is affordable, abundant and American. It costs one-third less to fill up with natural gas than gasoline and, maybe more importantly, we have enough natural gas in the U.S. to meet our energy needs for the next 100 years. On top of that, if we start making cars and trucks that run on natural gas, there's the potential to create over a half a million American jobs. Today's event is a great opportunity for members of Congress and the public to get a first-hand look at what's possible here and now," said Congressman John Larson, the Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

The event began at 8:00 this morning and ran until noon,from the Capitol in front of the National Museum of the American Indian (300 block of Maryland Ave., SW, between 3rd St, and Independence Ave., SW).

Congratulations to T. Boone Pickens and participants in today's event!

To read more about the demonstration click here or follow T. Boone Pickens on twitter @pickensplan.

DOE Announces $12 Million in Available Funding to Support Advanced Biofuels Development

2011-04-06T08:25:00.002-07:00

Story from the U.S. Department of Energy EERE News | March 30, 2011

To support the goal announced by President Obama today to reduce America’s oil imports by one-third by 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it will be accepting applications for $12 million in funding for laboratory or small pilot-scale projects that support the development of advanced biofuels. Successful projects will develop technologies that will be able to replace refinery feedstocks or directly replace gasoline, diesel, or jet fuels without requiring modifications to vehicles or fueling infrastructure. These projects will continue to accelerate innovations in the renewable biofuels industry as part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to build a cleaner, safer, and more secure energy future for America that ultimately breaks our dependence on foreign oil and moves our nation toward a clean energy economy that creates jobs and boosts U.S. competitiveness.

The funding opportunity will provide up to $12 million over the next three to four years to support as many as five projects. These investments are for research and development of technologies that will support the production of gasoline, diesel, and/or jet fuels from biomass. Each selectee will utilize biomass materials such as woody biomass, and corn stover in thermochemical conversion processes known as gasification and pyrolysis. Gasification breaks down biomass using heat to produce synthesis gas, which can then be used to produce liquid fuels and chemicals. Pyrolysis also uses heat to break down biomass into liquids that may be upgraded to produce liquid fuels and chemicals. This R&D will leverage existing work and should result in commercially available technologies or processes.

A description of the solicitation, eligibility requirements, and application instructions can be found on the FedConnect website under Reference Number DE-FOA-0000467. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on May 5, 2011.

DOE’s Biomass Program works with industry, academia, and National Laboratory partners on a balanced portfolio of research in biomass feedstocks and conversion technologies. For more information on DOE’s Biomass Program, please visit the Biomass Program website.

For the full story from the source, click here

Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month

2011-04-06T08:03:00.002-07:00

Question of the Month: What is the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program? How is funding for the program distributed? Are alternative fuel and advanced vehicle projects eligible for funding through CMAQ?

Answer: CMAQ is jointly administered by two agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) – Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) – with an overarching goal of reducing congestion and improving air quality through surface transportation improvement projects. The program was authorized by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, and it has been reauthorized under subsequent transportation legislation. CMAQ funds transportation projects that contribute to attainment or maintenance of the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For more information about the NAAQS program, visit the EPA website (http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cleanair.html).

Funding Appropriation, Apportionment, and Allocation

Funding for the CMAQ program is appropriated on an annual basis by Congress and subsequently apportioned to the states by FHWA. The level of funding provided to each state is based on a formula that takes into account the population of each county that is in a nonattainment or maintenance area and the severity of the air quality problem in the associated area. Regardless of whether a state has any nonattainment or maintenance areas, each state is guaranteed a minimum apportionment of 0.5% of the year's total program funding, which can be used anywhere in the state.

Once funding is provided to each state, it is up to the state DOTs, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and transit agencies to allocate it to eligible projects and programs (see Eligible Activities below). The state may use their CMAQ funds in any ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter nonattainment or maintenance area to support initiatives that reduce transportation-related emissions. Funding does not need to be allocated in the same way it is apportioned and the U.S. DOT does not have a role in this allocation process. State agencies are encouraged to consult affected MPOs; determine state, regional, and local priorities; and develop CMAQ project selection processes. The selection process varies by state, but generally provides an opportunity for state and/or local agencies to present eligible projects and demonstrate how they would use the funding to meet the overall goals of the CMAQ program. States must submit annual reports to FHWA outlining the program investments and trends and, in most of the program’s 19 years, have been required to share a portion of the cost of projects.

Eligible Activities

The following activities are generally eligible for funding under CMAQ:
• Acquiring alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to be used in transit applications;
• Supporting the emissions-reducing element of publicly-owned non-transit AFVs;
• Subsidizing the incremental cost of purchasing privately-owned AFVs;
• Converting fleet vehicles to operate using alternative fuels;
• Establishing publicly-owned alternative fueling stations and other infrastructure necessary to fuel AFVs in areas where publicly-owned fueling stations are not in place or are not reasonably accessible;
• Converting a private fueling station to support alternative fuels through a public-private partnership agreement;
• Purchasing alternative fuels (only permitted in Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio);
• Purchasing idle reduction equipment; and
• Providing assistance to diesel equipment and vehicle owners and operators regarding the purchase and installation of diesel retrofits. The CMAQ program defines alternative fuels as those identified by the Energy Policy Act of 1992. In addition, hybrid electric vehicles that meet the emissions and energy efficiency requirements of the program are eligible. Both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles are eligible for funding.

Additional information about eligible projects can be found in the CMAQ program guidance document (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/policy_and_guidance/cmaq08gm.cfm).

Additional Questions?
For general information about CMAQ, including annual state apportionments and reports, visit the CMAQ program website (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/). For specific information about funding and projects at the individual state level, please reference the CMAQ State Transportation Contacts website (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/reference/brochure/brochure12.cfm) and the FHWA Field Office website (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/field.html).

President Obama Announces National Clean Fleets Partnership

2011-04-01T09:59:00.004-07:00

President Obama announces National Clean Fleets Partnership that works with UPS, AT&T, FedEx, PepsiCo and Verizon to cut gasoline consumption by their trucks.

This CNN article talks about the new partnership.
By the CNN Wire Staff

(CNN) -- President Barack Obama continues his clean energy push Friday by announcing a new National Clean Fleets Partnership that works with major companies to cut gasoline consumption by their trucks.

The program is part of Obama's plan announced Wednesday to reduce U.S. oil imports by a third by 2025.

Obama travels to a UPS facility in Landover, Maryland, on Friday to make the announcement that UPS, AT&T, FedEx, PepsiCo and Verizon are the initial participants in the program, according to a White House statement.

"This public-private partnership will help large companies reduce diesel and gasoline use in their fleets by incorporating electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and fuel-saving measures into their daily operations," the White House statement said.

The five companies operate five of the nation's 10 largest national fleets comprising more than 275,000 vehicles in total, the White House said.

Under the partnership, they will deploy more than 20,000 advanced-technology vehicles, according to the statement.

The Department of Energy will help participating companies replace conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles with advanced-technology vehicles or ones that use alternative fuels such as electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen or propane, according to the White House.

Participating companies also will be able to make group purchases of advanced vehicles, benefiting smaller companies that join larger ones in buying in bulk, and to collaborate on information-sharing and research initiatives, the statement said.

To check out this article on CNN click here

Please check out the new website associated with the partnership here

A Great Week in Utah for Natural Gas!

2011-03-30T08:25:00.008-07:00

This past week we had two natural gas station openings, a L/CNG station in Salt Lake City and CNG station in Washington City! It's great to see the increase of stations over the past year, and we're excited about more to come. Check out the pictures below from the L/CNG station opening!

Southern Director, Robin Erickson with CH4/Blu President, Merritt Norton.

Northern Director, Carrie Giles with Senator Hatch.

Ribbon cutting ceremony with the Salt Lake Chamber.

Washington City CNG Station Grand Opening!

2011-03-23T15:25:00.004-07:00

Don't miss the Washington City CNG station grand opening tomorrow!

WHEN: Thursday, March 24, 2011 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Washington City Public Works

1305 E. Washington Dam Road, Washington City, Utah 84780

Utah's First LNG Station Grand Opening

2011-03-22T15:56:00.002-07:00

Utah's first LNG station opened today at the Flying J Travel Plaza, 2025 South 900 West SLC. Senator Hatch and Governor Herbert spoke about the energy independence natural gas brings to the state of Utah. A post later this week will highlight the event!

Check out the below article published by Forbes, or view it here.

"First natural gas refueling station opens in Utah."

SALT LAKE CITY -- The first liquefied natural gas station in Utah opened Tuesday at the junction of two interstate freeways.

The station will likely become an important hub for two planned LNG corridors for long-haul trucks in the western U.S., said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. It is located near a Salt Lake City interchange between I-80, which goes east across the country to New York and west to San Francisco, and I-15 running north through Idaho and Montana into Canada and south to Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

"Using more natural gas in our transportation sector will make us more competitive as a nation," Hatch said during a ceremony to open the station. "Natural gas is clean, it's abundant, it's affordable and it's American."

Along with five hoses for LNG service, the station will offer 12 hoses for compressed natural gas that is more commonly used by passenger cars and light-duty trucks, said Merritt Norton, chief executive officer for CH4 Energy, the company that will operate the station.

Utah already has good infrastructure for CNG vehicles, with more than two dozen stations open, Norton said. Many of those are along I-15.

Norton said natural gas burns cleaner than fuel and is non-toxic, which he proved by downing a glass of water mixed with LNG.

Because it is domestic, natural gas provides energy independence and boosts the economy, said Utah Gov. Gary Herbert. But he cautioned that natural gas supplies depend on access to gas wells.

Although many people think protecting the environment and developing resources are mutually exclusive, proper "stewardship of the earth" requires some concessions, Herbert said.

"If we can't drill, if we can't access the natural gas in our public lands, we can't have it here," he said.

The station was partially funded by a $3 million grant from federal stimulus funds given to the Utah Clean Cities Coalition, said Carrie Gilles, the coalition's northern director.

The U.S. Department of Energy says 40 other LNG stations are open in the U.S., 32 of them in California.

Is Natural Gas Right for your Fleet?

2011-03-16T12:36:00.004-07:00

Free Webinar | March 22, 2011 | 2:00pm ET

With diesel prices rising and the possibility of record diesel prices by summer, Truckload Carriers Association and Fleet Owner are presenting a series of Webcasts on alternative power options. Please join us for the first Webcast in this series: Is natural gas fuel right for your fleet? The Webcast, sponsored by Clean Energy, will feature three very special guest speakers: Jeff Shefchik, president, Paper Transport Inc., John Snell, managing director of Risk Management Inc. and consultant Robert Hall retired from UPS. They will provide guidelines for evaluating natural gas vehicles as an option and answer your questions about natural gas vehicles today, including:

• The costs and benefits of using natural gas
• Fueling options and strategies
• Maintaining natural gas vehicles
• Real-world fleet experiences with natural gas vehicles and the lessons learned
• Emissions regulations, sustainability and natural gas
• Financial incentives for adding natural gas vehicles to your fleet

Register at this link! http://bit.ly/fVHbUP

Washington City Opens Natural Gas Refueling Station

2011-03-14T14:38:00.004-07:00

WASHINGTON, UTAH – Utah motorists and others who drive vehicles powered by clean-burning natural gas will celebrate the opening of a new natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Washington City on Thursday, March 24, 2011. Washington City Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon at 11:00 a.m.

“This partnership effort was made possible from a grant through the Department of Energy,” said Robin Erickson, Southern Central Director of Utah Clean Cities. “This grant will provide Washington City the ability to convert their fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG) and provide a CNG refueling station open to the public."

Washington City Mayor Kenneth Neilson has been waiting for the opportunity to move to a cleaning burning fleet. “We are excited about our fleet using the cleanest burning fuel made in Utah,” said Mayor Nielson. “We are building a better future for our city to grow and build upon, saving money, breathing easier and protecting the environment.”

When asked to comment, Senator Hatch said, “Natural gas is helping our state and country reduce its dependency on foreign oil. Natural gas is abundant, affordable and domestic, and using more of it in our vehicles will make America stronger. I applaud Washington City for its fine leadership in moving energy independence forward.”

"We are so proud of Washington City and Mayor Neilson for leading the way in the southern part of the state showing others how to effectively use an abundant American-made fuel,” said Ted Wilson, Senior Advisor on Environmental Matters.

State Senator Stephen Urquhart said, “We’re fortunate that Utah’s legislators and regulators value clean air and the use of domestic fuel enough to help keep natural gas for vehicles priced at an attractive rate.” The pump price for natural gas is only $1.27. Today we celebrate the 33rd public access NGV refueling station in Utah.

Date and Time: Thursday, March 24, 2011 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Washington City Public Works
1305 E. Washington Dam Road, Washington City, Utah 84780

Natural Gas 360: Advancing America's Energy Solution

2011-03-11T06:00:00.002-07:00

The Colorado Gas and Oil Association (COGA) shares insight and intelligence from some of the world’s best and brightest natural gas energy experts, analysts, and players.

Their insights make it clear that increased natural gas usage stands to fully benefit the United States. The diverse perspectives are designed to stimulate further conversations and collaborations; and, hopefully, this will build even more momentum for natural gas while enhancing its potential as a vibrant national energy source.

Message from Tisha Schuller (COGA President & CEO)

Please see the below link for the full report.

http://data.memberclicks.com/site/coga/Natural%20Gas%20360%20Final.pdf

Display a Company Booth at the Upcoming L/CNG Station Grand Opening!

2011-03-09T18:00:00.008-07:00

Interested in displaying a booth at the upcoming L/CNG station grand opening on March 22nd? This is a great way to get information about your company out to the general public.

The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with a press conference featuring guest speaker Governor Herbert from 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

The station is located at 2025 S 900 W Salt Lake City, UT 84104.

A quote about the station from CH4 Energy CEO Merritt Norton:

"Utah is the only state in the country where a significant proportion of average citizens drive natural-gas vehicles, and this station—which is strategically located at the crossroads of the West, at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 15, as well as the major highway, Utah Highway 201—will provide public access to the fastest and most convenient fill up in North America for both CNG and LNG natural-gas vehicles.”

If you are interested in displaying a booth, please contact marcia.homer@utahcleancities.org

CNG Classes in Utah

2011-03-07T13:32:00.003-07:00

Gasoline prices are climbing and CNG prices are dropping... NOW is the time to prepare for your future!

Alternative Fuels Training Outreach and Education's next CNG class will begin Monday March 28th and end that Friday April 4th. You must be signed up no later than March 18th.

Please sign up at www.AFTOE.org.

If you live in Utah please ask how you can earn $500 grant for the class!

Utah's First LNG Station will Open March 22nd

2011-03-02T10:40:00.003-07:00

CH4 Energy Corporation (CH4 Energy) will open Utah’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) gas station on March 22 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with a press conference featuring Governor Herbert at 11 a.m. An open house with vehicle demos, information, giveaways and more throughout the event.

The station, developed with funding support from a Utah Clean Cities Coalition administered, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant, is co-located on an existing travel plaza, 2025 S 900 W Salt Lake City. The station will dispense Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and LNG faster than any public Natural Gas fueling station in North America. Clean, domestic natural-gas vehicle fuels have the potential to have a significant positive impact on air quality in the state of Utah and the United States. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that North America has well over a 100 year supply of clean natural gas.

The station will accept all major fleet fueling cards as well as consumer credit cards and the Utah state-fleet fueling card. The station will be open 365 days per year, 24 hours a day, with access to all the modern amenities of a state-of-the-art travel plaza. The station was designed from the ground up to provide ultra-fast freeway access to natural-gas vehicle fuels for every type of vehicle from the Honda Civic all the way up to the largest Class 8 tandem- and triple-trailer truck combinations. The station has separate ingress and egress lanes for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

Clean Cities TRS Question of the Month: Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs)

2011-02-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

February Question of the Month: What are Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), and how are they generated, transferred, and traded?

Answer: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the RIN as a unit for tracking compliance under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) program. RFS2 requires obligated parties (refiners, blenders, and importers) to ensure that the conventional fuel (gasoline or diesel) sold or introduced into commerce contains a certain percentage of renewable fuels. As such, each obligated party has a renewable volume obligation (RVO) based on the amount of conventional fuels it handles on an annual basis.

Generating RINs
RINs are 38-character numeric codes generated for all renewable fuel produced in or imported to the United States by the producer or importer, according to a formula set by EPA. The RIN code provides information about the year that the fuel was produced or imported, the producing or importing entity, and the type of renewable fuel.

RINs can be generated as gallon-RINs or batch-RINs (multiple gallon-RINs combined under one numeric code). The number of gallon-RINs generated may not be equal to the number of gallons of fuel. Instead, gallon-RINs are assigned based on equivalence values determined according to the volumetric energy content of the fuel in comparison with corn ethanol and adjusted for the renewable content. One gallon of corn ethanol is equal to 1 gallon-RIN while one gallon of biodiesel, for example, is actually equal to 1.5 gallon-RINs.

Transferring RINs
RINs “travel” with the renewable fuel as it is transferred from one entity to another. When renewable fuel changes hands, it is accompanied by the associated paper RIN credit and the transfer is recorded using product transfer documents (PTDs), which serve as the basis for the recordkeeping and reporting requirements under the RFS2 program.

If a batch of renewable fuel is split into smaller volumes and transferred, the RIN number will change accordingly. Tracking these 38-digit codes and the associated fuel producers, importers, blenders, marketers, refiners, and exporters is a complex process. Therefore, EPA developed and introduced a new EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS) in 2010. All regulated parties were required to start using the EMTS to track their RIN generation and transferring starting on July 1, 2010.

There are several actions that separate the RIN from the fuel, including when the renewable fuel enters the retail market. Once a RIN is separated, it can be traded.

Trading RINs
At the end of each year, each obligated party must demonstrate that it has sufficient RINs to cover its RVO for that year. RINs can be used within the calendar year in which they were generated or the following calendar year (plus two months), with some restrictions. If an obligated party has access to RINs, it can sell those RINs on the open market. Conversely, if an obligated party cannot or does not wish to blend renewable fuels into conventional fuel and, therefore, does not have enough RINs to meet its RVO, it can purchase RINs from other entities. The price of RINs is set by the market and is largely based on supply, demand, commodity prices, and speculation.

Please also refer to the recent Clean Cities Webinar presentation by Larry Schafer, National Biodiesel Board, for additional information on RINs:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/toolbox/pdfs/renewable_identification_number.pdf.

The summary above provides an overview of RINs, but there are many more details and complexities associated RFS2 compliance and RIN generation, transfer, and trading. For more information about RFS2 and RINs, please visit the EPA’s RFS (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/index.htm) and RFS1 & RFS2 Compliance Help (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/compliancehelp/index.htm) websites. Specific questions can also be sent to the EPA Fuels Programs Support Line at EPAFuelsPrograms@epa.gov or 202-343-9755.

Green Racing Developments

2011-02-16T13:44:00.003-07:00

Read about green racing developments by UCCC Stakeholder ARES Transportation Technologies.

Published by Road & Track, January 14, 2011

Written by Pete Lyons
http://www.roadandtrack.com/racing/motorsports/racing-green-good

Last summer’s Gusher in the Gulf may seem like old news now, but what of 40, 50 years from now? In some quarters, it will never be forgotten that human ineptitude (to say no worse) resulted in fatalities aboard an oil drilling platform, shores littered with gruesome wildlife carcasses and an ocean stinking of poison. Let alone lingering economic and emotional pain.

That catastrophe, plus similar ones likely to come, may well be remembered as crises that helped tip motoring—and therefore motor racing—over the great Green divide.

We racing enthusiasts, as insular and self-important as any other political tribe, would like to imagine our sport is safely cocooned within the walls of its raceways, immune to external forces. It’s not. We’ve always been under stress, sometimes outright attack, by strident groups protesting one thing or another about our sport.

Fifty-some years ago, racing was widely seen as so dangerous that it was at real risk of being outlawed. In Switzerland it was. A ban imposed there after the 1955 Le Mans disaster took more than a half-century to rescind.

Racers have greatly improved their image on the issue of safety, but now another potentially greater threat looms. Many people today are aware of petro-pollution, carbon footprints and the planetary climate. Another massive oil spill might make petroleum-fueled transportation as distasteful to the general public as it is to environmentalists.

Responding to the anxiety, automakers are already moving toward cleaner, more self-sustaining energy technologies. Downsized engines, alternative fuels and electric power systems along with smaller, lighter vehicles made of recyclable materials are rapidly becoming the new norms. Of course, racing authorities are exploring the same measures.

While such changes have appeal, they will be massive, expensive and disruptive. Inevitably, some things we cherish will be sacrificed. The same problems arose during the safety revolution, so no wonder a lot of fans cringe at calls to make motorsport more environmentally responsible. They fear that’s code for “ruining it.”

I admit I was a skeptic on the shining morning last spring when I filed into a conference called “The Race has Gone Green,” held at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Maybe it’s just that my coffee and decadent sugary muffin hadn’t kicked in, but my mood was darkly defiant. “What are these people trying to do to my racing?” I was thinking sourly.

Will they expect us to cheer wimpy little turbodiesels? Buzzing and clicking electrics? Whizmobiles emitting nothing at all, not even sound? Is all this carbon footprint prattle just a prelude to carbon jackboots coming down to stomp out my sport entirely?

I’ve seen a lot of petroleum being combusted on racetracks of the world and I feel protective of an experience I have always hailed as glorious.

Warily, then, I listened as one important speaker after another reiterated the basic premise of the “Gone Green” conference: that motorsport isn’t going to become more environmentally responsible; they claim the revolution has already occurred and, you know, it ain’t so bad.

“We’ve entered a time of enormous change,” one declared, “with new players and new rules.”

A college rep proclaimed, “We’re accelerating development of what we call ‘relevant research.’” Expanding on that, another speaker remarked, “We’re working very closely with universities and listening to these young guys and gals who are pushing the boundaries and making us think.”

Said another, “Let’s stop calling it ‘Green.’ It’s ‘Next Generation Performance.’” Two areas are especially hot, he added: aero and “lightweighting.”

Those indeed were topics of the first panel of the day, which included men from race-car manufacturers Lola and Swift. They spoke of how each company is parlaying its expertise in aerodynamics and featherweight structures to develop new, super-efficient wind energy systems.

I felt approval stir within me. Racing still can better the breed, damn it, albeit a breed I hadn’t thought of.

That mini-epiphany came again when the head of Corsa Motorsport, which was running an ALMS prototype he called “the world’s baddest hybrid,” detailed a project to commercialize his race-car work. “Brainstorming, we took a look at the trucking industry. There are 11 million semi-trailers in the U.S., and they all have a common rear axle Bingo! Adapting the P-car’s KERS electric motor to previously inert trailer axles “fools the tractor into thinking it’s hauling less weight and results in 10 percent better fuel efficiency,” Corsa’s Steve Pruitt explained. Presumably, relying on battery regeneration to slow the truck will reduce the annoying use of the raucous “Jake brake” too.

A further encouraging thought was contributed by a panelist from the U.K.’s Motorsport Industry Association: He pointed out that nimble, efficient constructors of racing components can offer valuable rapid prototyping skills to a mainstream auto industry in hectic transition.

So it’s gratifying that racing can benefit everyday life, but does it work the other way as well?

Or does racing lose by deferring to interests of the public at large? A drive to appear socially responsible is one reason we’ve seen F1 engines drop from 12 to 10 to 8 cylinders, each step-down resulting in a loss of sound quality (in my opinion). In endurance racing, the diesels don’t make much of any sound. Whining transaxles and, at Sebring, slap-slapping of tires over the concrete are louder. Not sexy.

Sound; that’s a huge factor in my enjoyment of motorsports. I cannot forget cupping my ears in the Sebring night to hear Pete Lovely’s Ferrari moaning away through the gears. Stopping my van a mile outside the gate at Watkins Glen to drink the liquid scream as Chris Amon tested the V-12 Matra. Standing rooted in my boots outside my billet at Le Mans one midnight, listening to open-pipe Porsches 10 miles away—I measured the distance on a map.

These things are magic to me, and at the Green conference I was relieved to hear I’m not alone. “Everybody speaks of the V-12 Matra, and today the V-12 Aston Martin sings the same song,” remarked Scott Atherton of the ALMS. “We can’t pretend that emotive connection isn’t important. It stirs people. That attraction has brought so many people into the sport, and we can’t lose it.”

Les Mactaggart from IndyCar concurred. “We need to keep the excitement, so people keep coming.”

Thus it was good to hear John Waraniak from SEMA put in a good word for the good old piston engine. “It’s going to be around for at least two more decades,” he predicted, thanks to efficiencies still to be realized from direct injection, turbocharging and others of what he said were “15 technologies out there. I call it the Wild West.”

One of those technologies would involve non-petro fuels, such as the biobutanol being pioneered in the ALMS by Mazda in conjunction with—this is a big irony, but let’s look past it—British Petroleum.

But pursuing many of the “efficiencies” mentioned above presents a pretty puzzle. If you’re lopping off cylinders, cutting displacements, restricting revs, muffling exhausts with turbos, perhaps one day abandoning internal combustion altogether…how do you keep an exciting sound?

Maybe artificially. I’d been pondering this myself, and now I heard Atherton of the ALMS speak of Clemson University research into “a very high-end sound system that, potentially, lets you decide what [engine] noise you want to hear. ‘Sound by wire.’ Digital, not combustion… You heard it here first.”

Later, I sat in the Pacific sunshine and scribbled a flurry of thoughts. Imagine watching a race, either in the stands or at home, while wearing headphones that let you choose any exhaust tone you please: one of the immortal V-12s, say, or a big-block Can-Am V-8, or perhaps some novel note you devise yourself. As in cooking or bartending, you could trade sonic recipes with your headphone buddies; hey, dude, check this out.

Or maybe the sounds in your ear needn’t be artificial at all. And maybe they can go beyond exhaust sounds. How about embedding pickups elsewhere in the engine, so we can hear the cam gears meshing, and the pistons slapping, the fuel squirting in—the entire symphonic crescendo of the magnificent IC machine (providing we can retain it in racing), not just the mere, monodimensional exhaust events?

But how to link these transmitted sounds to individual cars as they pass you? How to contrive the Doppler shift? And that intoxicating, ever-shifting aural interaction of different engines in endurance racing? I suppose each race vehicle of the future will have to transmit a discrete code to your individual receiver as it whisks by—silently, of course, unless you’re wearing your ’phones.

I tried to throttle down my racing imagination and consider soberly: Apart from the engine music that has captivated enthusiasts since the Gay ’90s, does it really matter what turns the wheels?

Sure, we love our IC firebreathers with their finely crafted cranks and rods and valves, the more intricate the better. But really, isn’t that so 19th century? We have to think about our sport surviving the 21st.

We may love fossil-fueled flames and fumes and noise, but does the wider public? Even though auto racing represents a tiny percentage of the fossil fuels burned each year, hysteria over noise or fuel wastage or petro-pollution may eventually lead to calls for shutting us down. Show of hands: Who remembers what happened to racing in 1974, during the “Energy Crisis”?

As for those exhaust notes we hold so dear, because even today’s most ardent race fans do most of their spectating via TV, where the true sound doesn’t come through anyway, maybe ear candy is becoming less and less of a factor except for us grizzled (and deaf) old geezers.

Maybe future fans won’t even know about exhaust notes. Schooled to be Green and enthusiasts of electro-cool, they might be perfectly satisfied with battery-powered race vehicles whose loudest native noises would be tire howl and the hiss of aerodynamic turbulence. Heck, maybe racing would become quiet enough to hear drivers shouting at each other.

The die-hard exhaust fans among us might remain unsold on such a future, but the Long Beach conference did make me remember an earlier time of anxiety. In 1970, at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Jackie Stewart suffered the loss of one of his closest friends. The way Jochen Rindt died, slaughtered when his flimsy aluminum car impacted a frail steel guardrail, reinforced Stewart’s determination to strong-arm racing into becoming safer.

He met bitter resistance. Many feared the stubborn Scot’s crusade would destroy their sport. How can you make a car crash-safe without emasculating it? And anyway, danger is integral to racing, was the attitude. Makes it matter. Enhances the romance.

One day at the height of the controversy, I found myself in confrontation with my boyhood guru in racing journalism. I had written something endorsing Stewart’s point that racing must be seen to police itself, lest policing be imposed upon it.

Denis Jenkinson squared up to me at the next GP. His eyes were snapping-angry and the little man put a big roar in his voice. “If we follow what you say to its end, we’ll have to give up motor racing!”

Jenks and I remained friendly, to my great relief, and I am even more relieved to see, all these decades later, that even though Jackie’s views did prevail, we kept on racing. Indeed, we have vastly more racing now than then, and I dare say it’s generally of higher intensity and quality.

Yes, drivers feel freer to “rub” each other now, which I for one do not find sporting. But no longer do I step away from a car-side chat with a friend and watch him accelerate away with the disquieting thought, “I wonder if that’s the last time we’ll ever talk…”

F1 alone killed one or two drivers a year when I started reporting. We hardened ourselves to it, calling it inevitable. Today, fatalities are so infrequent, they shock us. Thank you Sir Jackie and everyone else who made that happy change happen.

I wonder if racing enthusiasts of 40, 50 years hence will look back on our time and wonder how we were ever so carefree with our use of petroleum.

Those of us wary of change need to be upbeat about Going Green. When Jenkinson and others protested Jackie Stewart, they were seeing the safety issue in terms of old, familiar know-how. They couldn’t foresee new technologies that would, eventually, stop killing racers without killing racing. I suggest the present controversy will have the same outcome.

Anyway, isn’t a Greener (and perhaps quieter) future better than no future?

Utah Limousine offers 'green' transportation

2011-02-16T09:10:00.003-07:00

Marketplace: Utah Limousine offers 'green' transportation
Source: Park Record
Date: 2/15/2011 9:35 PM

Sam Levin drives between Park City and the Salt Lake City International Airport for a living and he's saved 10,000 to 15,000 gallons of gasoline doing it.

Levin is the owner of Utah Limousine, a Park City shuttle service powered with Compressed Natural Gas. He made the switch about three years ago.

"I wanted to be green," he said. "We have an environment here worth protecting."

The clean-burning fuel powers a suburban and an Escalade. Levin's fleet is small because he intentionally runs a lean operation in order to offer lower rates.

"For the service we provide, we're very competitive with other outfits in town," he said.

Besides being eco-friendly and offering good rates, Levin is proud to own a local business. He also supplies his company with the support of local vendors as much as possible.

Given the choice between a corporate entity in Salt Lake City or a local family business, Levin believes most people prefer to keep their money local. Utah Limousine also supports local charities, he added.

He chose to make Park City his home after working as a taxi driver. Coming from a diverse background, Levin said he picked up taxi driving six years ago during a major transition in his life.

"I'm at ease driving," he said. "It still fits me. I like doing it."

Looking for more money, he bought a vehicle and went into business for himself. Soon he noticed that the best money was in just taking people back and forth from Park City to the airport.

He made it his specialty and Park City his home, Levin explained. That was six years ago. Three years ago he converted his vehicles to natural gas and is now established in his field.

Levin said his success comes from Utah Limousine's "Total Satisfaction Guarantee." Unless the client is 100-percent satisfied, the ride is free. That includes an on-time guarantee.

"I get away with it because I'm never late," he said.

A benefit of being a local is knowing the area and all alternative routes, he said. He's where he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be, he said.

"We don't' book it if we can't be there on time," he added.

He uses a suburban and an Escalade and sometimes an additional suburban at peak times because they're the most reliable vehicles, he said. They can handle Emigration Canyon in any kind of weather. They also each sit six comfortably, he added.

Another benefit of being local is knowing the area so that he can answer any questions visitors have, and making available discounts at local rental shops, he said.

Levin also has a perfect safety record. One of his prior careers involved working in oil fields with an employer that was a notorious stickler about safety. It has served him well and he's trained his drivers in the same techniques, he said.

Reservations are most easily made through the website, www.utahlimo.net .

This article was first published by http://www.parkrecord.com/ on February 15, 2011.

VMT Reduction Webinar

2011-02-14T09:36:00.004-07:00

Date/Time: February 24, 1:00pm (Mountain)

Reducing vehicle miles travelled (VMT) is one of the least utilized options for coalitions to reduce petroleum consumption. This is a largely missed opportunity because these projects offer many co-benefits and can be some of the most cost effective. Speakers will include:

• Caley Johnson (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) will talk about the multiple co-benefits of VMT reduction and its potential role in achieving Clean Cities goals.

• Dolores Rebolledo (Granite State Clean Cities) will talk about her coalition’s VMT projects, their role in a tough economy, and reporting them to the survey.

• Dan Kaempff (Oregon Metro) will talk about the ambitious projects that Portland, OR has implemented that enabled Portland to actually reduce its overall VMT.

To subscribe to this e-mail list or submit ideas for future webinars, contact Sandra Loi, sandra.loi@nrel.gov.

E15 Approved for Use in 2001 and Newer Vehicles

2011-02-14T08:46:00.001-07:00

U.S. Department of Energy Technology Bulletin
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/technology_bulletin_1210.html

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) requires refineries and fuel blenders to sell specific volumes of biofuels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) each year. In anticipation of increased ethanol consumption, DOE started an engine test program in 2007 to determine the impacts of mid-level ethanol blends. In March 2009, EPA received a formal Air Act waiver request from the ethanol industry to raise the allowable ethanol content in regular gasoline from E10 to E15. (Note that EPA is only allowed to consider the impact on vehicle emissions and emission control systems.) EPA approved the E15 waiver request for model year (MY) 2001 and newer vehicles (see the EPA website). E10 remains the limit for vehicles older than model year (MY) 2001.

How many vehicles are 2001 and newer?
There are approximately 131 million light-duty vehicles and trucks dated MY 2001 and newer registered in the United States that would be covered by this waiver (60% of U.S. vehicle population). These are the only vehicles approved to use E15. There are more than 100 million vehicles in the United States that are estimated to be older than MY 2001. These vehicles would not be covered by the waiver.

When will E15 be available for sale?
Many federal and state laws and regulations must be updated to before E15 can be sold. The federal government needs to amend the Clean Air Act, revise the reformulated gasoline program, register E15 and meet health effects testing requirements, provide labels, and several other related steps.

There are 90 state laws and regulations currently limiting sales of E15 in 36 states. Some state restrictions that are in conflict include 10% ethanol blend cap, state biofuels mandates, technical fuel specification standards, and waivers. The map in this document highlights states with E15 restrictions.

It will take time to update laws and regulations to allow E15 sales. An exact timeframe is not known.

Can any vehicle use E15?
No. E15 is only approved for MY 2001 and newer light-duty vehicles. EPA is not considering E15 use in vehicles older than MY 2001.

What about motorcycles, small engines, and boats?
E15 is not approved for use in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, off-road vehicles (boats, snowmobiles, etc.), and off-road equipment (lawnmowers, chainsaws, etc.).

How will a consumer know if they are buying E15?
Labels will be affixed to any dispenser dispensing E15. The label will state what model years are allowed to use E15.

Where will older vehicles buy fuel?
Stations will continue to offer E10 and lower blends. E15 is not a mandate; some stations may offer E15 as an additional product. It is important to read labels to ensure you are using the correct fuel for your vehicle.

Will I get better fuel economy with mid-level ethanol blends?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the American Coalition for Ethanol cofunded a study about fuel economy and tailpipe emissions impacts for mid-level ethanol blends on four conventional vehicles. This study, called the Optimal Ethanol Blend-Level Investigation, was conducted by the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota and the Minnesota Center for Automotive Research. Some media reports have referred to this study indicating that mid-level ethanol blends provide superior fuel economy. However, the results of this study are inconclusive and showed varied vehicle fuel economy results for the four vehicles tested. Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, and as more ethanol is blended the resulting fuel has less usable energy. That translates into a reduction in fuel economy compared to gasoline. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) typically get 20% to 30% fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85. This fuel economy penalty is smaller for lower ethanol blends (like E20 and E30 that might be available from ethanol blender pump dispensers). The impact of different ethanol blends on different vehicles may vary. No matter what type of fuel is used, however, fuel mileage is affected by driving habits, weather, engine efficiency, weight, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

EPA fuel economy ratings of FFVs and their gasoline counterparts can be compared side-by-side on the FuelEconomy.gov website.

2011 Clean Cities Stakeholder Presentation

2011-02-11T08:46:00.003-07:00

To view the entire PowerPoint presentation, please see the link below.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B4Y-gL7cF8XVYWNjNGEwNDktNTJiNC00NThjLWIwMGUtOWU2NGViZDJlOWNh&hl=en&authkey=CI_1w7QE

2011 Fight for Air Climb

2011-02-09T10:04:00.004-07:00

Join the American Lung Association as participants climb 598 steps of the Wells Fargo Center in the 2011 Fight for Air Climb. Participants work together to fundraise and raise awareness for the 35 million Americans who suffer from asthma.

You can get involved in the effort by: signing up as a team captain, joining an existing team, signing up as an individual registrant, sponsoring the event, joining a committee and making a contribution to support a registrant.

The event will take place Saturday, February 26th, Wells Fargo Center, Salt Lake City.

8:00 am-9:00 am: 10+ Multiple Climbers
9:00 am-12:00 pm: Individuals and Teams Begin / Food, Music, Massages & Fun on 23rd Floor
10:45 am-11:15 am: Raffle Drawing

For more details please visit the event website.
http://www.lungusa.org/pledge-events/ut/salt-lake-city-climb/

United States market to show the strongest growth in natural gas vehicle sales

2011-02-07T09:47:00.003-07:00

Article taken from usgasvehicles.com
Official story here...http://www.usgasvehicles.com/news_detalle.php?id=1135

January 25, 2011. According to a new report from Pike Research, United States market will show the strongest growth in natural gas vehicle (NGV) sales, 25.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2010 and 2016, resulting in 32.619 vehicles sold in 2016. The potential for new emissions regulations on both light duty and medium and heavy duty vehicles and the passage of some form of the NAT GAS Act early in 2011 are expected to contribute to the U.S. growth.

Pike expects the worldwide NGV sales will increase at a healthy pace over the next several years, rising from 1.9 million vehicles per year in 2010 to more than 3.2 million units annually by 2016.

Overall, Pike projects the current 12.6 million unit global NGV market which they forecast will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% to reach 19.9 million vehicles by 2016. Natural gas refueling station development is not expected to achieve the same growth rate, but will reach nearly 26.000 stations worldwide by 2016.
The growth in vehicles will lead to growth in usage of natural gas for transportation fuel, which Pike expects to reach 19.123 million cubic meters of gas globally (6.7% CAGR between 2010 and 2016).

Pike expects India to overtake Iran for the lean in NGV sales in 2014, and targets that market at 612.389 NGVs in 2016 (12.0% CAGR). Iran and Pakistan are expected to rank second and third, respectively.

China will see strong growth (20.8% CAGR) as NGVs spread in the fleet and consumer markets; overall, however, NGVs will remain a small percentage of the market as China’s government is expected to continue to focus on electrification.

Smith's Opens Fuel Center With Electric Car Station

2011-02-04T09:55:00.002-07:00

Official press release submitted by Smith's Food & Drug.

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT – February 3, 2011) – Smith’s Food & Drug Stores has opened its 37TH Smith’s Express fuel station in Utah, located in the parking lot of the Smith’s store at 876 South 800 East in Salt Lake City.

The fuel center is the first to incorporate a courtesy charging station for customers driving electric cars to “top off” their battery levels while shopping. In addition, Smith’s also installed equipment to allow for the future possibility of solar panels to power the fuel station and the sale of natural gas at the pumps.

Smith’s uses state-of-the–art technology for the safety and efficiency of its fuel centers. Added measures include double-walled fiberglass reinforced plastic tanks with 24 hour alarm monitoring systems; a vapor recovery system that captures fumes from fuel trucks at delivery; and canopy lights that direct light downward so not escape beyond the service area.

The station is also comprised of 10 filling nozzles, courtesy air hose, a convenience-item case for snacks, and a 10’ X 20’ kiosk for the fuel attendant. Additional perimeter shrubbery and large planters were added to the parking lot.

To thank the community and celebrate the opening, Smith’s is donating $5,000 to the neighbor councils comprising the East Side Community Council for the purchase of additional trees to enhance the neighborhood around the store.

Smith’s is a division of the Kroger Co, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer. In addition to operating 2,469 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states, the company also operates 773 convenience stores under the names of Loaf ‘N Jug, Turkey Hill, Kwik Stop, Tom Thumb, and Quick Stop. Smith’s Food & Drug currently operates a total of 132 stores and 71 fuel centers in seven western states, including 47 stores and 37 fuel centers in Utah. For more information visit www.smithsfoodanddrug.com.

2011 Stakeholder Meeting

2011-02-02T14:06:00.007-07:00

On Tuesday morning, Utah Clean Cities Coalition hosted their annual stakeholder meeting. The event took place in the State Office Building Auditorium at the Capitol. Stakeholders heard from Ted Wilson, the Senior Advisor on Environmental Affairs for Governor Herbert, while enjoying breakfast. Northern Director Carrie Giles and Southern Director Robin Erickson addressed what UCCC accomplished in 2010 and plans for 2011.

A big thanks to the stakeholders who were in attendance! We're looking forward to an exciting and successful 2011!

Utah Clean Cities Awarded 2011 Winter Initiative Outstanding Non-profit Award!

2011-01-31T16:50:00.013-07:00

Care to Clear the Air awarded Utah Clean Cities with the Outstanding Non-Profit Winter Initiative Award! The award ceremony took place at the Gallivan Center, where families enjoyed free ice skating, pizza and hot chocolate. Care to Clear the Air has had numerous events this January promoting the use of public transportation. Thanks for this recognition!

UCCC Northern Director, Carrie Giles accepting the award.

Integrated Biorefinery and Infrastructure Technologies Peer Review Webinars, February 1-3, 2011

2011-01-28T13:43:00.003-07:00

Taken from the U.S. Department of Energy's Website
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=469

The U.S Department of Energy's (DOE) Biomass Program is hosting a series of Webinars associated with its biennial Peer Review of Integrated Biorefinery (IBR) technology and Biofuels Distribution Infrastructure and End Use (Infrastructure) projects. This year’s meetings are available to provide interested stakeholders the opportunity to learn more about federally funded research, development, and deployment activities that are focused on bioenergy technologies.

During the meetings, project principal investigators will discuss their projects’ status, budgets, goals, accomplishments, challenges, and relevance to the Biomass Program, and answer questions from expert review panelists. External stakeholders will be able to hear the project presentations and participate in limited Q&A sessions. The results of Peer Review evaluations will form the basis for the overall Biomass Program Peer Review meeting, which will be held June 27-28, 2011 (see the Biomass website) and cover a large majority of Program projects. Peer Review results are also used to generate future work plans and develop Annual Operating Plans, Multiyear Program Plans, and potentially redirect individual projects (see results from the Program’s last two biennial reviews). Results of the Peer Review process will be publically available online.

Registering for the Webinar
The Biomass Program will host the proceedings of the IBR review using GoToWebinar from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on February 1–3, 2011, and the Infrastructure proceedings on February 3, 2011. Using the GoToWebinar software, participants can send in text-based questions, which, if not addressed through dialogue with expert reviewers, will be read aloud to the project presenter as time allows. Webinar registration will be broken into morning and afternoon sessions. Consult the review agendas to help determine which proceedings to participate in: IBR Platform Review and Infrastructure Platform Review.

Utah's First LNG Station Nears Completion

2011-01-24T15:23:00.003-07:00

CH4 Energy Corporation (CH4 Energy) set the first bulk Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tank on its permanent foundation this week, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the premier retail natural-gas fueling station in North America. The station, developed with funding support from a Utah Clean Cities Coalition administered, Department of Energy/Recovery Act grant, is co-located on the state-of-the-art Flying J/Pilot travel plaza at the intersection of Interstate 80and Interstate 15 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

CH4 Energy expects the station to be fully operational within five to six weeks. The station will dispense Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and LNG faster than any public Natural Gas fueling station in North America. Clean, domestic natural-gas vehicle fuels have the potential to have a significant positive impact on air quality in the state of Utah and the United States. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that North America has well over a 100 year supply of clean natural gas.

According to CH4 Energy CEO Merritt Norton: "This station will be the premier public natural-gas fueling station in North America and will be a great asset to the state of Utah, which is leading North America in the deployment of vehicles using clean, domestically produced natural gas. The station will also provide a critical interstate fueling infrastructure link for Class 7 and Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. Utah is the only state in the country where a significant proportion of average citizens drive natural-gas vehicles, and this station—which is strategically located at the crossroads of the West, at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 15, as well as the major highway, Utah Highway 201—will provide public access to the fastest and most convenient fill up in North America for both CNG and LNG natural-gas vehicles."

The station will accept all major fleet fueling cards as well as consumer credit cards and the Utah state-fleet fueling card. The station will be open 365 days per year, 24 hours a day, with access to Class-8 truck parking, convenience store, restrooms, shower facilities, Denny's restaurant, diesel exhaust fluid, internet Wi-Fi access, drivers' lounge, and all the other amenities at this state-of-the-art Flying J/Pilot travel plaza. The station was designed from the ground up to provide ultra-fast freeway access to natural-gas vehicle fuels for every type of vehicle from the Honda Civic all the way up to the largest Class 8 tandem- and triple-trailer truck combinations. The station has separate ingress and egress lanes for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

About the Utah Clean Cities Coalition's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grant

Utah Clean Cities Coalition (UCCC) is one of over 90 coalitions around the country that are part of the U.S. Department of Energy's strategy to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. In 2009, UCCC was the recipient of a $14.9 million Stimulus grant, for projects with 23 partners, valued at over $52 million. The projects will bring more CNG, LNG, Biodiesel, and electric vehicles (500+) and stations (20+) to Utah, along with over 300 jobs.

2011 Utah International Auto Expo

2011-01-24T14:20:00.003-07:00

Many of the newest electric, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles were showcased last weekend at the 2011 Utah International Auto Expo. The event was held January 14-17th at the South Towne Expo Center, and featured over 20 different alternative vehicles.

Among the “must sees” was the 2011 Chevy Volt, named “Motor Trend Car of the Year,” “Green Car of the Year” and “North American Car of the year.” The Volt went on sale in December of 2010 and has been dubbed as the most fuel-efficient car in America.

The Nissan Leaf was another popular vehicle at the show. The Leaf, 100% electric, has no tailpipe pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on the conditions, the Nissan Leaf can go anywhere from 138-162 miles before having to recharge.

The all-new Ford Fusion was among the many hybrids showcased, also named one of Car and Driver magazine’s "10 Best Cars for 2010." Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln and Toyota also displayed their 2011 hybrid models.

The T-3 motion, a zero gas emissions all-electric vehicle, was featured at the AAA booth. The vehicle was purchased through an AAA Greenlight Initiative Grant to Utah Clean Cities Coalition and Salt Lake City in 2009. Utah Clean Cities and AAA have enjoyed a partnership for the past several years, working together on grants, outreach events, and legislative issues.

To find out more about the 2011 Utah International Auto Expo, please visit http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/saltlake.

Clean Cities TRS Question of the Month: Federal Tax Incentive Updates

2011-01-24T13:33:00.003-07:00

Question of the Month: Which federal tax incentives were extended as a result of the recently enacted Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010?

Answer: On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed H.R. 4853, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Public Law No: 111-312). This Act extends and reinstates several alternative fuel tax credits through December 31, 2011. See the Federal Incentives & Laws Web page for additional information.

Extended tax credits include:

Qualifed Alterntive Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit: http:///www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/law/US/351
Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC): http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/law/US/399
Small Ethanol Producer Tax Credit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/law/law/US/342

The Act also reinstates several tax credits that expired after December 31, 2009:

Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/law/US/319
Alternative Fuel Mixture Excise Tax Credit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/law/US/417
Biodiesel Mixture Excise Tax Credit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/law/US/395
Biodiesel Income Tax Credit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/law/US/396

Special Rule for 2010 Excise Tax Credit Claims:

The Alternative Fuel, Alternative Fuel Mixture, and Biodiesel Mixture Excise Tax Credits were reinstated retroactively, meaning taxpayers may submit a one-time claim for qualified fuel sold or used during the 2010 tax year. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued special guidance to allow a 180-day period for the submission of these claims. Please refer to the IRS Notice 2011-10 for additional information (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-11-10.pdf).

Expired Incentives:

Two vehicle purchase incentives expired after December 31, 2010, and were not extended:

Qualified Alternative Fuel Motor Vehicle Tax Credit
Light-Duty Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Advanced Lean Burn Vehicle Tax Credit

The descriptions of these expired tax credits, including the expiration dates, will remain on the Federal Incentives & Laws Web site until the federal tax filing deadline.

Mr. T. Boone Pickens commends Clean Cities coordinators

2011-01-12T15:28:00.005-07:00

Mr. T. Boone Pickens commends the Clean Cities coordinators for their efforts in addressing the crucial task of reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

Learn more about Mr. Pickens and the Pickens Plan by visiting pickensplan.com.

Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month

2010-09-27T08:08:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the September installment of the Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month.

Question of the Month: Which fleets are regulated under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) and subsequent regulations and directives, and what are the requirements?

Answer: EPAct 1992 established several transportation-related regulatory activities, including mandating that certain federal agency, state agency, and alternative fuel provider fleets in the United States acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) or reduce their petroleum use in other ways. Subsequent regulations and federal executive orders have modified the EPAct 1992 requirements over time, but the basic elements and compliance structures remain intact. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for overseeing compliance with these regulations through the Vehicle Technologies and Federal Energy Management Programs. Additional information about “covered fleets” (fleets subject to EPAct 1992 requirements) and the requirements associated with compliance for each of these fleet types is outlined below.

Federal Fleets
Covered Fleets
Federal fleets are considered covered fleets if both of the following conditions are met:
• They own, operate, lease, or otherwise control 20 or more non-excluded light-duty vehicles (LDVs; vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less) that are used primarily within a single metropolitan statistical area (MSA)/consolidated metropolitan statistical area (CMSA). Excluded vehicles include emergency, law enforcement, and nonroad vehicles.
• Those same 20 vehicles are centrally fueled or capable of being centrally fueled.

EPAct 1992 Requirement
At least 75% of federal non-excluded LDV acquisitions in covered fleets must be AFVs.

Compliance
Compliance for federal fleets is met using AFV acquisition credits, which are granted based on the number of AFVs acquired and the quantity of biodiesel fuel used. If an agency’s total AFV credits divided by the number of covered LDV acquisitions in a fiscal year equals 75% or greater, the agency is considered to be in compliance. Federal fleets earn credits as follows:
• One credit for every bi-fuel or flexible fuel vehicle acquired.
• One additional credit for acquiring a dedicated AFV.
• Three credits for acquiring a dedicated medium-duty vehicle.
• Four credits for every dedicated heavy-duty vehicle acquired.
• One credit for every 450 gallons of neat biodiesel (B100) or 2,250 gallons of B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel) purchased for use. The biodiesel must be in blends of B20 or higher. Federal fleets are allowed to use these credits to fulfill up to 50% of their AFV acquisition requirements.

Federal fleets are subject to several additional requirements for AFV acquisition, alternative fuel use, and infrastructure development. For more information, including reporting requirements, reference DOE’s Federal Fleet Guidance document (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/fleetguidance_13514.pdf) and the Federal Energy Management Program’s Comprehensive Federal Fleet Management Handbook (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/eo13514_fleethandbook.pdf).

State Fleets
Covered Fleets
State fleets are considered covered fleets if all three of the following conditions are met:
• They own, operate, lease, or otherwise control 50 or more non-excluded LDVs.
• At least 20 of those vehicles are used primarily within a single MSA/CMSA.
• Those same 20 vehicles are centrally fueled or capable of being centrally fueled.

State fleets may use the following resources to determine whether their fleet is covered:
• Decision Tree for State Government Fleets: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/state_decision_tree.html
• State Government Fleet Compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992: Self-Audit Procedures: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/pdfs/selfaudit_procedures.pdf

EPAct 1992 Requirement
At least 75% of state non-excluded LDV acquisitions must be AFVs.

Compliance Methods
Covered state fleets may meet their requirements through one of two compliance methods:
• Standard Compliance: Under Standard Compliance, fleets may meet their requirements by acquiring the requisite number of new or used AFVs, obtaining AFV credits from other covered fleets, or converting conventional vehicles to run on an alternative fuel within four months of acquisition. Each qualified light-duty AFV is worth one AFV credit. Medium- and heavy-duty AFVs are also eligible for credits that may be banked for future use, but only after the annual AFV acquisition requirements are met with light-duty AFV acquisitions. Covered fleets may also meet as much as 50% of their AFV-acquisition requirements by using biodiesel blends of at least B20. One credit is earned for every 450 gallons of neat biodiesel (B100) or every 2,250 gallons of B20 purchased for use.
• Alternative Compliance: Under Alternative Compliance, covered fleets may obtain a waiver from the AFV acquisition requirements of Standard Compliance by submitting and then implementing an approved plan to reduce petroleum consumption. The plan must result in petroleum reductions equal to what the fleet would have achieved if all its AFVs were running on alternative fuel all the time. The plan must also include a sufficient level of data and information to support the fleet’s compliance requirements, particularly information on fuel use.

Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets
Covered Fleets
An alternative fuel provider is any entity that meets one of the following conditions:
• The entity’s principle business involves producing, storing, refining, processing, transporting, distributing, importing, or selling any alternative fuel.
• The entity’s principle business involves generating, transmitting, importing, or selling electricity at wholesale or retail.
• The entity produces, imports, or produces and imports in combination, an average of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum, and 30% or more of its gross annual revenues are derived from producing alternative fuels.

An alternative fuel provider is not covered if its principal business involves:
• Transforming alternative fuels into products that are not alternative fuels; or
• Using alternative fuel as a feedstock, or fuel, in the manufacturing of products that are not alternative fuels.
In addition to meeting this definition, alternative fuel provider fleets are also subject to the same conditions for inclusion as state fleets (see above).

Alternative fuel provider fleets may use the Decision Tree for Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/alt_decision_tree.html) to determine whether their fleet is covered.

EPAct 1992 Requirement
At least 90% of alternative fuel providers’ non-excluded LDV acquisitions must be AFVs.

Compliance Methods
Covered alternative fuel provider fleets are subject to the same compliance methods as state fleets (see above).

Additional information on state and alternative fuel provider requirements and compliance, including annual reporting, can be found on the DOE’s State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleet Coverage and Compliance Web site (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/fleet_coverage_compliance.html) and/or contact the Regulatory Information Line at regulatory.info@nrel.gov or 202-586-9171.

As always, please contact the TRS with other questions, or if you have suggestions for additional resources or a future Question of the Month.

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
technicalresponse@icfi.com
800-254-6735

Salt Lake City Mayor Becker recognized for being a Clean Vehicle Champion!

2010-06-23T12:38:00.002-07:00

Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month

2010-06-23T12:38:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the June installment of the Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month.

Question of the Month: Why is idle reduction important? What are the alternatives to letting a vehicle idle?

Answer: Idling vehicles in the United States use upwards of one billion gallons of fuel and emit large quantities of air pollution and greenhouse gases unnecessarily each year. On average, a heavy-duty vehicle consumes fuel at the rate of 0.8-1.0 gallon/hour at idle. A typical light-duty vehicle consumes 0.5 gallons/hour while idling. These rates are based on a number of data sources, including reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Argonne National Laboratory. The actual rates may be more or less depending on the type of vehicle and engine. Using EPA’s assumptions for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from each gallon of diesel and gasoline burned (http://www.epa.gov/oms/climate/420f05001.htm):
• The average diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicle emits between 17.8 and 22.2 pounds of CO2/hour while idling.
• The average gasoline powered light-duty vehicle emits approximately 9.7 pounds of CO2/hour while idling.

One of the most common myths about engines, particularly diesel engines, is that they need to idle for several minutes or more to warm up prior to driving. While some diesel engines do need to warm up, most engine manufacturers recommend that newer engines need no more than three minutes of warm-up before driving; drivers should check their engine manufacturer’s recommendations and/or owner’s manual about guidelines for engine warm-up. See the Additional Resources section below for more idling information.

Idle Reduction Regulations
Many states and localities have enacted regulations that restrict drivers from idling for extended periods of time. Reference the Incentives & Laws database available via the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC; http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/) for state-level idle reduction regulations. In addition, the American Transportation Research Institute maintains a compendium of state and local idle reduction restrictions (http://www.atri-online.org/research/idling/ATRI_Idling_Compendium.pdf).

Idle Reduction Technologies
Heavy-Duty Idle Reduction Technologies
EPA research shows that certain heavy-duty vehicle idle reduction technologies can reduce idling fuel consumption by up to 96% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by up to 99%. Available heavy-duty idle reduction technologies include:
• Auxiliary power units are portable, truck-mounted systems that can provide climate control and power for trucks without idling. These systems generally consist of a small internal combustion engine equipped with a generator and heat-recovery system.
• Automatic engine stop-start controls automatically turn the engine on when the sleeper cab temperature is too warm or cold.
• Cab and block heaters are fuel-fired heaters that provide heat to the cab and the engine block.
• Truck stop electrification is an alternative to onboard idle reduction equipment that allows truckers to “plug in” vehicles to operate necessary systems (e.g., air conditioning, electrical appliances) during required resting periods at truck stops without idling.

Light- and Medium-Duty Idle Reduction Technologies
Light- and medium-duty vehicles, including personal and commercial vehicles, use significant amounts of fuel to idle. The following technologies are available for light- and medium-duty vehicles:
• Coolant heaters draw gasoline or diesel from the fuel tank to heat the vehicle's coolant and pump the heated coolant through the engine, radiator, and heater box.
• Air heaters operate on engine fuel, but are separate, self-contained units that directly blow hot air into the interior of a vehicle.
• Energy recovery systems use the vehicle's heat-transfer system much like a coolant heater but without a separate heater. A very small (1/10 amp) electric pump is connected to the water line, which keeps the vehicle's cooling system and heater operating after the engine is turned off, using engine heat that would otherwise dissipate for energy.

Driver Behavior
In addition to the technologies mentioned above, all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle being driven, can use the following techniques to reduce idling:
• Turn off the engine when parked or stopped for more than a minute.
• Encourage local schools to enforce a no-idle zone for school buses and personal vehicles.
• Consider the purchase of hybrid electric vehicles, which limit idling at traffic stops.
• Avoid using a remote vehicle starter, which encourages unnecessary idling.
• Avoid drive-thrus: park the car and walk inside instead.

Additional Resources
For additional information about idling, see the following resources:
• AFDC - Idle Reduction (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/idle_reduction.html)
• EPA - What You Should Know About Truck Engine Idling (http://www.epa.gov/ne/eco/diesel/pdfs/Diesel_Factsheet_Truck_Idling.pdf)
• EPA National Idle Reduction Campaign (http://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/antiidling.htm)
• EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership - Idling Reduction (http://www.epa.gov/smartway/transport/what-smartway/idling-reduction.htm)
• Idling Reduction Network News (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/resources/fcvt_national_idling.html)

As always, please contact the TRS with other questions, or if you have suggestions for additional resources or a future Question of the Month.

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
technicalresponse@icfi.com
800-254-6735

GM Hydrogen Announcement

2010-05-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

At the AFVI conference today, GM announced they are partnering with The Gas Company of Hawaii to move hydrogen throughout the gas lines on the island of Oahu. This will be the beginning of a full Hydrogen build out for fueling on the island, and the true beginning of Hydrogen mass implementation.

CNG Taxis

2010-05-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

A new OEM, Vehicle Production Group, will be producing EPA certified CNG Taxis starting this fall

AFVI Is Just Around The Corner

2010-05-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Follow us next week as we travel to Las Vegas for the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles National Conference and Expo! Look for daily updates for any important announcements or discoveries that are made.

SLVHD TV Coverage

2010-04-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

If you haven't had a chance yet, visit FOX 13 to see how Earth Day 2010 was celebrated at Salt Lake Valley Health Department. You will also be able to learn who our very own Batman is.

2010-04-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Utah Clean Cities Coalition along with its stake holders hosted the 2010 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant kick off! Pictured above are all of the grant participants.

Party for the Planet

2010-04-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

April 25th is Hogle Zoo's Party for the Planet. Join them for their family friendly Earth Month event. More details can be found at the Hogle Zoo Website

Earth Day with SLVHD

2010-04-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

ARRA Grant Under Way

2010-04-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Our $14.9 million in stimulus money is being put to good use. Contracts are being signed, stations are being upgraded, vehicles are being purchased, and more new stations are about to open. Stay tuned on our website at http://www.utahcleancities.org/grants.htm as we begin to post grant progress updates!

SLVHD Earth Day Open House

2010-03-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

For those interested in Solar Energy

2010-03-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

Register Today for the 2010 Utah Renewable Energy Conference
• Get your renewable energy project off the ground with an exciting new limited time rebate offered by the State Energy Program for homes and businesses - more than 50% of the cost of a new solar energy installation could be covered with available tax credits and the new rebate!
• Learn how to make your home or business more energy efficient and the rebates available to make it more affordable than ever.
• Learn about the latest solar technologies and applications.

WHEN: Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
WHERE: Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus (9750 South in Sandy, UT.)
Admission: $5 individual, $10 for families or groups of 2-5.
Your conference admission will get you $100 off a solar energy system from any of the solar installers participating in the conference!

Don't miss the 2010 Utah Renewable Energy Conference hosted by the Utah Solar Energy Association. The half day event will feature representatives from the Utah State Energy Program presenting details about the brand new renewable energy rebate, presentations on energy efficiency and high performance building by Utah Clean Energy, and solar technology seminars offered by Utah's solar industry leaders.

The event will also include a variety of clean energy companies and experts in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies who will be on-site to answer specific questions about how energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades can work for your home or business.

For more information, visit http://www.utsolar.org/
Or contact Levi Belnap by emailing lbelnap@utsolar.org or call 801.836.2420
AGENDA:
10:00 - 10:50 Registration, welcome.
11:00 - 11:45 Utah Renewable Energy Rebate Presentation Chris Tallackson - Utah State Energy Program
12:00 - 12:50 Lunch break/Q&A with Utah’s clean energy companies at sponsor booths
Lunch provided by Jason’s Deli
1:00 - 1:40 Everything you need to know about solar hot water & cooling Bob Dudley - Harris Dudley Heating, Plumbing, & Solar
2:00 - 2:40 Solar electric (Photovoltaic) technology 101 Ken Gardner - Gardner Engineering Alternative Energy Services
3:00 - 3:40 Start saving money today with energy efficiency and high performance building Sara Baldwin - Utah Clean Energy

Utah Bike Summit

2010-03-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Utah Clean Air Conference - April 10th

2010-03-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Electric Vehicle/Infrastructure Webinar

2010-03-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

Below are the call and web login details (for participants) for the March 24th, Electric Vehicle/Infrastructure Webinar-Discussion Group.

Audio:

800-593-9940
Passcode: 1770065

Web:

URL: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6566213
Passcode: 1770065

Participants can also join the event directly at:
https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW6566213&p=1770065&t=c

NREL Electric Vehicle/Infrastructure Webinar

2010-03-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory will be holding a webinar on March 24, 2010 from 11-12:30am MT and will feature a vehicle and infrastructure discussion by Jim Francfort, INL and Don Karner, eTEC. Jim works on DOE's Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity (AVTA) conducted jointly by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The AVTA is part of the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program. The primary goal of AVTA is to provide benchmark data for technology modeling, and research and development programs, by benchmarking and validating the performance of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles that feature one or more advanced technologies, including:

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technologies
• Hybrid electric, pure electric, and hydraulic technologies
• Advanced electric drive technologies and engine technologies
• Advanced energy storage (i.e., batteries) technologies and chemistries
• Advanced climate control, power electronic, and other ancillary systems technologies
• Internal combustion engines burning advanced fuels (i.e., 100% hydrogen and hydrogen/CNG-blended fuels)

Also contributing to this effort is Don Karner, President/CEO of eTEC, of Phoenix, AZ. eTEC was mentioned by President Obama in his latest State of the Union Address and is the project manager for a DOE ARRA grant that includes 40+ project partners that will conduct the largest-ever rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure in the United States.

Jim and Don will give an overview of issues that will be of interest to many coordinators with respect to establishing electric recharging strategies in their communities. Particular areas of interest covered include types of recharging systems available, battery electric and plug-in electric vehicles and their timing for market introduction, the current state of deployment issues such as codes and standards, permitting, standardized training and more.

Back from Washington DC

2010-03-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

We made it back from our trip to Washington. We had a highly productive week meeting with other Clean Cities Coalitions, supporters, and politicians. We were able to meet with Senator Hatch, Congressman Matheson, Congressman Bishop, and staff of Senator Bennett and Congressman Chaffetz. Now we will have to just wait and see what happens in Washington!

Energy Independence Days

2010-03-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hello from Washington DC! Robin and I are attending Energy Independence Days with our fellow coalitions from across the nation to work and help educate our policy makers on what we do. Tomorrow we will be meeting Senators Bennett and Hatch as well as Congressmen Matheson, Bishop, and Chaffetz, to help educate them on everything Clean Cities has done and has the potential to do in Utah.

-Carrie

Federal and State Alternative Fuel Incentives

2010-02-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself wondering what monetary rewards you can earn for driving an alternative fuel vehicle? Then click on the link below to see what the latest federal and state incentives and laws are.

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/

RFS2 Webinar

2010-02-23T18:52:00.001-07:00

The National Renewable Energy Lab will be hosting a Webinar on RFS2 this Thursday. Feel free to attend!

"Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) ruling and what it means for the industries affected. We have two speakers, Robert White, Director of Market Development at the Renewable Fuels Association and Paul N. Argyropoulos, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Transportation & Air Quality at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who will be presenting during the webinar."

The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 25th at 11am ET (not 11:30am as previously mentioned).

Call and web login details are below:

Audio
888-955-8969
pass code: 4828165

Web
URL: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6146008
pass code: 4828165

You can also join the event directly at:
https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW6146008&p=4828165&t=c

Photos from Hurricane

2010-02-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Photos from Hurricane

2010-02-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Photos from Hurricane

2010-02-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

GM unveils BioDiesel Trucks

2010-02-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

GM announced today that it will join Ford and Chrysler in the Biodiesel frontier. Later this week at the Chicago Auto Show, GM will be unveiling their 2011 heavy duty trucks and vans. These next generation vehicles will be B20 compliant for the first time.

National Biodiesel Conference Day 1

2010-02-08T07:09:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Everyone

Today is the first full day of the National Biodiesel Conference. We will be updating this blog later in the day with news and information. For now feel free to follow the conference's blog at http://blog.biodieselconference.org/

2010-02-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Utah Clean Cities blog! We will be using this to keep everyone updated on conferences and large training events we attend. Stay tuned for the first posts coming to you next week from the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo.

2010-01-27T14:04:00.001-07:00

Utah Clean Cities Coalition

2012 Stakeholder Meeting

Time to Renew Your Membership?

UCCC is giving CleanBoost a Test Drive

City “greens” Parking Compliance Fleet

Fueling the Future of the West - Western Governors’ Association Policy Resolution

Memorandum of Understanding

NatGasCar Signs New Distributor/Installer

The Utah Governor's Energy Developmen​t Summit

2011 Alternative Fuel Awareness Month in Utah

Idle Free Salt Lake!

SmartDrive Study Finds Eco-Driving Improves Fuel Economy 22% in Commercial Transportation Fleets

New Go Natural CNG facility in Tulsa

Grants & Loans Now Available for Clean Fuels in Utah

Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation 2011 Air Quality Gala

Questar Gas Open House - Heber, UT

BAF Natural Gas Conversions now available at AVS.

Looking for a CNG hose manufacturer?

Idle Free Service Saves Over 4,000 Tons of Diesel Emissions

September Clean Cities Question of the Month

August Clean Cities Question of the Month

July Clean Cities Question of the Month

June Clean Cities Question of the Month

Clean Cities Announces Addition of Newest Partner Auto Gas America

Utah’s First ISO 9001 CNG Conversion Facility

ACT Expo 2011

Congressman Matheson to Speak on the 2011 NAT GAS Act

April Clean Cities Question of the Month

Batmobile is Fueled by Clean CNG!

Natural Gas Vehicles Take the Hill

DOE Announces $12 Million in Available Funding to Support Advanced Biofuels Development

Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month

President Obama Announces National Clean Fleets Partnership

A Great Week in Utah for Natural Gas!

Washington City CNG Station Grand Opening!

Utah's First LNG Station Grand Opening

Is Natural Gas Right for your Fleet?

Washington City Opens Natural Gas Refueling Station

Natural Gas 360: Advancing America's Energy Solution

Display a Company Booth at the Upcoming L/CNG Station Grand Opening!

CNG Classes in Utah

Utah's First LNG Station will Open March 22nd

Clean Cities TRS Question of the Month: Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs)

Green Racing Developments

Utah Limousine offers 'green' transportation

VMT Reduction Webinar

E15 Approved for Use in 2001 and Newer Vehicles

2011 Clean Cities Stakeholder Presentation

2011 Fight for Air Climb

United States market to show the strongest growth in natural gas vehicle sales

Smith's Opens Fuel Center With Electric Car Station

2011 Stakeholder Meeting

Utah Clean Cities Awarded 2011 Winter Initiative Outstanding Non-profit Award!

Integrated Biorefinery and Infrastructure Technologies Peer Review Webinars, February 1-3, 2011

Utah's First LNG Station Nears Completion

2011 Utah International Auto Expo

Clean Cities TRS Question of the Month: Federal Tax Incentive Updates

Mr. T. Boone Pickens commends Clean Cities coordinators

Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month

Salt Lake City Mayor Becker recognized for being a Clean Vehicle Champion!

Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) Question of the Month

GM Hydrogen Announcement

CNG Taxis

AFVI Is Just Around The Corner

SLVHD TV Coverage

Party for the Planet

Earth Day with SLVHD

ARRA Grant Under Way

SLVHD Earth Day Open House

For those interested in Solar Energy

Utah Bike Summit

Utah Clean Air Conference - April 10th

Electric Vehicle/Infrastructure Webinar

NREL Electric Vehicle/Infrastructure Webinar

Back from Washington DC

Energy Independence Days

Federal and State Alternative Fuel Incentives

RFS2 Webinar

Photos from Hurricane

Photos from Hurricane

The Utah Governor's Energy Development Summit