The annual Alternative Clean Transportation Expo is being held in Washington D.C. this week, where movers and shakers in the alternative fuel and fleet industries will gather to share knowledge about the latest clean technologies and trends. This year’s expo is notable because it’s kicking off today with a 2pm event sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council called “Lead the Way: A Propane Autogas Event.” What better way to commence a gathering of the nation’s leading authorities on alternative fuel and transportation than to put the spotlight on the most viable fuel for fleets?

Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, powering more than 21 million vehicles globally. The “Lead the Way” autogas event will cover refueling infrastructure pitfalls, how switching vehicle fleets to autogas can benefit taxpayers, insight on financing for alternative fuel fleet programs and more. Policymakers and public and private fleet managers are encouraged to attend to learn more about autogas, the most viable fuel for fleets.

Autogas for America founder Stuart Weidie will speak during the ACT Expo on Wednesday, June 26, during a 3:30pm panel called: “Fueling the AFV Revolution: Updates on Rapidly Expanding AFV Infrastructure Networks across North America.” His presentation, titled, “The Cost-Effectiveness of Propane Autogas Refueling Infrastructure, Present and Future,” will provide expert insight on just how affordable and easy it is for fleets to get up and running on propane autogas, with a focus on building autogas fuel stations. (For example, did you know it can be 15 times more expensive to build a CNG fuel station vs. an autogas station?) In fact, infrastructure for natural gas is so cost prohibitive, some even wonder if it will ever really catch on with more American drivers.

A variety of propane autogas vehicle technology will be on display during the ACT Expo, which runs June 24–27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. ROUSH CleanTech will showcase a propane-powered Ford F-650, CleanFUEL USA will display a GM 4500 chassis and PERC will have a Liberator 6.0-liter engine, as well as autogas dispensers.

In addition to propane autogas, the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo represents all alternative fuel types on the market, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, natural gas, and renewable fuels. As North America’s largest alternative fuel and clean vehicle technology conference and expo, the ACT Expo provides direct access to the latest OEM and technology products, offering a one-stop shop for fleet managers to learn about the wide-range of solutions available.

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The monitoring program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports the level of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere has passed a troubling milestone, reaching an average daily level above 400 parts per million. (That’s bad, in case you were wondering.) It’s what one New York Times article calls “a sobering reminder that decades of efforts to bring human-produced emissions under control are faltering.”

Carbon dioxide is the most important heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere, and this concentration of the gas has not been seen on Earth for at least three million years. Scientists say this high level will likely cause massive climate changes and encourage rising sea levels.

But, as Pennsylvania State University climate scientists Richard B. Alley puts it: “If you start turning the Titanic long before you hit the iceberg, you can go clear without even spilling a drink of a passenger on deck. If you wait until you’re really close, spilling a lot of drinks is the best you can hope for.”

So, how can we help turn the tide and avoid this disastrous outcome?

Running more vehicle fleets on domestic clean fuel is vital to supporting clean air, not only today, but for generations to come. Fuels like propane autogas, natural gas, biofuels and hybrid-electric vehicle technology help protect the health of our environment by drastically reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions compared vehicles that operate on gasoline or diesel.

Autogas is one of the lowest total carbon emissions fuels, with a 20 percent reduction in GHGs versus conventional fuels. For example, the City of Newport News in Virginia eliminates more than 11 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually operating just  22 autogas fleet vehicles. Propane autogas is also one of the most cost-effective alternative fuel options for fleets, not only in terms of fuel price per gallon, but also in regards to the upfront cost of implementation. In fact, it’s actually possible to build 15 autogas stations for the price of just one CNG station and convert two light-duty vehicles to run on autogas for the price of just one light-duty CNG vehicle conversion.

Autogas is a widely available, American-made, clean-burning fuel that will help ensure clean air for our communities. Not only that, propane autogas is without a double the most viable fuel for fleets who want to reduce emissions and fuel costs without breaking the bank on expensive fueling infrastructure or vehicles. Cleaner air is within our grasp–it’s up to America’s vehicle fleets to get the ball rolling by switching to domestic clean fuel like autogas.

Don’t forget to like Autogas for America on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive daily alternative fuel news and views.

As more U.S. drivers move toward alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles instead of gasoline, several state governments are tackling an important question: how do we pay for transportation infrastructure funded by diminishing gasoline taxes while not punishing those who opt for cleaner transportation?

No one is a fan of raising taxes, whether it’s the gasoline tax or fees for alternative fuel vehicles, but we can no longer depend on the gasoline tax to fund our nation’s transportation needs. On one hand, this is a good thing; it means we’re decreasing our reliance on gasoline for vehicle fuel and increasing our nation’s energy security. On the other hand, the money has to come from somewhere—and it’s becoming increasingly clear that taxing drivers of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles is not the answer. Part of the allure of switching to alternative fuel or purchasing an electric vehicle is the promise of eventual cost-savings, and any move to tax these drivers is sure to be met with resistance.

The state of Virginia, for example, has legislation approaching ratification that would replace the gasoline tax of 17.5 cents per gallon with a 3.5 percent wholesale tax on motor fuels and a $64 annual fee on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles (down from $100 as part of a compromise). While this was meant as a way for clean vehicle drivers to continue contributing to the state’s transportation fund, some criticize the so-called “hybrid tax” as detrimental to adoption of clean fuel vehicles, petitioning the legislature to eliminate the tax from the bill.

Other states struggling to address transportation funding in the new era of alternative fuel and fuel-efficient vehicles include Indiana, Maryland, and New Jersey. In Florida, a group is proposing to tax drivers for every mile they drive in order to make up for an estimated $74 billion shortfall in funding for necessary transportation projects. West Virginia is considering a similar program; however, Minnesota recently tried this and found the tracking technology lacking. Even the federal government is grappling with the question of how to increase funding for important transportation initiatives without raising taxes. However, as an article in Politico recently pointed out:

The most obvious, simple and straightforward solution would be to raise the 18.4-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax, which hasn’t budged since the last time it was raised in 1993. But that’s also the most politically difficult option. As a result, a gas tax increase has become the third rail of transportation policy, sending lawmakers of all political stripes — Democrats as well as Republicans — fleeing.

We are certain to see this issue played out on both the state and national level. Solutions will most likely be a matter of trial and error as part of the growing pains of collectively switching to domestic clean fuel. Luckily for drivers of vehicles that run on affordable American-made fuels like propane autogas, fuel cost savings are significant and, in many cases, immediate. While a $64 fee may negate any savings a driver of an electric-hybrid vehicle sees in a year, autogas vehicle drivers can save thousands annually on fuel costs alone.

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*All images courtesy of East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition.*

The New Year kicked off with good news for alternative fuel fleets: the “fiscal cliff” bill passed by Congress includes the extension of previously expired federal tax credits for alternative fuels and alternative fueling infrastructure. The rebates, which had expired at the end of 2011, have now been extended through 2013 and also made retroactive for the year 2012. Fleets that converted vehicles to clean fuel or installed an alt fuel station last year are in luck, and those that have been thinking about making the switch…read on!

One tax credit allows clean fleets to recoup 50 cents per gge (gasoline gallon equivalent) specifically for the alternative fuels propane autogas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG). The other provides a 30 percent credit on fueling infrastructure for any alternative fuel, on up to $30,000 per facility.

Though propane autogas is already affordable for fleets to implement without federal funding [see our recent post “America’s most cost-effective and practical clean fuel succeeds despite lack of government support”], this is still great news in terms of encouraging the use of domestic alternative fuel in the U.S. transportation sector. Fleets that have already made the transition to clean fuel will recoup enough money to add even more alt fuel vehicles over the next year. For fleet operators that have thought about converting to an alternative fuel but worried about the upfront cost, these tax credits may just be the extra incentive (pardon the pun) they need to take that first step toward greening their vehicles and saving on fuel costs in the long run.

If you’re a fleet operator considering making the switch to alternative fuel in 2013, we encourage you to do your research to decide on the most practical fuel for your fleet. The Alternative Fuel Fact Briefs available on the Autogas for America website provide a side-by-side comparison of propane autogas versus natural gas electric vehicles and gasoline, so you can see how each fuel stacks up in the areas of cost, emissions reduction and overall viability.

Here’s to a greener 2013 for American fleets—happy saving!

The federal government is focusing on achieving higher fuel efficiency vehicle technology by implementing new CAFE standards that will nearly double vehicle fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by the year 2025. While the new standards make exceptions for certain alternative fuel applications, propane autogas vehicles were overlooked. However, there’s already a movement among our nation’s fleets–the small businesses, law enforcement agencies, municipalities and transportation services out there–to adopt this clean, American-made fuel that’s affordable to implement and ready to use, today.

Propane autogas is gaining momentum with American fleets because it’s the most practical and cost-effective clean fuel on the market. Not only can autogas stations be implemented for a fraction of the expense of other alternative fuel infrastructure, they can also be built quickly and at no upfront cost to fleets. Autogas has averaged $1.45 less per gallon than gasoline over the past five years.

Proponents of other alternative fuels lobby the government for support to make their clean fuel technology viable, while thousands of fleet vehicles across the country are already saving money on fuel costs, and achieving a faster ROI, by converting to autogas.

Recent examples of U.S. autogas market growth include:

• multiple Texas school districts switching their buses to propane autogas through CleanFUEL USA, which recently announced more than 37 new or expanded contracts with Texas ISDs for autogas refueling infrastructure equipment.

• the Alliance AutoGas network expanding internationally to give Canadian fleets access to its complete autogas vehicle conversion and refueling program.

• major OEM manufacturer ROUSH CleanTech expanding its presence in America’s automotive capital of Detroit with a new 60,000 square foot facility to support the production of autogas systems for the new Blue Bird Vision school buses. ( CleanFUEL USA recently announced an upgraded new Detroit-area facility, as well.)

• new propane-autogas-powered fleets making headlines every day like the Sandy Springs, Ga., PD; the Lee County Sheriff’s Office; DHL; the City of Springfield, Ill.; and Veolia Transportation, which is converting 300 taxi cabs to autogas nationwide.

• states like Mississippi, which is running several public fleet vehicles on autogas, and Indiana, which is converting hundreds of government fleet vehicles to autogas and implementing 115 autogas stations across the state.

Despite autogas being the most cost-effective, easy-to-implement clean fuel, the popularity and government favoritism of CNG will remain an obstacle. According to a recent report from Pike Research, “even though [CNG] fuel is much more difficult (and more expensive) to handle than autogas, it looks as if CNG will attract the majority of the incentives from many governments around the world.” But whether or not natural gas lobbyists achieve continued favoritism among legislators, propane autogas will always have an advantage as the only practical clean fuel that fleets can already affordably adopt.

The bottom line is, the federal government may be ignoring the most viable alternative fuel on the market, but America’s fleets certainly aren’t.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know how hot it is outside. This season isn’t like the summers of yesteryear either – temperatures across North America and Europe are reaching record highs. These record-breaking heat waves and insufficient rain has lead to drought conditions in many regions of the US, including the Corn Belt. 23 counties in Wisconsin have already been declared disaster areas. Large swaths of staple crops are unusable, including corn and soy beans. Lower crop yields mean higher food prices, obviously a bad thing for all of us.

So how do increasing food prices relate to alternative transportation fuels? Ethanol. As you probably know, the vast majority of ethanol in this country is derived from corn. Since the ethanol blender’s subsidy expired at the end of last year, the industry has taken quite the hit, and ethanol production has been down consistently while prices for ethanol blends have jumped. But really, corn prices have been high for a while, especially as the crop share used for ethanol production has increased. Check out the chart below:

via fastcoexist.com

The debate about whether diverting corn crops to make ethanol instead of animal feedstock (note that corn for ethanol and for human consumption are two different types) is a sustainable practice still rages on. But with ever-warmer seasons, especially summer and fall, is it really wise to rely on biofuels as an economical alternative fuel source? Probably not, especially since there are other fuel alternatives like propane autogas and natural gas that are already saving drivers money.