Continue reading »]]> The City of Richmond is now accepting bids as part of it’s commitment to convert a portion of the City’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) vehicle fleets to compressed natural gas (CNG). The city is requesting bids from qualified providers to supply fuel through a public fueling facility.

View the invitation here

Continue reading »]]>

“We are enthusiastic about the Commonwealth’s commitment to cleaner domestic fuels and applaud the acceleration of this process through a portion of the Governor’s legislative package.” Said Alleyn Harned, Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities “Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds are used throughout the country to assist alternate fuel vehicle projects, and using a portion of those funds for an Alternate Fuel Vehicle Conversion fund could be one more good tool for Virginians.”

“The Governor has been an advocate for traditional fuels as well as developing and transitioning to cleaner, often cheaper domestic alternatives, and we are glad to see that continue with components in this legislative package.”

The purpose of Virginia Clean Cities (VCC) is to assist in the improvement of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s air quality, increase U.S. national energy security, and promote economic opportunity in Virginia, primarily by promoting and facilitating increased use of alternative fuels and vehicles. VCC is part of a network of almost 90 coalitions that operate under the umbrella of and derive guidance from the US Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program.

VCC provides a forum for members to leverage resources, develop joint projects, collaborate on public policy issues, and promote petroleum displacement and clean air technologies in Virginia and the greater mid-atlantic and southeast regions. VCC has extensive experience in building and facilitating public/private stakeholder coalitions, conducting technical education and outreach initiatives, and managing alternative fuel deployment programs.

Link to Governor’s Release: http://governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=1073

Continue reading »]]> Tuesday December 6, 2011 – Tuesday December 6, 2011

University of Richmond
Jepson Alumni Center
Quigg Room
101 College Road
University of Richmond, VA 23173

Map and Directions | Register

Description:

Learn How Propane Autogas Can Help Your Fleet

Join representatives from ROUSH CleanTech, Virginia Clean Cities, Propane Education and Research Council, and Phillips Energy to learn about the benefits of switching your fleet to propane autogas. Presentations will be given by the following:

Virginia Clean Cities, Alleyn Harned, Executive Director
Propane Education and Research Council, Greg Zilberfarb, Consultant
ROUSH CleanTech, Todd Mouw, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Phillips Energy, John Phillips, President & CEO
This free luncheon and ride & drive will be held on Tuesday, December 6 from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the University of Richmond.

Tuesday, December 6 2011
11:00am – 1:00pm
University of Richmond
Jepson Alumni Center
Quigg Room
101 College Rd.
Richmond, VA 23173

Register

Continue reading »]]> CONTACT: Amber Thurlo Pearson

(573) 268-6853, amber@protecfuel.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Airport BP Offers E85 to Holiday Travelers in VA’s Tidewater Area

Airport travelers, drivers can feel warm and fuzzy about their holiday AND fuel

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Airport patrons picking up a flex-fuel rental vehicle, as well as those FFV drivers retreating to the beautiful Tidewater, Va., area this week can now fill up with E85 at Airport BP. Airport BP, a full-service auto repair center and convenience store near Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport, started selling E85 ethanol this month. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. By opening an E85 station with partner Protec Fuel, Airport BP, open in Newport News since 1977, helps reduce emissions, lower our dependence on foreign oil and spur domestic economic growth.

Protec Fuel, based in Florida, has partnered with Airport BP to provide fuel for the company’s new greener burning fuel option and assist with its fuel launch.

“We’ve been open since 1977, but our business is diversified and keeps evolving,” said Airport BP owner Pete Finkenauer. “The natural evolution for us, being in a beautiful coastal region, is offering the consumer an alternative fuel that can help protect our environment. I pursued E85 myself, as it supports American farmers and keeps more money here in the U.S.,” he said.

“We are happy to expand our Virginia service,” said Todd Garner, CEO of Protec Fuel. “Mr. Finkenauer values giving choice to his customers, as well as lessening his company’s impact on the environment,” he said. “His location near the airport will hopefully catch the attention of travelers and car rental companies with flex-fuel vehicles.”

There are more E85-fueled vehicles than any other alternate fuel vehicle in tracked fleets in Virginia. This makes Virginia’s ninth public E85 station. Protec contributed to four of these projects.

“We are very excited to see continual growth of cleaner domestic ethanol stations in Virginia,” said Alleyn Harned, Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities. “With hundreds of thousands of Flex Fuel vehicles in Virginia, E85 at stations like Airport BP are great way for fleets and individuals to use a cleaner domestic option.” Virginia Clean Cities is a local nonprofit clean air and domestic fuel advancement program based in Harrisonburg, Va. Additional information can be found at vacleancities.org.

Besides its environmental and energy security benefits, E85 also sells for less than conventional gasoline in this market.

Airport BP is a service station offering both self and full service fill-ups and a complete auto repair center, and it also has attendants on hand seven days a week to assist with handicapped and propane service.

Airport BP:

12256 Jefferson Ave.

Newport News, VA 23602

757-249-3643

www.airportbp.com

Continue reading »]]> Chelsea Jenkins joins expanding outside sales force of alternative fuel vehicle company

LIVONIA, MICH. (October 25, 2011) — ROUSH CleanTech, the industry leader in propane autogas vehicle technology, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Chelsea Jenkins as eastern region fleet sales manager. Based in Virginia Beach, Va., Jenkins will work with East Coast-based public fleets, propane companies, and school districts to market ROUSH CleanTech’s liquid propane autogas technology and educate companies about the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles.

“Due to the increased interest in our fleet vehicles fueled by propane autogas, we are fortunate to have hired Chelsea to increase the scope of our team and expand our company’s exposure in the East,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “Chelsea’s experience in managing large-scale and diverse alternative fuel deployment programs will benefit fleets needing assistance in developing their roll-out plans.”

Before joining the ROUSH CleanTech team, Jenkins served for two years as the Virginia Clean Cities executive director and as program coordinator for four years. She helped grow the Virginia Clean Cities project portfolio from over $1 million in total petroleum displacement projects primarily focused in Virginia to over $20 million in total alternative fuel and vehicle projects covering the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Jenkins, a recipient of the 2009 Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year award, was inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Prior to working for Virginia Clean Cities, Jenkins helped establish Valley AIRNow, the air quality outreach program for Winchester and Frederick counties in Virginia. Before a biodiesel project in Malta started her career in alternative fuels, she worked in several nondestructive evaluation laboratories, including NASA’s Langley Research Center.

“I am thrilled to join such a motivated and talented sales and marketing team at ROUSH CleanTech,” Jenkins said. “I’m especially looking forward to applying the skills and expertise I have gained throughout my incredible years with Virginia Clean Cities to partner with organizations along the East Coast on seamless integration of propane autogas into their fleets.”

Jenkins is a graduate of James Madison University’s Integrated Science and Technology Program with a triple concentration in energy, environment and transportation.

About ROUSH CleanTech: Based in Michigan, ROUSH CleanTech offers dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium-duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250 and F-350 pickup truck series; the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab truck series; the E-150, E-250 and E-350 van and wagon series; the E-350 and E-450 cutaway van series; and the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision. Currently offered through authorized Ford dealerships around the country, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Customers can reduce operating costs significantly while reducing vehicle emissions. Complete details on ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas offerings can be found online at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.

# # #

Continue reading »]]> 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:

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 Fueling Station Locator, Vehicle Searches, Incentives and Laws Search, and Publications Search.

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.

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

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.

DOE’s Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Information
The following DOE websites provide information about EPAct regulatory activities:
a. EPAct Transportation Regulatory Activities: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/index.html
This website provides information on vehicle and fuel use requirements for state government and alternative fuel provider 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.

DOE National Laboratories
The DOE national labs perform research, implement programs, and publish documents related to alternative fuels and advanced 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.

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.

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/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm
b. Renewable Fuels Standard: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/index.htm
c. Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation “511” Program: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/reports.htm

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.

State and Local 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.

Continue reading »]]> Ford’s Power of Choice tour will be rolling through Roanoke in partnership with Virginia Clean Cities to highlight Ford’s fuel efficient lineup and the new electrified vehicles that will be available in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013.

CONTACT:               David Bass
804-677-8270
david@alliancegroupltd.com

WHO: Pete Hardigan, Ford’s Manager of Environmental Policy
Alleyn Harned, Virginia Clean Cities Program Coordinator
Beverly Fitzpatrick, Jr., Executive Director, VA Trans. Museum
WHAT: Power of Choice Vehicle and Technology Tour

WHERE: Roanoke Civic Center
710 Williamson Road
Roanoke, VA 24016

WHEN: Wednesday, September 7, 2011 11:00-2:00

VEHICLE DISPLAY SHOWCASING:
Focus Electric
Transit Connect Electric
Fiesta
MKS with EcoBoost
Fusion Hybrid

Continue reading »]]> As an organization, we follow the Ghandi maxim: “Be the Change.” Personally, it has been the driving force behind my passion and dedication to changing the way people think about transportation. Over my 6 years with Virginia Clean Cities, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of incredible people that understand the energy challenges we face, the significance of transportation in the energy conversation and that a business as usual approach isn’t going to work. Many of those people are you, our dedicated stakeholder partners and members.

Thus my decision to move on to tackle a new challenge as Eastern Region Fleet Sales Manager for ROUSH CleanTech is bittersweet. You have provided me with so many “ah hah” moments, have introduced so much joy into my life and have fueled me on days when I’m running on fumes. Your partnership and engagement has pushed me and our coalition to continue evolving and striving for success.

While we spend nearly a million dollars a minute importing oil, Virginia stands as a leader in exploring and utilizing domestic fuels. Together, we displaced more than 7 million gallons of oil in Virginia last year, avoiding more than 40,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Together, we have accomplished unprecedented results in AFV deployment in recent years, and continue to push for even greater success. And together, we are laying the foundation for the new energy economy.

In closing, as I was reflecting on what Clean Cities has meant to me, it is impossible for me to summarize in a couple short paragraphs. I’m humbled by how much I’ve been blessed with professionally and as a human being. The friendships I’ve gained, insight and knowledge I’ve been exposed to and the cooperative understanding that what we are doing is much bigger than ourselves I’ve observed is astonishing.

Transformation requires stepping outside of our comfort zone, finding new ways to see and communicate, getting our hands dirty and believing we can change anything. I am confident that with the help of you, VCC will continue to transform the way people think about our transportation system and will be a key facilitator of that conversation. I look forward to participating and supporting the coalition in my new role.

Thank you for all that you have given me and all that you will continue to give VCC!

Be the Change,

Chelsea Jenkins
Executive Director

Executive Director Job Open for Search Thru October 1, 2011.

Full Job Description: Job Description

Link to Job Post: JMU Joblink

Instructions: Click on “View/Apply for Administrative and Professional Faculty Positions” and find “Virginia Clean Cities Executive Director.”

Continue reading »]]> Monday October 17, 2011 – Wednesday October 19, 2011

Richmond Convention Center 403 North Third Street Richmond, VA 23219

Map and Directions | Register

Description:

Virginia’s Governor, Robert F. McDonnell, invites private and public sector leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers to talk about what it will take to develop all of our domestic energy resources to meet our nation’s demand for abundant, reliable and affordable energy for the future.? This event is hosted by Virginia Chamber of Commerce and co-hosted by Virginia Alternative & Renewable Energy Association and the Virginia Sustainable Building Network.

Register