This year, Governor Bob McDonnell will host “Virginia: Energy Capital of the East Coast — The Governor’s Conference on Energy.”

The Governor’s Conference will be held October 12–14, 2010 at the Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, Virginia.

To Register, and for information on attending, exhibiting or sponsoring, visit

http://www.vsbn.org/GCE2010

The Conference will feature a comprehensive program that will cover every aspect of doing energy business in Virginia; provide the latest information on state and federal regulatory activity; present cutting edge projects; highlight research and development currently underway at Virginia’s universities; and present the insights of business and government leaders about our energy future.

Registration open now! Early registration ends September 17.

At the conference you will:

Hear nationally recognized keynote speakers on October 13–14 and attend conference sessions on topics ranging from “Doing energy business in Virginia,” to “Demand side management programs,” “High efficiency buildings,” “The future of conventional and alternative energy sources,” and “Energy research and development in Virginia universities.”

Attend pre-conference events and tours on Tuesday, October 12, which will highlight such topics as Green building, tools for community sustainability, new transportation initiatives, and alternative energy entrepreneurs.

Attend the Green Job Fair on Wednesday, October 14, hosted by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, who will provide opening remarks.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities

Highlight your company or organization’s commitment to making Virginia the East Coast Energy Capital by sponsoring the conference or special events, exhibiting at the conference, and participating in the Green Job Fair.

Who Will Attend

The 2010 Governor’s Conference on Energy will bring together over 500 participants from the across the Commonwealth and the mid-Atlantic region from sectors that include state and local government, business and industry, facility managers and owners, educators, design and engineering companies, academic institutions, economic development agencies, homebuilders, community organizations, transportation and agriculture, and the military.

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Please join us at the 2010 Virginia Biodiesel Conference.

Event Registration Link

Purpose

Virginia’s biodiesel industry landscape is changing as it is impacted by policy, technology, and the economy.  Through the Virginia Biodiesel Conference, Virginia Clean Cities seeks to convene a broad cross-section of people and organizations working to strengthen Virginia’s biodiesel industry and to promote clean alternative fuels.

Topics of Discussion

• State of the Industry
• Biodiesel Tax Credit
• Quality Control
• Incentives and Funding
• Policy and Best Practices
• Use and Implementation
• Opportunities for Collaboration
• Others as determined by participants

Who Should Attend

• Producers
• Consumers of Biodiesel
• Fleet Managers
• Agricultural and Feedstock Representatives
• Policy-Makers and Representatives
• Academics and Students
• Economists
• Relevant Government Leaders
• Advocacy Organizations
• Interested General Public

Sponsors

Partners

• Virginia Clean Cities
• National Biodiesel Board
  

Tentative Agenda

• 8:30 Setup for Table Exhibitors
• 9:00 Arrival & Registration & Networking & Table Expo
• 9:30 Welcome and Opening
• 10:00 Identifying Breakout Sessions
  Any participant may create a breakout session on a topic of their choice.
• Breakout Sessions
  Each session will have multiple options for small group conversations about specific topics.
  • 11:00 Session 1
  • 12:15 Session 2
  • 1:30 Session 3
• 3:00 Closing Session (Whole Group)
• 3:30 Closing / Networking / Table Expo
• 4:00 Adjourn
  

Logistics

Festival Conference and Student Center – Grand Ball Room
1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg Virginia, 22807 Directions

Parking – More information soon.

Meals – Included in registration.  Vegetarian options included.

Please Register: Event Registration Link

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a diesel fuel replacement produced from feedstock sources such as soybeans, cooking oil, and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100 or “neat”) or blended at any ratio with petroleum diesel to achieve cost efficiency and improve cold weather performance. It is commonly used as B20 – a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel.

Numerous fleets in Virginia have used biodiesel including: Williamsburg-James City County Schools, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Arlington County & Schools, US Army, Gloucester County Schools, Woodfin Oil, Harrisonburg Schools and Transit, James Madison University, Staunton, Waynesboro, the University of Virginia, Chesterfield County, Westmoreland County, Northumberland County, Roanoke Municipal & Schools, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and more.

Biodiesel Production

Virginia 2009 biofuels production report, January 15, 2010 – Based on 2009 year-end data.

What Vehicles Can Use Biodiesel?

Biodiesel can be used in any diesel vehicle without modification*. It is used throughout the world, and in many applications including buses, delivery trucks, waste disposal and recycling trucks, construction and farm equipment, heavy-duty freight hauling, boats and passenger vehicles.

*Because biodiesel is a great solvent, older vehicles need rubber materials replaced.

How Does Biodiesel Perform?

Biodiesel performs similar to traditional diesel, though B100 may result in a minimal power loss and a slight reduction in fuel economy due to its lesser energy content than petroleum diesel. B20 is the most popular blend, and users report no or minimal difference in fuel economy from petroleum diesel. ASTM International has reviewed biodiesel performance and issued a final specification for what qualifies as quality biodiesel (users should be sure that any fuel they purchase meets ASTM D6751). Because biodiesel acts as a lubricant, it reduces wear and tear on the engine, and can reduce maintenance costs and extend engine life. Biodiesel remains blended with petroleum diesel so it can be easily stored and dispensed in existing facilities. Biodiesel thickens more than diesel fuel in cold weather and special systems or minor modifications are required for use of B100. Vehicles produced prior to 1993 should have rubber seals in fuel pumps and fuel systems replaced with non-rubber (Viton) seals.

What Are the Benefits of Using Biodiesel?

The production of biodiesel has a 1 to 3.2 energy balance ratio. In other words, for every 1 unit of energy that goes into producing biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy are produced. Biodiesel also results in significantly lower emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, toxic contaminants, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, visible smoke and noxious odors than petroleum diesel. Depending on the feed source, biodiesel can result in a 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over the entire production process.

Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable and therefore does not pose a threat to water and soil resources if B100 is spilled. Producing biodiesel from restaurant oil or animal processing wastes recycles potential waste material that may otherwise go to a landfill.  Additionally, biodiesel is one of the safest fuels to use, handle, and store because it has a higher flash point (300º F) than petroleum diesel. Significant benefits of biodiesel include reducing dependence on foreign oil and providing alternative markets for farmers.

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Harrisonburg
Students, policy makers, media, VCC stakeholders, manufacturers, fuel suppliers, and interested citizens from all around the Commonwealth will be invited to join us here at JMU for a full day to learn about alternative fuel vehicles. This will be a great opportunity to be part of a nation-wide effort to add momentum to the alternative vehicle landscape.

Shenandoah Valley Alternate Fuel Odyssey Day
2pm on October 15
Memorial Hall  -  395 S. High Street, Harrisonburg Virginia

Draft Shenandoah Valley AFV Odyssey agenda:  DRAFT JMU Agenda

The JMU event is sponsored by :

Sponsorship entitles your organization the valuable opportunity to showcase your ideas, products, and efforts to people from all corners of the Commonwealth. Please consider the following sponsorship levels and benefits. – JMU Odyssey Day 2010 Sponsorship Document

To sponsor at the JMU event, please contact Ryan Cornet: rcornett@hrccc.org or (540) 568-5586.

Hampton Roads
To sponsor at the Hampton Roads event event, please contact Kevin Finder: kfinder@hrccc.org

This Hampton Roads event is sponsored by :

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Call for Proposals

Background:

Virginia Clean Cities is a statewide non-profit whose mission is to increase the use of cleaner domestic fuels, vehicles, and energy saving transportation technologies in order to improve air quality and health, reduce climate change, curb dependence on imported petroleum, and support Virginia’s economy.

The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program (SEADP) is an existing Virginia Clean Cities project that is partially funded by a Department of Energy Clean Cities American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. The grant was awarded to the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME), and Virginia Clean Cities at James Madison University is the Principle Investigator. As a stipulation of this grant, a “total chain” of vendors must be used. For this project, this chain is comprised of the PRINS/American Alternative Fuels conversion kit, Alliance AutoGas Fueling contract either by Blossman Gas or other Alliance Autogas Partner, and specific conversion centers based on your area.

This special funding opportunity is available due to changes in scope or eligibility of existing partners. A summary of the project may be found at www.usepropaneautogas.com. Both public and private entities may participate in this program.

Mandatory Requirements for Supplemental SPADP participants:

• Fleet vehicles must have current EPA Certifications for propane operation. Current list may be found at http://allianceautogas.com/index.php/fleet-customers
• Entity must be doing business in good standing within the state of Virginia Entity must be clear of any liens or impending judgments
• Project must be within the boundaries of the state of Virginia.
• Vehicles must operate majority of time within Virginia.
• Minimum match of 100%, or minimum per vehicle value of $5,8001
• Fleet must have space for adequate fueling infrastructure, preferably public access
• Conversions must be completed by the beginning of January 2011
• Conversions must occur at certified conversion centers and fleets must work with VCC and certified conversion center to schedule conversions.

Type  of  Award  Instrument:
Virginia  Clean  Cities  at  James  Madison  University  anticipates  awarding  grants  under  this  program   announcement  to  cover  reimbursement  to  fleets  for  labor  to  complete  conversions.  Equipment  will   be  purchased  directly  from  manufacturer  by  Virginia  Clean  Cities  at  James  Madison  University.

Estimated  Funding:

The  funding  profile  consists  of  approximately  $314,925  or  funding  to  cover  the  conversion of  up  to  221  eligible  vehicles  with  a  minimum  of  five  vehicles  per  fleet.

Period  of  Performance: September  15,  2010-December  9,  2013

Selection  Criteria:

Petroleum  Displacement  Potential  (30%)

• Annual fuel use per year by fleet and per vehicle proposed
• Commitment to use propane autogas at least 85% of the time throughout the project period
• Amount of annual and total project (4 years) petroleum displacement per federal dollar
• Estimated % of time that propane is used
• Age  of  fleet,  rotation  schedule  of  fleet  (preference  given  to  newer  vehicles)
• Vehicles  are  currently  in  possession  and  operational

Ability  to  Begin  Project  Quickly  (30%)

• Ability  to  turn  signed  sub-­‐agreements  around  quickly
• Fleet  possession  of  vehicles  eligible  for  conversion  with  existing  EPA  certifications
• Proposed  timeframe  for  project,  how  quickly  conversions  can  be  completed

Administrative  Capability  (20%)

• Stability  of  general  business  model  and  company/organization  history
• Ability  to  provide  accurate  fuel,  mileage,  and  maintenance  reports/fuel  tracking  systems  in   place  (i.e.  FuelMaster)
• Ability  to  report  on-­‐time  throughout  project  period,  typically  quarterly
• Commitment  from  fleet  to  become  a  VCC  stakeholder
• Past  Experience  in  Managing  or  Participating  in  Federally-­‐Funded  Projects

Leverage  Potential  (20%)

• Fleet  visibility  to  public
• Ability  to  provide  a  fueling  location  that  allows  public  access

Instructions  for  Project  Narrative  File:

The  project  narrative  must  not  exceed  5  pages,  including  cover  page,  table  of  contents,  charts  graphs,   maps,  photographs  and  other  pictorial  presentations  when  printed  using standard 8.5″ by 11″ with  1  inch  margins,  and  single  spaces.  EVALUATORS  WILL  REVIEW  ONLY  THE  NUMBER  OF  PAGES   SPECIFIED  IN  THE  PRECEDING  SENTENCE.  The  font  must  not  be  smaller  than  11  point.  Do  not  include   any  internet  addresses  (URLs)  that  provide  information  necessary  to  review  the  application.

The  project  narrative  must  include:

• Project  Objectives:  This  section  should  provide  a  clear,  concise  statement  of  the  specified   objectives/aims  of  the  proposed  project.
• Selection  Criterion  Discussion:  This  section  should  be  formatted  to  address  each  of  the   selection  criterion  listed  above.  VCC  at  JMU  WILL  EVALUATE  AND  CONSIDER  ONLY  THOSE   APPLICATIONS  THAT  ADDRESS  SEPARATELY  EACH  OF  THE  SELCTION  CRITERIA.
• Roles  of  Participants  and  Principle  Investigators:  This  section  should  describe  the  roles  and  the   work  to  be  performed  by  each  participant/investigator  and  how  the  various  efforts  will  be   integrated  and  managed.
• Facilities  and  other  resources:  Identify  the  facilities  and  resources  that  are  directly  applicable   to  the  proposed  work.

Proposals  are due  August  27, UPDATE: DUE September 30, 2010 and  may  be  emailed  or  postal  mailed  to  the  following address:

• First, the parts and labor associated with converting each vehicle cost around $5,300.00 less any applicable tax credits – this is extremely cost-effective when compared to other conversion systems and especially when compared to the cost of purchasing new alternative fuel vehicles.
• Second, propane costs less per gallon than gasoline, and its cost is far less volatile. In other words, fleets save on fuel costs and can expect more accurate budgeting and forecasting.
• Third, propane is a cleaner, higher-octane fuel. This means less frequent oil changes and a generally longer engine life, so fleets save on upkeep and maintenance costs as well as on costs associated with vehicle downtime.

Environmental Benefits

Propane produces less greenhouse gas emissions and smog-producing hydrocarbons than gasoline. Converting a conventional gasoline vehicle to a propane AutoGas Hybrid using the Prins VSI system results in:

• 28% reduction in Carbon Monoxide
• 35.6% reduction in Hydrocarbons
• 3.7% reduction in NOx
• 16% reduction in Carbon Dioxide

Propane is non-toxic and insoluble in water, unlike gasoline, diesel, methanol and ethanol. In the event that a rare accidental leak should occur, propane would dissipate into the atmosphere with no harmful contaminants released into the air, soil or water. Our conversion system is EPA Certified for numerous commonly-used fleet vehicle makes and models.

Domestically Produced

90% of the propane used in the U.S. is produced domestically. 7% is imported from Canada and Mexico. The majority of the propane produced here in the U.S. is a byproduct of natural gas refining. This means that the gasoline gallons displaced by our fleet customers directly translate into lowered dependence on foreign oil.

Alliance AutoGas is ready to meet today’s transportation fueling challenges more cleanly and efficiently than virtually any other fuel available. There are many ancillary benefits when a fleet converts to AutoGas – from public awareness to providing one more alternative fuel station to the already strong nationwide fueling infrastructure. Each vehicle is another definitive step toward a fuel that is independent from environmental impact and foreign production.

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DEQ Posting:  http://www.deq.virginia.gov/export/sites/default/news/docs/Biodiesel_RFP_FINAL.pdf

The goal for the Virginia Biodiesel Buy Down Grant Fund is to reduce diesel emissions in the Commonwealth of Virginia through biodiesel use. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $150,000. MARAMA anticipates awarding up to 4 assistance agreements from this announcement, subject to availability of funds and the quality of proposals received. MARAMA reserves the right to partially fund proposals by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. Awards are expected to range in value from approximately from $25,000 to $150,000.
Awards are intended to be applied toward the incremental cost of using a biodiesel blend of two percent or higher over regular diesel. Only the incremental cost of biodiesel blends can be subsidized. Grant funds cannot be used towards the purchase of petroleum diesel. Grant funds may be used to cover the costs of an initial fuel filter change for vehicles previously using petroleum diesel fuel, if such fuel filter change is necessary in order to use the biodiesel.

Eligible Entities
Proposals will be accepted only for Virginia Commonwealth Government fleets operating in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Grant funds must be expended no later than August 31, 2011.

Funding Limits
Funding is available to subsidize the incremental cost of using a biodiesel blend over regular diesel up to the actual incremental cost between the specified biodiesel blend and petroleum diesel. Funds may be used to purchase the initial fuel filters needed to accommodate the introduction of biodiesel. Each project that is selected will have a maximum amount of funds available for offsetting the incremental cost of the biodiesel.

Submittal of Proposals
If your fleet organization is interested in being considered, please submit the information listed below to MARAMA by 5:00 p.m. EST September 7, 2010. One electronic copy of the complete proposal must be submitted. (MARAMA uses Word, Word Perfect, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Reader, so electronic copies must use these programs.) Submit electronic copies to sstephenson@marama.org. It is suggested that one paper copy also be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST September 7, 2010 to Susan S. Stephenson, Senior Policy Analyst, MARAMA, 8600 LaSalle Road, Suite 636, Towson, MD 21286.

Requirements
In addition to including the content outlined below, proposals are required to show compliance with the following:
• Biodiesel must be ASTM D6751 certified biodiesel blended at a two percent (98 percent petroleum diesel) or higher blend level.
• Proposals must include 3 quotes from fuel distributors showing the incremental cost of biodiesel blend as compared to ULSD/petroleum diesel.

Proposal Content and Format

Proposals should be limited to 4 pages, with 12-point font size with a margin of 1” on all four sides, and should address the following:

PROGRAM TITLE • Agency and Project Leader Contact Information: • CCR Number: • DUNS Number: • Narrative Project Description: • Timeline: • Location Where Fleet Operates: • Vehicle/Equipment Information: • Biodiesel Incremental Cost Quote 1*: • Biodiesel Incremental Cost Quote 2*: • Biodiesel Incremental Cost Quote 3*: • Anticipated Cost of New Fuel Filters: • Total Grant Funding Request: • Incremental Grant Funding Request if Sufficient Funds are not Available to Fully Fund Initial Request: • Cost Share Contribution (if not requesting 100 percent of incremental cost or cost of new fuel filters): • Estimated Diesel Emissions Reductions and Cost Effectiveness: (please use EPA’s Emissions Quantifier http://cfpub.epa.gov/quantifier/view/index.cfm) • Past Experience in Administering or Participating in an EPA funded Project:

Evaluation Criteria
␣ Amount of Emission Reductions and Cost Effectiveness 40%

␣ Clearly Defined, Timely Project Meeting Requirements of this Notice 30%

␣ Proposer’s Capability, Past Experience & Performance 25%

␣ MBE/WBE 5%

Review and Selection Process
Proposals will first be evaluated against the threshold factors listed under “Eligible Entities” and “Requirements,” above. Only those proposals which meet all of the threshold factors will be evaluated using the evaluation criteria listed above by a MARAMA evaluation team. Each proposal will be given a numerical score and will be rank-ordered according to the numerical score. Preliminary funding recommendations will be provided to the Executive Director based on this ranking.

Other Factors
Final funding decisions will be made by the Executive Director based on the rankings and preliminary recommendation of the evaluation team. In making the final funding decisions, the Executive Director may also consider the total amount of funds available and the amount of total and incremental funds requested for various projects.
Questions

Any questions about this RFP should be sent in writing via e-mail to Susan Stephenson at sstephenson@marama.org. Questions and answers will be posted on MARAMA’s web site at www.marama.org under “Contracts – RFPs.” No further questions or answers will be posted after September 2, 2010.

Following evaluation of proposals, all applicants will be notified regarding their status. MARAMA anticipates notices will be distributed via e-mail by October 7, 2010.

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Virginia Beach, VA – Drivers of Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) lined up for 2 hours this afternoon to get $0.85/gallon E85 thanks to Virginia Clean Cities and the Department of Energy. Navy Exchange (NEX) Norfolk, VA., held the grand opening ceremony of its E85 alternative fuel facility today. With this grand opening, there are four public access E85 stations in Virginia; three of those operated by the NEX.

“The opening of this facility is an important initiative and is in alignment with with the government’s goal to reduce petroleum consumption through improvements in fleet fuel efficiencies and the use of alternative fuels,” said Michael Good, NEXCOM Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. “This facility provides the needed access to E85 fuel for the Navy’s fleet of flex fuel vehicles as well as to other federal, state and city government flex fuel fleets, and the general public.”

NEXCOM awarded a public private venture contract in April 2008 to Protec Fuels for the infrastructure development and supply of the ethanol-based alternative fuel, E85. E85 is comprised of 85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline. It burns cleaner and reduces hydrocarbon emissions, and will soon be produced in Virginia.

“The U.S. Navy is a leader in the use of alternative fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel and operates the largest fleet of flex fuel vehicles in the state of Virginia,” said Larry Boone, NEXCOM’s Automotive Program Manager. Mr. Boone has worked diligently to help contribute to the ambitious goals the Navy has with respect to petroleum displacement and alternative fuels by making alternative fuels available to military personnel, as well as the public. “We are proud to offer E85 as a preferred choice of energy to drive our country, improve our environment and reduce our country’s dependency on petroleum.”

Virginia Clean Cities and the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, through a Department of Energy grant, provided support to Protec Fuels to assist with the development of the Navy Exchange Norfolk E85 fueling site. “As a resident of Hampton Roads, it was truly invigorating to see the variety of privately-owned flex fuel vehicles lined up to fill up with E85. We have been thrilled to have this partnership with NEXCOM and Protec, and are looking forward to ensuring that these alternative fuel infrastructure investments pay off,” said Chelsea Jenkins, Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities.

To learn more about E85, please visit http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ethanol/index.html.

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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Showcases Propane Autogas Vehicle Conversion Program as Part of Obama Administration’s ‘Recovery Summer’

Secretary Vilsack participated in an event highlighting progress on the largest U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Recovery Act alternative fuel project, the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program

July 15, 2010 – Harrisonburg, Virginia – Today Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack attended a media event and facility tour of Baker Equipment in Richmond, Virginia, to celebrate the first vehicle converted under the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program, a large-scale project that will convert vehicles from conventional gasoline to propane Autogas as part of an $8.6 million Recovery Act grant. An estimated 21 green jobs will be created for every $1 million expended in the project, and 47 administrative, manufacturing, distribution and technician jobs have been directly created to-date.

Administered by Virginia Clean Cities at James Madison University, the project will put more alternative fueled vehicles on the road than any other Department of Energy Clean Cities Recovery Act program. Nearly 1,200 vehicles will be converted to run on propane Autogas and 25 propane Autogas refueling stations will be built along major routes in nine southeast states. The Recovery Act funds are creating jobs across the nation to build a stronger future economy.

“The work happening here at Baker Equipment is a great example of the impact the Recovery Act dollars are having in cities and towns across the country, putting people to work and helping make rapid advances in emerging industries like clean energy,” says Secretary Vilsack.

The vehicles converted under the grant, which was awarded to the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, will displace an estimated 15.7 million gallons of gasoline and eliminate more than 16,000 tons of airborne pollutants over the four-year funding period of the project.

“On behalf of the project partners, we are honored to have Secretary Vilsack’s participation at this event and his support of the program,” says Chelsea Jenkins, executive director of Virginia Clean Cities and recipient of the 2009 Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year award. “As the Secretary said, the Recovery Act funds are challenging us all to create new opportunities and reinvent the way we think about energy. We are enthusiastic to track our progress and illustrate the tremendous potential of advanced propane Autogas technology which can reduce our dependence on imported oil and create hundreds of green jobs.”

Skip Baker, president of Baker Equipment, a program partner and host of the event says, “Baker Equipment has a long-standing history as a leader in the integration of alternative fuel vehicle technology. Each car converted under this program represents job creation and a step toward energy independence, and we are pleased to participate in this project.”

Alliance AutoGas, a national clean fuel coalition founded by Blossman Gas and American Alternative Fuel, will coordinate the vehicle conversions and fueling. Alliance AutoGas President Stuart Weidie says, “It is exciting to be a part of such a significant project that will begin to redefine fueling in the Southeast. Propane Autogas is a clean alternative fuel with a strong network of fueling stations in the U.S., and it is available right now to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

“We are looking to forward to completing all the vehicle conversions in the next six months,” says Matt Sgambeterra, president of American Alternative Fuel. “Although this is an ambitious timeframe, we’re eager to get these propane Autogas vehicles on the road and start tracking the success of the project.”

About the Program

The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program is supported by funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program. The program is managed and administered by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and Virginia Clean Cities at James Madison University. The project includes partnerships throughout the southeast – from Maryland to Florida to Louisiana – including public and private fleet organizations, non-profits, government stakeholders, and several major alternative energy and manufacturing companies in the alternative fuel market. Visit www.usepropaneautogas.com to learn more about the program and its partners.

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July 14, 2010

9-12

VCU Admin Building

1050 Oliver Hill Way, Richmond Virginia 23298

Parking may be limited so please plan accordingly or use the call in number.

http://www.maps.vcu.edu/mcv/physicalplantadmin/index.html

Mapquest link

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Richmond&state=VA&address=1050+Oliver+Hill+Way&zipcode=23298-5074&country=US&latitude=37.542559&longitude=-77.424265&geocode=ADDRESS

Presentations:

1 Get Ready Presentation

2 Nissan PGR OEM July Presentation

3 GM PGR OEM July presentation

4 FORD PGR presentation (Removed per Ford request)

At this meeting we will hear from Rocky Mountain Institute Project Get Ready – Ben Holland, we will learn more about our four working groups and group leadership, for Standards & Readiness, Education & Outreach, Incentives, and Sites & Installation.   We will have an opportunity to hear from several vehicle manufacturers including General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Nissan.  And we will break into groups to discuss key questions and tasks for each group.

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“Electric cars will be an important means of transportation in the decades ahead, and they will play a role in helping to reduce our demand for foreign sources of energy.” Said Governor McDonnell. “We need to be prepared to integrate these vehicles into our existing transportation system as soon as it is feasible. Under the leadership of Sean Connaughton, my Secretary of Transportation, we are coordinating this effort among private and public entities. I am committed to having Virginia state government lead the way and the Secretary will be looking for every opportunity to transition existing state vehicles to electric power, and introduce new electric vehicles, at the appropriate times. The easier we make it for electric cars to operate in the Commonwealth, the more we will encourage private citizens and businesses, and local governments and agencies, to purchase these vehicles.”

In addition to Virginia’s established electric and nuclear infrastructure, the Commonwealth is home to companies that build high capacity electric vehicle chargers, produce electric motors, convert vehicles, and produce batteries.  Virginia companies have installed charging systems and converted and operated plug-in cars and trucks, and eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and Electric Ford Focus as well as units from smaller manufacturers.  Northern Virginia is connected with the Department of Energy funded ChargePoint America charger deployment program in DC, and Charlottesville Virginia is involved in a robust smart grid program.  Even before the US release of electric vehicles late this year from major manufacturers, Virginia fleets currently have 35 electric vehicles through conversions and purchases from niche manufacturers.  Virginia already has one free access charging station available at the New Kent rest stop on Interstate 64.

“Electric cars are here, and this effort will help enable and better prepare Virginia fleets and consumers to purchase these advanced technology and low emissions vehicles if they choose,” said Chelsea Jenkins, Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities.  “This collaborative effort positions Virginia for real success in transitioning to cleaner domestic sources of energy.”

The Virginia “Get Ready” plan will be refined in the coming months.  Government representation in the effort includes the Virginia Secretary of Transportation, the state Department of Mines Minerals and Energy, the Department of General Services, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, the US Department of Energy and Clean Cities program, Virginia Clean Cities, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield , James Madison University, and the University of Virginia.

Utility representation includes Dominion Power and Old Dominion Electric Cooperative. Civic involvement includes Electric Vehicle Association of Washington DC, Richmond STIR, the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, and Virginia Clean Cities. Business representation includes Nissan, Ford, Smith Electric Vehicles, the Advanced Vehicle Research Center, Richmond Segway, Evatran, Plugless Power, Aker Wade, Kollmorgen, Coulomb, and Encell.

Based on likely adoption predictions, infrastructure and vehicle efforts will be initially targeted for the specific regions of Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, Richmond, and Hampton Roads.

For more information about the Virginia electrification effort, please visit:

http://hrccc.org/get-ready/

Or for other press releases:

Governor McDonnell Announces Collaborative Effort to Prepare Commonwealth for Electric Cars– Virginia.gov – June 16, 2010

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=207  

Virginia Fleets to Boost Electric Vehicle Use- Government Fleet- June 20, 2010

http://www.government-fleet.com/Channel/Green-Fleet/News/Story/2010/06/Virginia-Fleets-to-Boost-Electric-Vehicle-Use.aspx

Va effort aims to increase electric vehicle use- Associated Press- June 16, 2010

http://www.dailypress.com/news/virginia/dp-va–electricvehicles0616jun16,0,202622.story

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