Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) will manage the project and provide training for regional Clean Cities organizations such as Denver Metro Clean Cities, Garfield Clean Energy in Garfield County, Northern Colorado Clean Cities in Fort Collins and Southern Colorado Clean Cities in Colorado Springs. These local organizations will enlist fleets to participate in the Refuel Colorado Fleets project, which will encompass at least seven communities across Colorado. Once the communities are selected, the trained energy coaches from Clean Cities will work with local government and business fleets to help them with purchasing alternative fuel vehicles and improving fleet efficiency.

“Helping local communities make more widespread use of alternative vehicle fuel technologies also helps drive economic development,” said Alice Laird, executive director of CLEER. “This project will help Colorado speed up our transition to domestic vehicle fuels, building business and jobs.”

The $225,000 Refuel Colorado Fleets project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and does not include funds for fueling stations, charging stations or alternative fuel vehicles.The Colorado Energy Office also plans to provide public information through web tools, support stakeholder initiatives to remove barriers to alternative fuel adoption, and incorporate alternative fuel vehicles in the state fleet.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

“By using American-made clean fuels for transportation, we can reduce the supply disruption and price volatility that come with reliance on foreign oil,” says Stuart Weidie, founder of Autogas for America and president of Alliance AutoGas. “Improving national security and stabilizing the cost of transportation is a critical next step for America’s growth. Propane autogas is a proven fuel that can help to meet our country’s transportation needs. It’s American made, cost $1.50 less per gallon than gasoline, and it’s immensely practical for America’s transportation sector–all while reducing harmful emissions by 30 percent compared to gasoline.”

Check out the full video below, and be sure to visit the Alliance AutoGas YouTube channel to learn more about propane autogas for fleets.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

According to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), around 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled every year in the U.S. from refueling landscape equipment. Not only that, gasoline-powered mowers account for an estimated five percent of U.S. air pollution. Refueling with propane is a spill-free, zero-emissions process, and propane-powered mowers reduce emissions by up to 30 percent. Propane mowers are so green they can even be used on “ozone action” days when other mowers are out of commission!

Commercial mowers can use over a thousand gallons of fuel a year, so at a savings of around $2 per gallon compared to gasoline, switching to propane is a smart choice. And because mowing season also means that summer is right around the corner, propane-powered fleets and landscapers also avoid the annual summer gasoline price spike. Propane mowers also have longer operating times between fueling compared to traditional gasoline mowers, with no loss of cutting power.

Visit the Propane Education and Research Council’s autogas website for more information on propane mowers, including incentive opportunities.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

Sun Ray was the first business in the Columbus area to invest in more eco-friendly dry cleaning methods, and now it’s the first dry cleaners locally to operate autogas vehicles. The new autogas vans will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants, they will help reduce the fleet’s fuel costs as well.

Alliance AutoGas provides fleets everything they need to launch and maintain a successful propane autogas program, from vehicle conversions and on-site fuel station installation, to staff safety training, ongoing technical support and a reliable year-round fuel supply. Sun Ray Dry Cleaners joins many other fleets in Georgia that have switched to autogas through the Alliance program, such as the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, which has converted more than 30 patrol cruisers to propane autogas.

Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, powering 18 million vehicles globally. Autogas is more affordable than gasoline, produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 98 percent of the U.S. autogas supply is made in America. Fleets operating on propane autogas are currently saving upwards of $2 per gallon on fuel versus gasoline.

Sun Ray Dry Cleaners is a full-service dry cleaners and laundry with eight locations across the Columbus area. In addition to dry cleaning and hand-cleaning services, Sun Ray offers leather and suede cleaning, rain proofing, shirt laundering, wash/dry/fold services, and wedding gown and memorabilia preservation. Visit www.sunraycleaners.com for more information.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

There are approximately 160,000 propane auto­gas vehicles on our nation’s roads and highways, making autogas the most widely used alternative fuel for transportation in the U.S. That is some­thing to be proud of. So is its impressive safety record.

While vehicles fueled by propane autogas have a long history of performing safely under all operating condi­tions, some people have the perception that these vehicles are more dangerous than traditional gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. That perception is inaccurate.

When it comes to the transportation of children, school fleet directors know that propane autogas school buses are the safe choice. That’s because propane autogas school buses have bracket systems that help hold the fuel tank in place. In school buses, propane fuel tanks are located between the bus frame rails, providing added protection to the tank and thereby increasing the safety of the passengers.

School buses that run on propane autogas meet all con­ventional bus safety standards, plus additional standards required for alternative-fuel vehicles.

Propane autogas engine fuel systems in all types of vehicles are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures. All tanks are equipped with a valve — or combination of valves — in the liquid outlet connection that has manual shut-off, excess flow, and automatic closure features. The valve assembly prevents the flow of fuel when the engine is not operating, even if the ignition switch is in the ON posi­tion. The vehicle pressure relief valve must be vented to the outside of the vehicle, and all fittings must be vented to the outside if the tank is in an enclosed area, such as a trunk.

It’s Not Hollywood

Propane autogas tanks are 20 times as puncture-resis­tant as gasoline tanks, so they are more durable in a collision. They can also withstand up to four times as much pressure as a gaso­line tank. Propane containers are much less vulnerable to puncture than moviemakers would have us believe. James Bond, for instance, causes an explosion by shooting a propane tank using his 9mm hand­gun in “Casino Royale.” But tests show that it doesn’t work that way in real life, as an episode of the television show “Myth Busters” makes clear (the segment is avail­able for viewing on YouTube).

Another safety feature of propane autogas is that it requires a much higher temperature to ignite. Gasoline and diesel fuel will catch fire at temperatures as low as 495ºF, whereas autogas requires a temperature of at least 920ºF to ignite. The chart below illustrates the flammabil­ity range of propane autogas and other fuels.

Many organizations develop and implement codes, standards, and regulations for the safe use of vehicles that run on propane autogas. The regulations are con­stantly reviewed, updated, and improved to ensure that all new vehicles and vehicle technologies are as safe as possible.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is responsible for rules governing vehicle tanks and piping. As an example, the tanks in all vehicles fueled by autogas are constructed from carbon steel in accordance with a code developed by ASME. The National Fire Protection Association also develops and implements codes and stan­dards for propane autogas storage systems, dispensing sta­tions, and vehicle systems.

Propane autogas is indeed a safe fuel when properly stored, transported, handled, and used. Several factors help ensure its safety: the fuel’s natural properties; the quality construction of fuel system components; stringent codes and regulations; and the industry’s extensive train­ing and safety-awareness programs.

Darren Engle is director of marketing for Blue Star Gas, which serves Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Blue Star Gas is advancing the use of pro­pane autogas, and is a member of Alliance AutoGas. Engle serves as chairman of the Propane Education & Research Council’s Research & Technology Working Group, and travels the country training fleet managers of both private and public entities on the economic, safety, and environmental benefits of propane autogas.

• Alliance AutoGas welcomed Ohio-based Arrick’s Propane, which will provide clean propane autogas fueling and conversions to fleets in three states.

• A dry cleaners in Georgia is the first in the Columbus area to go green with propane-powered service vehicles.

• Mississippi’s governor signed several energy bills this week, some of which are related to alternative fuel vehicles.

• The UPS fleet’s shift to more natural gas vehicles will impact regional automotive and clean fuel businesses as well.

• Metro magazine has an update on a Kansas government fleet’s conversion to autogas.

• Rutgers held an alternative fuel conference this week for industry experts to discuss the use of clean fuels to help reduce pollution and save energy.

• Colorado vehicle fleets are now required to purchase alternative fuel vehicles as part of their usual vehicle replacement programs.

• The federal government plans to double its hybrid vehicle fleet.

• The Appling County Board of Education in Georgia announced it has obtained two Blue Bird propane autogas-fueled school buses, which should save the school district around $51,000 in fuel costs over the lifetime of the vehicles.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

It’s nearly impossible to imagine this massive country of ours functioning without passenger vehicles, trucks and bus fleets–we need transportation to get us to and from work, to deliver goods and services, and often just to make it from place to place across the suburban sprawl. However, there are ways we can lessen the environmental impact, the “carbon footprint,” our vehicles are leaving behind. Step one is walking and driving more, and also taking public transportation when possible. Drivers who can afford the upfront cost of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles can also do their part to protect the environment by purchasing cleaner vehicles.

America’s fleet industry can make the most difference in improving the air quality of our communities, right now. With thousands of vehicles on the road every day, vehicle fleets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants by running on domestic clean fuel like propane autogas, natural gas and biodiesel.

Propane autogas is among the lowest total carbon emissions fuels, showing at least a 20 percent reduction in emissions versus gasoline or diesel. In fact, autogas is so much cleaner than conventional fuels, fleets often need less maintenance (think fewer oil changes and less vehicle down time!) and report their propane-powered engines actually last longer. Also, fueling up with propane autogas is greener than gasoline because autogas fuel stations are spill-free with zero-emissions.

Worried about being able to refuel your clean propane autogas vehicles? Don’t be. There are currently more than 2,500 autogas fueling stations throughout the U.S., and that number is growing every day as more fleets switch to this American-made fuel. And with an affordable cost of implementation, it’s financially viable for vehicle fleets to get up and running on clean-burning autogas today at little-to-no upfront cost.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

• Jackson Heating & Air, an HVAC company in LaGrange, Ga., is powering 20 fleet vehicles on propane autogas through Alliance AutoGas, with conversions from Force 911 and fueling from Blossman Gas.

• The American Clean Skies Foundation (ACSF) says running more heavy- and light-duty vehicles on natural gas would have “minimal impact on natural gas prices.”

• The Propane Gas Association of New England held a demonstration at the state capitol Wednesday, featuring a school bus, commercial lawn mower, a truck and a bi-fuel car that run on clean propane autogas. The Shelton school district is adding 60 propane-powered buses to its fleet.

• Experts from the propane autogas and automotive industries spoke about autogas for fleets on the Detroit PBS program “Autoline” last weekend.

• A proposed bill in California would give a tax break to alternative fuel vehicles.

• State transportation officials in West Virginia state hope to solve the “chicken-or-egg” problem for natural gas vehicle fuel by converting a portion of the state’s fleet to compressed natural gas as fueling stations are built. The governor’s Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force recommends the state convert 25 percent–or 1,952 out of 7,811 fleet vehicles–to CNG within four years.

• Speaking of natural gas, UPS is adding a whopping 700 fleet vehicles that run on LNG and building four refueling stations by the end of 2014. I wonder how many more propane autogas stations and vehicle conversions they could implement for the same price tag?

• The Federal Trade Commission is getting rid of fuel economy labels as it requires automakers to disclose comparative driving range performance between alternative fuel and conventional gasoline vehicles.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

JHA co-owner Ben Jackson says they discussed the “autogas option” for about five years and, after extensive research, recently decided to convert Chevrolet Express vans, Silverado trucks and GMC Sierra trucks in their fleet to autogas. Blossman Gas provides year-round fuel supply, while certified Alliance conversion center Force 911 performed the vehicle conversions at local automotive repair service center Stanford Automotive.

“Making the switch to autogas was a smart decision for our fleet,” says Dale Jackson, co-owner. “Not only is autogas better for the environment than gasoline, it will ultimately save the company thousands of dollars on reduced fuel and maintenance costs, a savings which in turn will be passed on to our customers.”

As part of their 40-year anniversary celebration, JHA featured their clean fleet at an event in LaGrange last Friday. Check out the video below for first-hand testimonials from owners Dale and Ben Jackson about how they’ve benefited from operating fleet vehicles on autogas.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

• The Polk County Police Department converted 10 cruisers to propane autogas through Alliance AutoGas, saving the fleet $47,000 in fuel costs annually.

• The general manager of Olympic Pool Plastering in Georgia discusses how running his fleet vehicles on autogas helps his company promote clean air and save on fuel costs.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan is deploying two propane autogas pick-up trucks and three Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric vehicles, and will also install on-site charging and fueling stations for the vehicles.

• A city in Ohio is converting 12 vehicles to propane autogas. The city fleet has more than 300 vehicles in its fleet; and if the process of converting vehicles to autogas is successful, they plan to add more kits to other vehicles in the future.

• ROUSH CleanTech will begin production on the new multipurpose Ford F-650 propane autogas fuel system this October.

• LP Gas Magazine offers highlights from last weekend’s Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo.

• The Propane Education and Research Council discussed clean propane autogas technology at the convention and expo in Atlanta.

• Auto dealers in the U.S. have “issues” with a proposed alternative fuel vehicle tax credit.

• The Motley Fool takes a look at which states are the most “alternative fuel-friendly.”

• Tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles head to the Colorado Senate.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.