UPS No. 1 Shipper on ‘Climate Counts’ Scorecard for Third Year in a Row

For the third year in a row, UPS has earned the top score in the consumer shipping sector on the annual “Climate Counts” scorecard. UPS also shared the 11th highest score across all industries alongside Sony, Nokia and AB Electrolux among 144 ranked companies.

UPS ranked No. 1 in the consumer shipping sector with a score of 80, remaining ahead of competitors Deutsche Post World Net/DHL, the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx, which ranked second, third and fourth, respectively.

Climate Counts, an organization that works to bring consumers and companies together in the fight against global climate change, ranks the world's largest companies based on 21 criteria that focus on measuring and reducing climate impact, corporate support of public policy initiatives on climate change and openness and transparency in reporting.

Climate Counts issues a shopping guide to help consumers “support companies that take climate change seriously and avoid those that don't,” according to the non-profit organization.

“This recognition is significant because Climate Counts rigorously evaluates performance rather than corporate marketing claims,” said Scott Wicker, UPS’s chief sustainability officer. “The Climate Counts shopping guide provides consumers with a signpost for companies that are truly committed to environmentally-responsible business practices.”
           
The Climate Counts ranking is just the latest in a long list of honors for environmental leadership awarded to UPS. Other recent honors include: Highest score in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (tied with three others); No. 1 in the Carbon Disclosure Project S&P 500 and tied with three others in the Global 500; Interbrand Top 50 Best Global Green Brands, and Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list.
           
“UPS’s repeated and consistent top ranking in the shipping segment highlights our efforts to measure, manage and reduce our carbon footprint while offering consumers more choices that support their commitment to the environment,” Wicker added.

The Climate Counts scorecard can be found at http://www.climatecounts.org/. More information about UPS’s sustainability initiatives is available at http://ups.com/responsibility.

KCFC Elects 2012 Officers and Board of Directors

KCFC board members elected the following officers at their December 7 meeting:

2012 Officers
President  - William Jacob, UPS
Vice President - Thomas Clark, Eaton
Secretary  - Len Dunman, Mercer Transportation
Treasurer  - Vic Peek 

The following directors were approved by the membership:

2012 Board of Directors
Jimmy Carter, Ferrellgas 
John Lyons, Kentucky Division of Air Quality
Laura Knoth, Kentucky Corn Growers
Mike Mulheirn, Jefferson County Public Schools
Steve Workman, University of Kentucky
Tim Hughes, Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence   
Dickie Turner, Murray State University
Greg Davis, Forever Resorts/Mammoth Cave Hotel
Bob Hook, Bob Hook Chevrolet 
David Huff, LG&E/KU 
Dr. Jagannadh Satyavolu, Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville
Marie Burnett, Waste Management of Kentucky
Past President Tracey Thurman, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government

Meet Kentucky's Greenest Fleets

 The Pioneer Fleets of the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program were announced December 7 at the KCFC Winter Meeting. Each are working to improve the environmental performance of their vehicle fleets by reducing petroleum fuel use:



Breathitt County Board of Education
Jefferson County Public Schools
Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection
Kentucky Division of Fleet Management
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mercer Transportation Company
Murray State University
Transit Authority of River City
UPS
Waste Management of Kentucky

Learn more about each Pioneer Fleet Member's fleet greening efforts and the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program

The Pioneer Green Fleets members proudly display their certificates.

View photos from the awards ceremony on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kycleanfuels

Kentucky Companies Benefit from a Portion of $44 Million Advanced Biofuel Bump from USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in October $44.6 million in payments for 156 advanced biofuel producers across the country to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels.

"This funding will help local producers increase the production and availability of renewable energy and thus help our nation begin to reduce its reliance on foreign oil," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Just as importantly, USDA's support will help to further develop the nation's growing biofuels industry and generate green jobs and economic growth."

The funding is being provided through USDA's Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels program, which makes payments to eligible producers to support and ensure the expanding production of advanced biofuels. Payments are based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose; crop residue; animal, food and yard waste material; biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas); vegetable oil, and animal fat. Through this and other programs, USDA is working to support the research, investment and infrastructure necessary to build a biofuels industry that creates jobs and conserves natural resources across America, officials say.

For example, in Dubuque, IA, Western Dubuque Biodiesel LLC received a $487,871 payment. This biodiesel production facility produces 30 million gallons per year using soybean oil, canola oil and tallow esters as feedstock. And in Kinsale, VA, the Potomac Supply Corporation received a $36,530 payment for producing two types of advanced biofuels: fuel pellets and dry kiln. Both are made from clean pine chips, sawdust and shavings feedstock. The department says the payment to the two facilities helped save a total of 28 jobs.

Kentucky companies that will receive USDA funding:

•     Griffin Industries, Inc.: $86,099.81 for Biofuel From Waste Products.
•     Owensboro Grain Company, LLC: $1,026,463.07 for Biodiesel Trans Esterification.
•     Somerset Hardwood Flooring: $49,449.09 for Pellets.
•     Southern Kentucky Pellet Mill, Inc. : $6,572.64 for Pellets.

For more information, visit the USDA's news release web page.

Kroger Opens E85 Fueling in Newport

Northern Kentucky residents now have a third location to fill their Flex Fuel Vehicles with E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) - the Kroger at 130 Pavilion Parkway in Newport. E85Prices.com reports that they were selling E85 last week for $2.68, 21% less than gasoline.

Hybrid Electric School Bus Joins Fleet in Crittenden County

(Marion, KY) – Crittenden County Schools in Marion, KY took delivery of their first new hybrid electric school bus today, and expect to reap fuel savings benefits throughout the new school year and beyond.

As the hybrid electric joins the Crittenden fleet of 35 buses, Superintendent  Dr. Rachel Yarborough noted, “Our school district has continued to seek ways to be as efficient as possible with resources. The new hybrid bus that is now added to our fleet underscores our commitment to seek innovative solutions to energy efficiency.” 

The new bus, manufactured by International Bus, was delivered to Dr. Yarborough and Transportation Director Al Starns, by Mark Cahill, Bluegrass International.  District bus drivers, mechanics, and first responders were all trained highlighting best operational practices for the hybrid-electric system. 

 

The bus uses an Eaton Hybrid System, a regenerative system that puts power back into the hybrid battery when the driver applies the brake.  Stop and start routes that generally do not exceed 50 mph provide the best performance for the hybrid system.  Hybrid electric buses already in operation across the state are seeing 30% or greater fuel savings. 

Thirty-two school districts across Kentucky currently operate 157 hybrid electric buses. Kentucky is home to the largest hybrid electric school bus fleet in the nation.  Over 200 hybrid buses will be purchased with the 12.9 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Energy awarded in December 2009. The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition wrote and submitted the grant, working with the Kentucky Department of Education.  The KCFC is a non profit organization.

Performance data for these hybrid school buses is being gathered by the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, a non-profit organization that administers the grant with the Kentucky Department of Education.

Find data at http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/.

KCFC's Melissa Howell Inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame

The Clean Cities Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions to the Clean Cities mission of reducing petroleum use in U.S. transportation. Inductees are ambassadors for alternative fuels and champions for fuel economy. Their exemplary dedication and leadership are paving the way for a new transportation future.

Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition Executive Director Melissa Howell was inducted in 2011, the Hall of Fame's inaugural year.

Melissa Howell is a cornerstone of Clean Cities. She has been with the program since its beginning in 1993, when she helped found Kentucky's Commonwealth Clean Cities Partnership. Ever the consummate professional, Howell's dedication to reducing petroleum use in transportation has weathered all manner of political and economic conditions. Howell is known for her persistence in inspiring fleets to action, and she brought several high-profile stakeholders to the alternative-fuel table, including Mammoth Cave National Park, Fort Knox military base, UPS, and the World Equestrian Games. And thanks to Howell's leadership, thousands of children across the state of Kentucky ride to school on hybrid electric and biodiesel buses.

Howell is the original Clean Cities mentor, having coached new coordinators to success long before a formal mentorship program was established. She is always willing to share her vast experience and knowledge with other coalitions to reinvigorate stalled projects and instill confidence in rising leaders. Howell's impressive body of work with Clean Cities makes her the example other coordinators seek to follow.

In 2008, Howell was named Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year, and in 2005, she received the Southeast Region Award.

See all of the Clean Cities Hall of Fame inductees - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/hall_of_fame.html

KCFC Welcomes New Member - Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research

The Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research conducts and facilitates R&D on potentially commercializable renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The Center promotes partnerships among the state's colleges and universities, private industries, and non-profit organizations to actively pursue federally and privately funded research and development resources that are dedicated to renewable energy solutions, including:

• Advanced Energy Materials Manufacturing
• Solar Energy Conversion
• Renewable Energy Storage
• Biofuels/Biomass Conversions
• Energy Efficiency & Conservation

By engaging and utilizing Kentucky's workforce and natural resources, the Center's ongoing goal is to seek outcomes that enhance global energy and economic security and maintain US technological leadership in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies. The Conn Center leads research that increases homegrown energy sources to meet the national need while reducing energy consumption and dependence on foreign resources.

The Conn Center is focused on developing technologies for converting biomass to useful fuels and chemicals. Specifically, the center is interested in lipid and cellulosic biomass conversions to transportation fuels and chemicals. Such capabilities will bring Kentucky new private investors to build plants that process biofuels utilizing our research expertise and innovations.

Conn Center website: http://conncenter.org/

Thirty-Four More Hybrid Schools Buses Join Kentucky Fleets

The Kentucky Department of Education announced the latest round of school districts across the Commonwealth that will receive Hybrid Electric School Busses, as part of a federal grant program.

Barren County - 1
Bath County - 2
Breathitt County - 4
Bullitt County - 5
Garrard County - 1
Jefferson County - 18
Madison County - 2
Meade County - 1

Hybrid school buses are now operating in 35 school districts logging nearly 400,000 miles. Districts are seeing significant fuel savings over their traditional diesel powered buses.

The buses are manufactured by ThomasBuilt and International and operate with an Eaton parallel hybrid system.

Learn more about the program at http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/resources/hybridhorsepower.htm.

Hybrid School Bus Joins Fleet in Hart County

(Munfordville, KY) September 21, 2011 – Hart County Schools in Munfordville, KY took delivery of their first new hybrid electric school bus last week, and expect to reap fuel savings benefits throughout the new school year and beyond.

"We are excited to be adding a hybrid electric bus to our fleet in Hart County.  We strive to offer cutting edge technology in every aspect of our student's education, and this is another way we can do that as well as reduce fuel costs and save money in this challenging economic time" said Hart County Superintendent Ricky Line.

The new bus, manufactured by International Bus, was delivered to Superintendent Line and Transportation Director Daniel Hawkins, by Mark Cahill, Bluegrass International (in photo attached).  District bus drivers, mechanics, and first responders were all trained highlighting best operational practices for the hybrid-electric system. 

The bus uses an Eaton Hybrid System, a regenerative system that puts power back into the hybrid battery when the driver applies the brake.  Stop and start routes that generally do not exceed 50 mph provide the best performance for the hybrid system.  Hybrid electric buses already in operation across the state are seeing 30% or greater fuel savings. 

Thirty-five school districts across Kentucky currently operate 126 hybrid electric buses. Kentucky is home to the largest hybrid electric school bus fleet in the nation.  Over 200 hybrid buses will be purchased with a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy awarded in December 2009. 

Performance data for these hybrid school buses is being gathered by the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, a non-profit organization that administers the grant with the Kentucky Department of Education.

Find data at: http://www.kycleanfuels.org/

Hybrid-Electric School Buses in Kentucky Seeing Double

With 125 school buses on the road, Kentucky has the largest hybrid-electric school bus fleet in the nation. Not only have the school buses achieved increased route fuel efficiency with the new technology, some are achieving MPGs in the double-digits.
 
Pike County Schools, for instance, has achieved an average of 11.6 miles per gallon with their 37 buses. This eastern Kentucky school system has the largest fleet in the state and is doubling their fuel efficiency through driver education and ideal route placement of the buses.
 
“With lean times we are all going through right now, having extra money in our budget that we saved with these hybrid buses is something we didn’t dream would happen,” said Ancie Casey, director of transportation for Pike County Schools.
 
According to the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC), one of the leading organizations responsible for coordinating the hybrid-school bus program, all the school buses are fitted with Electronic Control Modules that record and store all bus performance data, including the hybrid system data.  KCFC receives that information from each school monthly and compiles the performance data, which can be viewed on their web site.
 
Through August nearly 380,000 miles have been logged by the buses with an average hybrid fuel efficiency of 9.65 miles per gallon, three miles per gallon higher than the baseline fuel efficiency.
 
“Kentucky's broad topographic range offers excellent opportunities for real world data from the buses,” said Melissa Howell, KCFC executive director. “We hope that school systems across the country will take a look at what we are doing and use the data to help them decide if hybrid technology will provide them energy savings.”
 
The KCFC applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2010 that would offset the cost of the hybrid system for buses.  In December of last year, $12.8 million was awarded for the purchase of 215 hybrid electric school buses.
 
The Kentucky Department of Education administers the funds which can be applied for by any Kentucky public school district.  To date, 31 have taken advantage of the program.
The buses are manufactured by ThomasBuilt and International and are equipped with an Eaton hybrid system.
 
“With the data collected, we now know that the equipment is capable of achieving 12 miles per gallon, double what they were seeing with traditional diesel powered busses,” said Howell. “We have proven that in the first year!”
 
For more information on the Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools program, visit www.kentuckycleanfuels.org.

Hybrid School Bus Joins Fleet in Bardstown

(Bardstown, KY) August 23, 2011 - Bardstown Independent Schools in Bardstown, Ky. took delivery of their first new hybrid electric school bus last week, and expect to reap fuel savings benefits throughout the new school year and beyond.

“We want to do our part and help with air quality, and we saw based on some preliminary fuel mileage savings reports how the hybrid bus could be a benefit to us,” says Transportation Director Todd Hood. 

The new bus, manufactured by International Bus, was delivered to Superintendent Brent Holsclaw and other school representatives on Friday.  District bus drivers, mechanics, and first responders were all trained highlighting best operational practices for the hybrid-electric system. 

The bus uses an Eaton Hybrid System, a regenerative system that puts power back into the hybrid battery when the driver applies the brake.  Stop and start routes that generally do not exceed 50 mph provide the best performance for the hybrid system.  Hybrid electric buses already in operation across the state are seeing 30% or greater fuel savings. 

Mr. Hood reports that, as long as the hybrid bus meets district needs, it is likely Bardstown Independent Schools will purchase additional hybrid buses as part of future bus procurement plans.  The new hybrid bus is one of twenty school buses in the district.

Thirty-two school districts across Kentucky currently operate 125 hybrid electric buses. Kentucky is home to the largest hybrid electric school bus fleet in the nation.  Over 200 hybrid buses will be purchased with a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy awarded in December 2009. 

Performance data for these hybrid school buses is being gathered by the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, a non-profit organization that administers the grant with the Kentucky Department of Education.

Find data at http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/.

Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Planned in Kansas

Abengoa Bioenergy is following through on its commitment to commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol production, having secured a conditional approval for a $133.9 million loan guarantee from the DOE to build a plant in Kansas. The Abengoa Bioenergy project, which will be located in Hugoton, about 90 miles southwest of Dodge City, is expected to convert approximately 300,000 tons of corn stover into 23 million gallons of ethanol per year, using what the company calls an "innovative enzymatic hydrolysis process." The project maximizes the use of agricultural crop residues that would otherwise not be utilized and uses feedstock that does not compete with feed grains. Annually, the project is expected to displace more than 15.5 million gallons of gasoline, avoiding more than 139,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The facility will be closed-loop, using unconverted biomass to generate 20 megawatts of electricity to power the cellulosic ethanol plant. Abengoa has entered into an ethanol offtake agreement to sell ethanol produced by the facility and expects more than 90% of the project‘s sourced components to be produced in the United States. Company officials say the project will create approximately 300 construction jobs and 65 permanent jobs. The Abengoa announcement follows June plans from DuPont Danisco to build a cellulosic ethanol plant near Nevada, Iowa, and POET's announcement last year to build a 25-million-gallon-per-year facility near Emmitsburg, Iowa.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport Issues CNG Request

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport issued a Request for Proposals on Friday August 19th in an initiative to locate public compressed natural gas refueling near the facility. The RFP can be viewed at the address below.

http://www.cvgairport.com/biz/concessions/current.html

LaRue County Schools Notes Significant Savings with Hybrid Buses

Hodgenville, Kentucky - August 10, 2011 – The LaRue County School District continues to see significant savings from the first hybrid electric school bus in the state of Kentucky.

The district took delivery of the state’s first hybrid electric school bus in July, 2010 and has since saved 515 gallons of fuel and about $1500 compared to the traditional diesel powered school bus. 
The hybrid electric system is a regenerative system that puts power back into the hybrid battery system when the driver applies the brake. 

“The bus is used on the hilliest route we have to take advantage of the start and stop braking” says Phil Fulkerson, Director of Transportation & Maintenance for the LaRue  County School District. 
In addition, reduced brake wear, and continued support from ThomasBuilt Buses, Whayne Power Systems, and Eaton – the bus and hybrid system manufacturers – are credited with LaRue’s successful hybrid performance results.

“It makes a lot of sense from my perspective,” says LuRue Superintendent Sam Sanders, “We can be more green, buy less fuel, decrease carbon emissions, and do what we can for future generations.“  Three additional hybrid electric buses have been added to the LaRue fleet.  All are expected to be on the road by the end of September, and Superintendent Sanders is interested in buying more.

Thirty-two school districts across Kentucky currently operate 125 hybrid electric buses.  Kentucky is home to the largest hybrid electric school bus fleet in the nation.

A total of 215 hybrid buses will be purchased with a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy awarded in December 2009.  The Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, a non - profit organization, administer the grant.

For more information about the program, visit http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/resources/hybridhorsepower.htm

Ferrellgas Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Cause

KCFC Board of Directors member Eddie Coleman stands in front of a Ferrellgas truck in downtown Pikeville. The truck has been painted pink to bring awareness to the Susan G. Komen Foundation work toward the fight against breast cancer. Find out more

$610 Million in Grants Available for Energy Projects

Nearly $610 million in current or upcoming funding opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including energy efficiency, regional planning, and renewable energy. View the list - http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/resources/doegrants.pdf

KCFC Takes Part in Leadership Louisville Luncheon

KCFC was well represented today when Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced the Bluegrass Economic Advancement Movement. Twelve hundred filled the room including Frank Lewis, Whayne Supply, Merritt Becker, Cummins Crosspoint, Bill Jacob, UPS, Mike Mulheirn, Jefferson County Public Schools, Fred Byrd, U of L/KPPC, Eddie Coleman, Green Fuels Holding, and Tracey Thurman, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government.

 

The BEAM initiative has an 18-month timeframe in which a business plan will be developed with the Brookings Institute highlighting advanced manufacturing and new technologies for the region.

Hybrid School Bus Program Earns National Attention - Again!

KCFC Executive Director Melissa Howell has been invited to present at the 37th Annual National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Summit Conference & Trade Show, October 22 – October 27, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She will provide information on the Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools bus program and the real-world performance data KCFC is collecting. Kentucky has the largest hybrid-electric school bus fleet in the nation and is serving as a model for future school bus fleets.

Kentucky Corn Growers Up the Ante for E85 Pump Installation

The Kentucky Corn Growers Association announced this week that they will be doubling their E85 fuel dispenser incentive to $5000 per pump to any retailer that wants to install the pumps in the state. The goal is to see more E85 ability in more areas of the Commonwealth. (E85 is a 85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline fuel blend for flexible fuel vehicles.)

Thorntons has taken full advantage of the program in the last year and a half, installing several dispensers in Louisville and one in Lexington.

"We’re very happy to have partnered with KyCGA," said Thorntons financial analyst Chris O'Bryan. "Our past success is the result of us teaming together to achieve our shared goal of promoting more biofuel in the marketplace."

If you would like more information, please visit http://www.kycorn.org/aboutkycga/ethanolpumps.htm.

New Federal Fuel Economy Standards for Heavy Duty Vehicles

For the first time, heavy-duty vehicles will be subject to federal fuel economy standards. The new Heavy-Duty National Program pertains to medium-and heavy-duty vehicles and engines over 8,500 pounds, including semi trucks, pickup trucks, vans, and buses.

Vehicle model years 2014-2018 will be required to achieve 10-20% reduction in fuel consumption, depending on vehicle type, as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. After market improvements such as advanced combustion engine systems, fuel-efficient tires, efficient auxiliary power units, and aerodynamic modifications will contribute to fuel economy achievements.

These new heavy-duty standards are part of a multiple phase effort to raise overall fuel economy standards in the transportation sector, and follow recent new requirements for raised fuel economy in passenger cars and light-duty vehicles.

Electric Vehicles: Is Kentucky Ready to Run?

Friday, October 21, 2011

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm ET

Aristides Room - Churchill Downs

Louisville, KY

Two representatives from each KCFC member may attend for free.

Registration for all other attendees is $100.

View the agenda and register.

GE and Coca-Cola Among Newest Members of National Clean Fleets Partnership

Six new corporate partners have joined the National Clean Fleets Partnership: Coca-Cola, Enterprise Holdings, General Electric, OSRAM SYLVANIA, Ryder and Staples. Their combined fleets total over one million vehicles.

Under the partnership, each company will work with DOE to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce petroleum and diesel use in their fleets. DOE will also help connect partners with clean fuel providers and equipment manufacturers where their fleets operate.

Kentucky Corn Growers Celebrate Use of American Ethanol and Hometown Track

One-hundred thousand NASCAR fans were able to see the performance benefits of Sunoco Green E15, the racing fuel with 15% ethanol, as cars raced round the Kentucky Speedway track this past weekend. Kentucky's corn farmers attended to celebrate and help spread the good word about the domestic, farm-raised fuel. NASCAR announced they would use E15 in all of the race cars last fall. A partnership between NASCAR, Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association - called American Ethanol - works to promote the fuel's benefits. Drivers and racing teams are pleased with the fuel so far, as they are seeing increased horsepower. NASCAR is pleased with the environmental benefits.

Photos from Kentucky Speedway | Kentucky Corn Growers Press Release

Campbell County Receives Hybrid Electric School Bus

Todd Cunningham of Whayne Supply presented the key to Transportation Director Todd Colvin for the first hybrid electric school bus in Campbell County. Technicians received training about the bus on site.

View the Video News Story About the Hybrid Bus Delivery

Clean Cities TV Features Kentucky Hybrid Horse Power Program

Check out this special video feature on Kentucky’s hybrid school buses at Clean Cities TV:

View the video on the CleanCities.tv channel

E15 Rolls into Kentucky Next Week with NASCAR

NASCAR fans will get a little more familiar with American-made ethanol fuel blends next week as three series races are being held at the Kentucky Speedway track in Sparta, July 7-9. Late last year, NASCAR announced they would be using E15 (blend of 15% ethanol) in their Sunoco racing gasoline in all cars and all races throughout the 2011 racing season. Through a partnership with Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association, the fuel is being promoted very well by drivers and promotions. The Kentucky Corn Growers Association will be making an appearance at the race track to celebrate the use of the corn-based fuel. A combine (machinery that harvests corn) will be set up in the display area to remind fans of the fuel's connection to rural America.

For more information, visit http://www.kycorn.org/aboutkycga/americanethanol.htm

Think Files for Bankruptcy

The future is unclear for Think North America, which has an electric vehicle production plant in Elkhart, IN, after the company’s headquarters in Norway filed for bankruptcy last week. Despite being a separate entity, Think North America faces an unstable future because it is financially supported by the Norwegian headquarters.
Think has fallen upon hard times in the past, this being the fourth time it has filed for bankruptcy in its twenty years of operation. The future options for Think include a liquidation of its assets or the sale of the company to a new investor. Currently management has been turned over to Oslo-based commercial law firm Thommessen.

Get Your Fleet in the Program

Green Fleets of the Bluegrass is a recognition program hosted by KCFC, to improve the environmental performance of vehicle fleets across Kentucky by reducing petroleum fuel use.

KCFC members that submit baseline data by June 30th, 2011 will receive recommendations for initiatives to potentially improve year-end ratings.

Find out more and register at http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/greenfleets.htm

KCFC Welcomes Clean Energy As Newest Member

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. is committed to delivering the benefits of natural gas fuel to fleet operators across America. It is the largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America and a global leader in the expanding natural gas vehicle market. It has operations in CNG and LNG vehicle fueling, construction and operation of CNG and LNG fueling stations, biomethane production, vehicle conversion and compressor technology.

Clean Energy fuels over 22,700 vehicles at 238 strategic locations across the United States and Canada with a broad customer base in the refuse, transit, trucking, shuttle, taxi, airport and municipal fleet markets. Clean Energy del Peru, a joint venture, fuels vehicles and provides CNG to commercial customers in Peru.

Welcome to the team!

kyGREENtv Kicks Off KCFC's Spotlight Series

The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition Spotlight series showcases those partners from across the region who are really making a difference. KCFC’s primary focus is to incorporate alternative fuels and advanced technologies into individual industry requirements, while committing to air quality and environmental stewardship. See who stands up above the rest!

Eaton Corporation is the first to be featured in the Spotlight series. Celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year, Eaton Corporation manufacturers the hybrid systems used in Kentucky's new fleet of hybrid electric school buses. The company is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems.

Watch the Video

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Supports Biofuels at Paris Air Show

June 23, 2011 - Becoming the first U.S. Agriculture Secretary to attend a Paris Air Show, Sec. Tom Vilsack voiced his support of biofuels for powering fighter jets, commercial airlines, and trucks. He pointed out that the benefits of adopting biofuels into the the airline industry will be seen sooner rather than later.

The show featured an extensive "Alternative Aviation Fuels Showcase" in a Le Bourget exhibit hall. Vilsack's attendance came two months after President Barrack Obama's order for the U.S. Department of Energy and Agriculture and the U.S. Navy to work closely with the private sector to develop advanced biofuels to power airlines, jets, and trucks.

Sec. Vilsack advocates and promotes the expansion of biofuel usage among U.S. lawmakers, saying that the industry has seen some significant changes in the last 12 months and is on the verge of an even more significant expansion. He told ATW Daily News that if a market develops for biofuel to power aircraft, the infrastructure to produce and distribute it will quickly build up. "I think the infrastructure is going to be there if the market is there," he explained. "I'm sure if you have [airlines] interested, we'll get biofuel to airports."

The expansion of the biofuels market into the airline industry would also help to create jobs in rural areas, fighting unemployment and diversifying farming in the U.S., Vilsack says.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu Commends KCFC Efforts

Secretary Steven Chu approved of KCFC's efforts to reduce foreign oil dependency across Kentucky in an article on Tuesday June 13th. After confirming that President Barrack Obama has a long-term plan to reduce oil imports by one third, he pointed out that meeting such a goal will require the help of cities and states, not just the federal government.

He credited the Clean Cities Program nationwide for saving nearly 3 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel since its launch 18 years ago. Citing he Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools Program and Mammoth Cave National Park's efforts, he praised KCFC specifically for saving 38 million gallons of gasoline from 2005 to 2009, and developing a number of partnerships to transform Kentucky fleets into greener, more fuel efficient vehicles.

“By working together through programs such as the Clean Cities initiative, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help protect Kentucky families from pain at the pump,” says Secretary Chu.

ASTM Approves Biofuel Specification For Jet Fuel

June 13, 2011 – The ASTM International Committee on Petroleum Products and Lubricants approved a new specification that could allow biofuel blends to power commercial flights.

"Once finalized, the new specification will enable use of biofuel blends comprised of up to 50% by fuel generated from feedstocks such as camelina, jatropha or algae,” says US FAA Administrator Randy Babbit. "We anticipate publication of a standard in the next few weeks will open the door for production of commercial aviation biofuels that can be used without changing aircraft systems or airport fueling infrastructure."

The U.S. Air Transport Association anticipates the final issuance of the specification by August 2011.

Senate Votes to Keep Ethanol Subsidy on Tuesday, Repeals it on Thursday

On Tuesday June 13th the U.S. Senate voted 40-59 in favor of allowing the $5 billion annual subsidy on ethanol to expire at the end of this year. On Thursday, however, they voted to immediately repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit.

Opponents of the subsidy expressed concern about the deficit and suggested that the subsidy be either eliminated immediately or phased out over several years. Advocates of the subsidy emphasize the need to reduce foreign oil dependency.

White House spokesman Clark Stevens said President Barack Obama opposed the elimination of the subsidy but was “open to new approaches that meet today’s challenges and save taxpayers money.”

The Kentucky Corn Growers Association, a KCFC member, posted this statement from the National Corn Growers Association:

The National Corn Growers Association expressed severe disappointment today that the Senate allowed petty politics to trump prudent policy in the fight for the future of the ethanol industry. The passage of Sen. Dianne Feinstein's amendment to immediately repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit represents a tax increase on fuel that will kill jobs in rural America and hit all consumers in the pocketbook, NCGA said.

The ethanol industry supports more than 400,000 U.S. jobs, contributing more than $56 billion each year to the nation's economy and $11 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

Also Thursday, the Senate rejected a proposed amendment by Sen. John McCain that would have prevented the U.S. Department of Agriculture from providing grants for blender pumps.This is good news because blender pumps provide options for those with flex-fuel vehicles and can help the ethanol industry grow in the years to come.

Greening Your Fleet Conference Held at Belterra Resort

The Greening Your Fleet Conference was held on Wednesday June 8^th and Thursday June 9^th at the Belterra Resort in Florence, IN. Eighty attendees heard updates from the natural gas, propane, hybrid electric, electric, biodiesel and ethanol markets. Ride and Drives for various alternative fuels/advanced technology vehicles were held after each conference session.  

One of the founding members of the KCFC,

Bill Calvert shares his expertise of CNG.

KCFC board member and UPS Vice President Bill Jacob shares updates on the company's green initiatives.

Eddie Coleman, KCFC board member 

from Green Fuels Holding looking 

under the hood of the electric ENER1.

Tim Hughes, KCFC board member from KY Dept of Energy looking at the Roush LPG Pick Up.

KCFC President Tracey Thurman getting ready 

to test drive the Chevy Volt with Communications 

Specialist Lindsey Duffy along for the ride.

         

KCFC President Tracey Thurman from Lexington-Fayette County Government and Tim Hughes "thinking" about the LPG van.

Hybrid Electric School Buses Delivered to Bath, Mercer, and Montgomery Counties

Mark Cahill of Bluegrass International 
presents official key to the two hybrid electric 
school buses delivered June 1
to Mercer County Superintendent 
Chuck Hamilton.

Four more hybrid electric school buses were delivered to Bath, Mercer, and Montgomery Counties this past week. Mercer County had two hybrid buses join its fleet of 68 traditional school buses on Wednesday June 1st in Harrodsburg, KY.  

"In Mercer County we not only view the arrival and use of our hybrid buses from an environmental and economic advantage, we see it as an educational commitment to our community by investing in the message we preach on lessening our carbon footprint for the preservation of future generations," says Superintendent Chuck Hamilton.

Mark Cahill of Bluegrass International (left), 
Superintendent Nancy Hutchinson (center) 
and Transportation Director Burnsie Stewart (right)  

celebrate the arrival of their first hybrid electric 
school bus, with Bath County Schools drivers 
and technicians onThursday June 2 in Owingsville.

One hybrid electric school bus was delivered to Bath County schools in Owingsville, KY on Thursday June 2nd. The bus joined Bath County's fleet of 40 traditional school buses.

"Bath County School District is very excited about this innovative green technology which allows us to be a part of the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition.  As the future unfolds Bath County will continue exploring new energy saving resources," says Superintendent Nancy Hutchinson.

 Montgomery County received its first hybrid electric school bus to join its fleet of and Montgomery Counties each received one. The keys to the hybrid buses, produced by the International School Bus Factory, were presented to the Superintendent of each school district by Mark Cahill, Bluegrass International. 

Mark Cahill of Bluegrass International delivers the key to

Montgomery County's first hybrid electric school bus to

Superintendent Daniel Freeman Friday June 3.

"We have been anticipating the hybrid bus' effectiveness in reducing fuel costs and helping to protect the environment, and are excited to evaluate its performance," says Superintendent Daniel Freeman.