Friday, March 25, 2011

Executive Director Visits Tulsa Bus Plant

Tulsa, OK March 21, 2011 - What needs 5.7 gallons of paint, 5600 rivets, and 4.9 miles of wire?  ONE BIG YELLOW SCHOOL BUS!  Executive Director Melissa Howell discovered this during her visit to the International School Bus Production Plant where hybrid electric buses for Kentucky school districts are being manufactured.  


"Seven hybrid electric buses will be on the assembly line next week there and then headed for Kentucky to join school fleets here.  Approximately 20 more will come off the line in late April," said Grant Pick, Tulsa Bus Plant Manager.

The plant stretches on for an entire mile, which is used for manual assembly as there are no robots in the plant. Each bus is assembled with the personal attention of human hands from start to finish.

"It is not often that you get to see a project of this scope from concept to reality. Now we get started on curriculum!" said Howell.


The hybrid buses were purchased with a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.  The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition is making preparations to collect and analyze data once the buses are in circulation across the state.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Over $302 Million in Federal Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

KCFC Welcomes Lindsey Duffy as Communications Specialist

3.15.11 - Ms. Lindsey Duffy, a recent graduate from the University of Louisville has joined the KCFC staff as Communications Specialist. Lindsey received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in December.

She has been working with the KCFC as an intern since January and will increase her hours and become a part time employee March 15th.

Jumping right in, Lindsey has completed the annual Department of Energy survey, press releases, research projects and will be assisting with the kyGREENtv internet television productions.

Hybrid Electric School Bus Takes to the Road in Trigg County

Cadiz, KY March 14, 2011 – A new hybrid electric school bus capable of improving fuel efficiency an average of 35% or, from 7 to 11 mpg has joined the fleet of 46 traditional school buses in Trigg County.

The hybrid electric school bus, manufactured by Thomas Built Buses with the Eaton Hybrid System, was delivered today at 11:00 in front of Trigg County Schools. The keys to the new hybrid electric school bus were presented to Superintendent Travis Hamby by Bill Glisson, Whayne Supply.

Kentucky will have the distinction of having the largest hybrid electric school bus fleet in the nation. Trigg County is one of the 30 districts awarded a share of the $13 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, adding a total of 213 hybrid electric vehicles to public school fleets across Kentucky. At approximately $150,000 per vehicle, hybrid electric school buses cost twice as much as traditional school buses. The grant offsets the differential costs for local districts.

“While the new hybrid has several benefits including being more fuel efficient, we are proud to be doing a small part to positively impact the environment.,” says Superintendent Hamby

“We are encouraging school systems throughout the state to improve efficiency while being environmentally conscious,” says Commissioner Terry Holliday with the Kentucky Department of Education. “The new technology will also provide learning opportunities for students on real-world issues like fuel consumption, air quality and transportation costs.”

The Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools program is a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC) and the Kentucky Department of Education. Performance data for these hybrid electric school buses will be gathered by KCFC, a non-profit organization.

“Kentucky students will be interactive participants in the hybrid electric school bus project,” says Melissa M. Howell, Executive Director of KCFC. “KCFC plans to engage students through on-site energy teams that include teachers, students, administrators and local communities,” adds Howell.

Friday, March 11, 2011

New Vehicle Guides Available

KCFC Gold Member: Louisville Water Company

Louisville Water Company has rejoined the KCFC at the Gold level. They had been a member years ago when they were one of the first CNG fleets in the state, but just recently made the decision to introduce propane vehicles to their truck fleet. Welcome back, LWC!   

NASCAR, Ethanol and Kentucky's Corn Farmers

 

Kentucky Corn Grower staff Jennifer Elwell and Laura Knoth attend the Daytona 500 to see how the American Ethanol partnership works to promote the clean, domestic fuel to NASCAR's 75 million fans. NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer, No. 33, is sponsored by American Ethanol and will serve as a spokesman for the fuel. In addition, all race cars will feature "American Ethanol" around the fuel doors. The car, top right, belongs to NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace, who also is sponsored by American Ethanol and state corn grower associations, has been very vocal about the benefits of E15.  

The Kentucky Corn Growers Association took part in the first race of the NASCAR season, the Daytona 500, to celebrate the racing league giant's move to E15 (15% ethanol) in all its race cars. American Ethanol is a promotional partnership between the National Corn Growers Assn and Growth Energy.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Propane Autogas Message Hits the Track on NASCAR’s Carl Edwards’ Race Car

Millions of NASCAR fans will see ROUSH CleanTech- sponsored Mustang at Las Vegas race this weekend.

ROUSH CleanTech is looking to take the checkered flag at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway tomorrow as sponsor of NASCAR-racing superstar Carl Edwards’ No. 60 Ford Mustang Nationwide car. A member of the Roush Fenway Racing family, Edwards’ racecar will carry the alternative fuel’s message to the 75 million NASCAR fans, showing America that propane autogas is a clean, safe and affordable fuel choice that is available “right-here, right-now.” The Sam’s Town 300 race will be held March 5 at 3 p.m. EST, channel ABC.

“NASCAR is one of the most viewed professional sports in terms of television ratings in the United States,” said Jack Roush. “I’m excited to have Carl out there showing race fans and the sport what my team at ROUSH CleanTech knows about clean fuels and uncompromising performance. Propane autogas, already the third most widely used fuel in the world, is known for its reliability and durability. It’s readily available in the U.S. and it’s ready to establish itself as a winner on the track.”

Edwards starts the race in Las Vegas with two top-10 finishes this season. Should Edwards bring the ROUSH CleanTech mustang to the winner’s circle, it would be his 30th career NASCAR Nationwide win. Last year, Edwards finished the season with four wins, 19 top-fives, 27 top-10 finishes, and three poles. Edward’s car will feature the ROUSH CleanTech logo on the top of the Mustang, the “propane exceptional energy” log on the back quarter panel, and the website name on the back quarter panel.

“I’m really pumped about running the the ROUSH CleanTech Ford Mustang for the first time in Las Vegas,” said Edwards. “I have a feeling this is going to be a good race for us. It’s great to be going to Vegas with all the lights and excitement. The track has a great fan area and if you win the race they put you in the middle of the fans in the Neon Garage. That’s where I want to be when the race ends.”

ROUSH CleanTech launched in 2010 by automotive legend Jack Roush in direct response to a demand from commercial and public fleets for a viable, inexpensive, safe, and reliable alternative fuel option. Recognizing the broad impact America’s transportation needs has our nation’s carbon footprint, the leaders at ROUSH put their 35 years of automotive heritage to work in creating an alternative fuel vehicle application that burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, up to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline.These clean fuel engines peddle lower particulate emissions, increased fuel savings, safety, and durability.

“The Roush name says it all – Roush CleanTech is driven to win the alternative fuels race with a lineup of Ford-tough propane-powered vehicles unparallel in performance, dependability and environment soundness,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “We are ecstatic to have Carl’s Ford Mustang proclaiming, lap after lap, that green power and peak performance are synonymous with ROUSH CleanTech.”

ROUSH CleanTech Receives California Air Resources Board Certification on E-Series Passenger and Cargo Vans

Prime Time Shuttle commits to replacing entire fleet with newly certified vans fueled by propane autogas

ROUSH CleanTech continues to roll out fleet vehicles fueled by propane autogas to California after the announcement today from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that the company’s fuel system for Ford E-series passenger and cargo vans were granted CARB certification status.

“This is truly exciting news for the ROUSH CleanTech team and our customers,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “CARB certification is that final nod of approval needed to launch a full line of clean burning propane-autogas-powered passenger and cargo vans to fleet managers in California and other states, who have been eagerly awaiting the availability of our cost-effective alternative fuel solution.”

CARB, the "clean air agency" of California, is charged with improving the air quality and reducing the public's exposure to air contaminants. Currently, California is the only state with such a regulatory agency, but several others follow CARB guidelines, including Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and others.

ROUSH CleanTech’s CARB approval of the Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans equipped with the 5.4-liter V8 engine will enable Prime Time Shuttle, serving Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), to meet new environmental directives set forth by the airport ahead of schedule. Prime Time will be the first ground transportation company at LAX to incorporate the newly certified vans into their existing fleet. Prime Time has 15 units ready for deployment with another 35 to 40 vehicles being added in the next few months. Over the next two years, Prime Time has committed to replacing their entire 175-van fleet with cleaner-burning propane autogas technology.

“We like what we see at ROUSH CleanTech,” said Rattan Joea, president of Prime Time Shuttle. “We’ve wanted to add the autogas E-series vans for quite some time, but needed CARB certification to seal the deal. We can’t wait to show our customers our commitment to a healthier environment with a reliable fleet of alternative fueled vans and shuttles, engineered with racing legend Jack Roush’s dedication to superior automotive products.”

Research shows propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, up to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline. The switch to propane comes with impressive savings as well, including lower operating and maintenance costs; lower fuel costs, in part due to a $.50 per gallon tax credit through 2011; and increased engine longevity.

“Prime Time’s switch means significant savings on several fronts,” explained Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at ROUSH CleanTech. “Each of their vans travel more than 100,000 miles yearly, so Prime Time will see a tremendous reduction in harmful emissions. They will also contribute to the displacement of gasoline and see savings on maintenance and fuel costs.”

When Prime Time Shuttle replaces all 175 of their vehicles with propane-autogas-powered units, they will be removing more than 8.2 million pounds of carbon doxide from California’s atmosphere each year. To estimate a fleet’s savings with propane autogas, fleet managers can visit ROUSH CleanTech’s online savings calculator at http://www.roushcleantech.com/.

“Propane autogas is quickly growing in popularity among those looking to clean up our cities’ air,” added Thompson. “Propane is domestically produced, environmentally friendly, and readily available. It is also an exceptionally safe fuel due to the fact that propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks, and propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels.”
Already certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, the van was recognized recently with the “Propane Hero” award given to SuperShuttle for formidable performance as an alternative fuel vehicle at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The E-series passenger and cargo vans join ROUSH CleanTech’s existing lineup of eco-friendly vehicles, including Ford F-250 and F-350 propane autogas pickup trucks, which received CARB certification last year, and the E-450 cutaway van, which obtained CARB certification last month.