NAT GAS ACT Failed

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted 51-47 to add the Senate version of the NAT GAS Act as an amendment to the Transportation Bill (Amendment #1782).  The amendment was offered by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).  Yesterday, Sen. Burr spoke in favor of the NAT GAS Act for 50 minutes on the floor of the Senate.  Despite the amendment receiving 51 votes in support, 60 votes were required for it to pass, so the amendment failed.  Among the yeas votes were 45 Democrats and 6 Republicans.  Among the nays votes were 39 Republicans, 7 Democrats and 1 independent. Two Senators were not present, one of which was Sen. Orrin Hatch, a supporter of NGVs (who was in Utah for a primary on Thursday).

Kentucky Fleets Encouraged to Join Green Fleets of the Bluegrass

Join Green Fleets of the Bluegrass this spring as we gear up to improve the performance and ratings of fleets across Kentucky for 2012!

Green Fleets of the Bluegrass aims to improve the environmental performance of vehicle fleets across Kentucky by reducing petroleum fuel use. Participating fleets are evaluated and rated annually. A special session at KCFC’s April 27th event at Mammoth Cave National Park will feature Green Fleet best practice sharing and implementation guidance. Current and prospective Green Fleet participants are encouraged to attend.

• Learn how your fleet can improve its Green Fleet rating for 2012
• Learn about other fleets‘ best practice efforts
• Share your fleet’s successes and challenges
• Share how the Green Fleets program can best support your fleet’s goals and efforts

Data submissions for 2012 ratings are due November 1. New participants should submit their baseline data as soon as possible. For more information see http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/greenfleets.htm or email emily@kentuckycleanfuels.org.

CNG Station to Open in Louisville:

PetroCard and Waste Management are excited to announce they are constructing a public compressed natural gas fueling station in west Louisville (7501 Grade Lane - near the airport) and estimates opening in June. The site will be open 24 hours all year long. We are also proud to announce that PetroCard is now a Silver member of KCFC.

For additional information on the station, card acceptance or how to open an account, contact them at 800.950.3835 or sales@petrocard.com.

You can also visit http://www.cleanngreenfuel.com/

KCFC Members Tour ThomasBuilt

A few KCFC members enjoyed a field trip to HIgh Point, North Carolina recently to tour the ThomasBuilt School Bus manufacturing plant.

Brian Bane (Cummins Crosspoint0, David Huff (LG&E/KU), Marie Burnett (Waste Management), Jeff Jacobs (Eaton), Barry Zink and Frank Lewis (Whayne Power) and Melissa Howell (KCFC), not only toured the manufacturing facility where 33 busses come off the line daily but also got a first hand look at CNG busses bound for California and the solar panels on site that were provided by Duke Energy. Due to growth in production demand, the plant has brought back 250 laid off workers from last year and is hiring an additional 100.