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.

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

View list of grants

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.

New Vehicle Guides Available

• Model Year 2011: Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicles See all years
• Clean Cities 2011 Vehicle Buyer's Guide
• Clean Cities Guide to Alternative Fuel and Advanced Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
• 2011 Most Efficient Vehicles
• Find and Compare Cars
• 2011 Fuel Economy Guide

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.