ReFUEL December 2013
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Wisconsin Clean Cities
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Monthly Newsletter
Celebrating The Year In Style At Lambeau Field
In This Issue: Wisconsin Clean Cities 2013 Annual Stakeholder Meeting WCTP Ends on a Successful Note Mark Your Calendars! Events, News, and More...
“Driving Wisconsin Forward”
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ReFUEL is Wisconsin Clean Cities’ (WCC) monthly coalition newsletter. WCC is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, and is one of nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions across the U.S. WCC works to reduce emissions, encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, and develop the refueling infrastructure necessary to sustain the industry.
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In This Issue: Pages 4-7
Features: Our Annual Stakeholder Meeting WCTP Ends on a Successful Note Wisconsin Clean Cities Welcomes New Staff
Mark Your Calendars!
Page 8
A full listing of upcoming events
Pages 9-10
Question of the Month:
Page 11
What are the key terms to know when discussing Ethanol Flexible Fueling Vehicles (FFVs) and and their fueling infrastructure?
Fleets Across The U.S.
Clean Cities Helps Green the National Mall
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Member Center Recently joined or renewed: Veriha Trucking, Inc. International Motorwerks, Inc. Bradlee Fons Diesel Outfitters What can WCC do for you? • • • • • • •
N e t wo r k in g o p po r tu n i ti es w i th f l eet s & ind ust r y p ar t ner s I nfo r m at i o n re so u rces o n a l ter n ati ve fuels, ad vanced vehic les, id le re d u c t i o n , an d o th er tech n o l o gi es t hat red uce p et roleum use Co n s u l t at i o n an d tech n i ca l a ssi sta nce Fun d in g o p p o r tu n i ti es f ro m th e U.S. D ep ar t ment of Energy, st ate and loc a l g ove r n m ent a gen ci es, n o n pro fit s, and found at ions Publ ic re co gn iti o n fo r pro gress i n red uc ing p et roleum consum p t ion Assis t an ce wi t h medi a o u trea ch Va l u ab l e p ro fessi o n a l devel o pment op p or t unit ies like tec hnic al t raining, wor ks h o p s, a n d web in ars
J oin to d ay!
Vi si t w w w. w icl e anci ti es.o rg/jo i n .ph p, e m ail info@wic leanc it ies. org, or c all 414-22 1 - 4 9 5 8 .
Join the ranks with these notable supporters:
Wisconsin Clean Cities 2013 Annual Stakeholder Meeting
W
isconsin Clean Cities (WCC) hosted its Annual Stakeholder meeting on December 10th in Green Bay. The holiday reception was the organization’s first stakeholder meeting since expanding statewide, and we were excited to be able to hold it at Lambeau Field. Nearly 80 attendees participated in the event which celebrated the efforts and accomplishments of members and Wisconsin fleets in moving forward with alternative fuels and cleaner air for all. WCC presented its 2013 Clean Forward Fleet Awards to members, which were determined based on estimated petroleum displacement due to use of alternative fuels, idling technologies and policies, and advanced technology vehicles. The winners were: Fleets over 200: #1 - Kwik Trip, La Crosse #2 - GO Riteway, Oak Creek #3 - City of Milwaukee #4 - Paper Transport, Inc., Green Bay #5 - Menards, Inc., La Crosse
2013 Clean Forward Fleet Award “Our continued outreach has led to the implementation of additional programs throughout the state. In an effort to identify the growth for Natural Gas, the Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable initiative was implemented. Endorsed by Governor Walker, this program provides a forum for the discussion of the growth of Natural Gas throughout the state.” - Lorrie Lisek, Executive Director of Wisconsin
Small Fleets: #1 - Transit Express, Milwaukee #2 - SunPower Biodiesel, Cumberland #3 - GAIN Clean Fuel, Appleton Other awards of the night included the WCC Cornerstone Award, given to ANGI Energy Systems of Janesville for their overwhelming support of WCC and its members, which has had a signfiicant positive impact on the coalition’s ability to become a regional and national leader. (continued) Executive Director Lorrie Lisek gives the Year in Review December ReFUEL |4
ANGI Energy Systems has a longstanding reputation as a leader and innovator in the compression and natural gas refueling station industries. WCC also honored Ken Neusen, Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a service award for Outstanding and Long-lasting Leadership on the WCC Board of Directors. Ken will be retiring from the board this year.
Kwik Trip team accepting a much-deserved Forward Fleet award for 1st in Petroleum Displacement. The holiday event also included passing of the revised by-laws, and the 2014 annual operating plan and budget. The 2014 Board Members are: Mary Smarelli, Co-Chair, Transit Express Craig Fischer, Co-Chair, Dual Fuel Systems Jerry Medinger, Treasurer, American Lung Association in Wisconsin Jeffrey Bach, American Diesel Systems Katrina Bell, ANGI Energy Systems Ruanna Hayes, Kwik Trip Matt Jarmuz, Odyne Systems Bryan Nudelbacher, GAIN Clean Fuel Bob Reagan, We Energies Jeff Shefchik, Paper Transport Marty Franzkowiak, Charter Fuels George T. Stone, Milwaukee Area Technical College 2013 Auxiliary Board Members: Matthew Carr, Cummins NPower Tim Glynn, E.H. Wolf and Sons
Right: Attendees networking and enjoying some drinks
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Katrina Bell and Dan Hicks from ANGI Energy Systems
Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program Ends on a Successful Note
F
ollowing the meeting was the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program banquet to celebrate the successful conclusion of the program. The program was a joint venture of Wisconsin Clean Cities and the State Energy Office. Over the course of the four years the program ran, over 375 alternative fuel vehicles were deployed and 18 infrastructure improvements completed, which will translate to an amazing displacement of 1.6 million gallons of petroleum.
Attendees enjoyed a tour of Lambeau Field before the banquet.
Featured speakers at the event included David Jenkins and Maria Redmond of the Wisconsin State Energy Office; State Representative Chad Weininger; and Mark O’Connell of Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program. Through the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program, Wisconsin Clean Cities was able to hold 150 outreach events. We spread the word about alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles to over 19,000 members of the public throughout the state. Finally, Wisconsin Clean Cities would like to thank its members and generous sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible. Special thanks to:
Representative Chad Weininger speaking at the banquet on the hopeful future of CNG in Wisconsin. To see more photos from our holiday meeting and banquet, visit us on facebook, twitter, and flickr.
ANGI Energy Systems, We Energies, and Kwik Trip (Touchdown Sponsors); Amerigas and Contract Transport Services (Gold Sponsors); Cummins NPower, GAIN Clean Fuel, Inland Power Group, and Paper Transport (Green Sponsors); DeCleene Truck Refrigeration and Harters Quick Clean Up, Inc (White Sponsors).
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Wisconsin Clean Cities Welcomes New Staff Bailey Brown graduated from Carroll University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management. She was a manager at Body Awareness Center for over a year and a half and played basketball throughout her 4 years at Carroll. As of October, Bailey began working as a full-time Program Associate and is looking forward to continuing great work with the coalition and its partners. Erike Noble recently graduated from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee with a Bachelor’s of Art in Conservation & Environmental Science and Sociology. She served as an intern for Wisconsin Clean Cities Workforce Development Program for the 2013 fall semester and is now a full-time employee. Erika is passionate about environmental and sustainability initiatives and is looking forward to continue her understanding of the intersection of these issues and the transportation sector. The team that brought us to Lambeau (from right to left): Bailey Brown, Cassie Bridger, Erika Noble, and Stephanie Smith
Announcing the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program Internship Wisconsin Clean Cities is now offering a spring 2014 paid internship through the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program, which unites Clean Cities coalitions across the country with students interested in changing the future of on-road transportation. Each year, students in the program work with Clean Cities coalitions to increase awareness of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies and their potential for petroleum reduction. Interns work with coordinators and stakeholders in the community to plan events, analyze data, research markets, design websites, and promote initiatives through social media and public relations. Students work on locally focused projects, such as planning and implementing the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day, conducting fleet manager meetings, and working with campus fleet managers to promote the use of clean vehicle technologies. This is a wonderful opportunity for students looking to gain experience in the energy and transportation areas. Looking for applicant who will be graduating in May of 2014 or is within one year of graduation, and may be interested in continuing with Wisconsin Clean Cities as a full-time employee after the internship has ended. Please pass this information along to anyone you know who may be interested in this position. More Information: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/toolbox/internship_program.html Start Date: January 13th, 2014 End Date: April 25th, 2014 Hours: 20+ hours a week
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Send Cover Letter & Resume by December 31st to: Lorrie Lisek Wisconsin Clean Cities 231 W Michigan St., P321 Milwaukee, WI 53203 Email: info@wicleancities.org Office: 414-221-4958
Mark Your Calendars!
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities at these great events! December 21
January 11
December 25
Janurary 21
Eco Driving for Class 8 Truck Drivers Class #8 7 AM -1 PM
Happy Holidays!
December 28
Eco Driving for Class 8 Truck Drivers Class #9 7 AM - 1 PM
January 1
Happy New Year!
Janurary 4
Eco Driving for Class 8 Truck Drivers Class #10 7 AM - 1 PM
Janurary 7
Webinar: Inspection Guidelines for CNG and LPG Vehicle Conversions 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Eco Driving for Class 8 Truck Drivers Class #11 7 AM - 1 PM
Webinar: Considerations for Garage and Maintenance Shops When Using CNG and LPG 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Janurary 18
Eco Driving for Class 8 Truck Drivers Class #12 7 AM - 1 PM
Janurary 22-24
Joint State Education Convention Wisconsin Center 400 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203
Janurary 25
Eco Driving for Class 8 Truck Drivers Class #13 7 AM - 1 PM
For more event information, visit our events page at www.wicleancities.org/events.php. For sponsorship opportunities, email info@wicleancities.org or call (414) 221-4958. December ReFUEL | 8
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Question of the Month What are the key terms to know when discussing ethanol flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and their fueling infrastructure? It is important to know how to “talk the talk” when it comes to FFVs. Becoming familiar with the terms below will help you better understand these vehicles and the associated fueling infrastructure so that you can ask the right questions and make informed decisions.
FFV: An FFV is a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine and can run on E85 (defined below), gasoline, or a mixture of the two. Except for fuel system and powertrain adjustments that allow the vehicles to run on higher ethanol blends, FFVs are virtually identical to their conventional gasoline vehicle counterparts; however, drivers can expect a slightly lower fuel economy when driving on ethanol compared to gasoline, depending on the ethanol blend. Emergency situations can include natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, tornados, earthquakes, and wildfires. However, they also include systems and infrastructure failures, pandemics, and physical or cyber attacks. To that end, the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition in Phoenix, Arizona is working with the Arizona Department of Emergency Management to encourage fuel diversity in an area of the country that is vulnerable to fuel shortages due to pipeline ruptures. Types of Ethanol Ethanol can be categorized into two main types based on the feedstocks used for its production: • Starch- and sugar-based ethanol: Produced from feedstocks like corn, wheat, milo, and sugarcane, starch- and sugar-based ethanol makes up the majority of all domestic ethanol production. In fact, corn is the most common ethanol feedstock in the United States. This type of ethanol is manufactured through dry- or wet-mill processing. More than 80% of ethanol plants are dry mills due to lower capital costs. Dry-milling consists of grinding corn into flour and fermenting the mixture, resulting in distiller grain and carbon dioxide co-products. Wet mills separate the starch, protein, and fiber in corn prior to processing these components into products, such as ethanol. • Cellulosic ethanol: Produced from feedstocks like crop and wood residues, dedicated energy crops, and industrial and other wastes, cellulosic ethanol offers advantages over starch- and sugarbased feedstocks (e.g., no concerns with food versus fuel). Feedstock components include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Because it is more challenging to extract sugars necessary for ethanol production from these feedstocks, cellulosic ethanol is more difficult to manufacture than starchand sugar-based ethanol. This type of ethanol can be produced through two conversion pathways: Biochemical: Feedstocks are pretreated to release hemicellulose sugars and then undergo hydrolysis to break cellulose into sugars. Sugars are fermented into ethanol, and lignin is recovered and used to produce energy to power the process. Thermochemical: Heat and chemicals are added to feedstocks to create a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, also known as syngas. Syngas is then mixed with a catalyst to produce ethanol. Ethanol Blends The following ethanol blends can be used in conventional gasoline vehicles (note model year restrictions for E15): • E10: (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) – E10 is classified as “substantially similar” to gasoline by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is legal for use in any gasoline-powered vehicle. More than 95% of the U.S. gasoline supply contains up to 10% ethanol to boost octane, meet air
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quality requirements, or satisfy the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), which calls for 36 billion gallons of biofuels to be blended into transportation fuel by 2022. E10 must meet ASTM D4806 fuel specifications. ASTM International develops specifications for conventional and alternative fuels to ensure proper vehicle operation and safety. • E15: (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) – E15 is legal for use in model year 2001 and newer vehicles; however, there are several EPA and state agency requirements and regulations stations must adhere to when selling E15. Fuel producers that market E15 are required to individually register with EPA. While E15 does not qualify as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), it does help meet RFS2. E15 must meet fuel specifications laid out in ASTM D4806 and cannot be used in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, off-road vehicles, or off-road equipment. The following ethanol blends above E15 should only be used in FFVs due to material and compatibility issues associated with the high alcohol content of ethanol: • Mid-level blends: Blender pumps (defined below) can create various other ethanol blends between E15 and E85 (also defined below). E20 (20% ethanol, 80% gasoline) and E30 (30% ethanol, 70% gasoline) are the most common blends selected. Mid-level ethanol blends must meet fuel specifications laid out in ASTM D7794. • E85: E85 is considered an alternative fuel under EPAct and can contain 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. This variance in ethanol content is allowed to ensure proper starting and vehicle performance in geographic locations where cold temperatures can affect fuel properties. Though dependent on the blend, drivers can expect about 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline, resulting in a corresponding reduction in fuel economy, when using E85. E85 must meet ASTM D5798 fuel specifications. Infrastructure Low-level ethanol blends up to E10 have already been incorporated into the majority of the U.S. gasoline supply, and fueling stations that supply these blends are not required to update their fueling infrastructure. Ethanol blends above E10, however, do require specific ethanol-compatible equipment, including: · • Dispensers: E85 and blender pump dispensers require specialized metals and seals to perform with high concentrations of ethanol. Permitting authorities typically require all ethanol dispensers to be UL-listed for the ethanol blend dispensed. • Hanging hardware: Hanging hardware, including hoses, nozzles, swivels, and breakaways used to dispense ethanol blends should use ethanol compatible materials. Permitting authorities typically require hanging hardware to be UL-listed for the ethanol blend dispensed. • Storage tanks: EPA guidance allows underground storage tank (UST) manufacturers to provide a statement of compatibility for their products with specific biofuels blends. All tank manufacturers have issued statements of compatibility with ethanol blends. For a list of UST manufacturers and their ethanol-compatibility statements, please refer to the Clean Cities Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol-Gasoline Blends (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/ uploads/publication/ethanol_handbook.pdf). Most stations that dispense mid-level blends also have the following: • Blender pump: This type of fuel dispenser offers FFV owners a variety of ethanol-blended gasoline products between E15 and E85. Blender pumps draw fuel from two separate storage tanks (E10 and E85) and can dispense preprogrammed blends of those fuels. Blender pumps also may be used to dispense E15 legally. Note that blender pumps currently are offered only at select fueling stations and are mainly concentrated in the Midwest. The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Fueling Station Locator (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/) includes details about E85 stations with blender pump availability. Additional information on FFVs, ethanol feedstocks, and infrastructure can be found on the AFDC Ethanol website (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol.html).
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FLEETS ACROSS THE U.S.: How Other Fleets Are Using Alternative Fuels And Vehicles
Clean Cities Helps Green the National Mall
T
he millions of visitors who stroll the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C., each year may soon notice some new attractions alongside the park’s iconic monuments. With help from the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative and Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC), the National Park Service (NPS) is showcasing alternative fuels and advanced vehicles in and around the historic space between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The National Mall recently added the first two plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) to its 150-vehicle fleet. The park will install four PEV charging stations, two of which will serve fleet vehicles at the park’s headquarters near the Jefferson Memorial; two more will be for public use, soon to be placed in locations that maximize accessibility by PEV drivers. “We are always looking for ways to integrate sustainable practices into every part of our operation.” - National Mall and Memorial Parks Superintendent Bob Vogel
In addition, idle-reduction technologies will be installed in 20 of the park’s vehicles most often prone to idling, such as larger trucks involved in maintenance operations. Visitors can learn about these green transportation efforts through interpretive signage and educational talks by NPS staff. A third strategy—deployment of six propane lawn mowers donated by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)—is expected to cut
greenhouse gas emissions in half, relative to the diesel mowers they replaced in the park’s 16-mower fleet. GWRCCC assisted in establishing the partnership between PERC and the park administration. Leaders from NPS, Clean Cities, PERC, and GWRCCC held a ribbon-cutting event in June to unveil the new vehicles and charging infrastructure. “The mission of Clean Cities is really to work with local communities who want to implement these alternative fuels,” National Clean Cities Director Dennis Smith said. “If we can get the millions of parks visitors to go home and understand that they can do the same thing, then it’s really a home run.” GWCC Executive Director Ronald Flowers said, “To me, it’s about energy independence.” Noting the impact of this leadership at the high-visibility National Mall, Flowers said, “It’s a perfect place for alternative technologies to really come to the fore.” Read More: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/case/1570 11 | December ReFUEL
Got a CNG vehicle in your fleet? Send MGE a photo for Facebook Do you have a CNG vehicle in your fleet? MGE wants to see how companies that do business in the Madison area are using CNG vehicles at work. Trillium CNG opened its fifth public CNG station in Wisconsin earlier this December. The new station, located one mile off Highway 41 in Appleton, will be open 24/7 and has the capacity to fast-fill two vehicles at a time. The station was built to support heavy-duty trucking, in response to increased demand for CNG in the area. Other Trillium CNG stations are located in De Pere, Green Bay, Sturtevant, and Wausau. Source: NGV America
Visit MGE’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/madisongasandelectric and send us a message with photos of your CNG vehicle on the job. We’ll send you a Buck® Nobleman Linerlock Knife just for submitting your photos. You can also email them to cngatwork@mge.com. To view MGE’s photo site rules, visit mge. com/cngatwork.