Wisconsin Clean Cities July Newsletter

ReFUEL July 2012 | Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area | Monthly Newsletter

American Made, American Pride Evolution Marketing Leads

by Example EPA Grants Final Approval to Sale of E15 Blends Allison Transmission Purchases Equity Stake in Odyne Systems

Also In This Issue:

Did you know? Clean Cities provides technical assistance Welcome New and Returning Members Congratulations New WCC Board Members Question of the Month: Alter my repair shop for CNG vehicles?

Eye on Wisconsin Clean Cities Events, Resources, and More...

“Driving Wisconsin Forward�

Stay Co nn ecte d!

www.facebook.com/wisconsinCC

twitter.com/wccsea

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www.youtube.com/wccsea

www.wicleancities.org

ReFUEL is Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area’s (WCC-SEA) monthly coalition newsletter.

WCC-SEA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, and is one of nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions across the U.S. WCC-SEA 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: Page 4

Did you know?

Clean Cities provides technical assistance

Page 6

Welcome New and Returning Members

Page 7

Congratulations to Our Newest Board Members

Page 10

Question of the Month

If I change my fleet to compressed natural gas, do I have to alter my repair facility?

Features:

Pages 11-15

American Made, American Pride Submitted by Joe Thompson, President of ROUSH CleanTech Evolution Marketing Leads by Example EPA Grants Final Approval to the Sale of E15 Blends Allison Transmission Purchases Equity Stake in Odyne Systems

Page 16

Eye On Clean Cities

July ReFUEL | 2

Are you a member yet?

Sta r t mak in g a n i m pa c t by j oi n i n g Wi s con s i n Cle a n Cities to day !

W CC - S E A re l ie s o n su ppo r t f ro m o u r mem b er s. D ues and cor p orate me m be rs h ip s e n abl e WCC- SEA to h o l d meet ings, sp onsor ed uc at ional wor k sh o p s, an d prov i de v i ta l o u trea ch mater ials.

Wh at c an WCC- S E A do for you ?

• Net wor k i n g o ppo r tu nities w it h fl eets & in dus tr y pa r tn er s • Te ch n i cal t ra ining, wo r k sho ps, a n d webin a r s • I nfo r mat i o n reso u rces o n a l ter n ative fuel s, a dva n ced veh ic l es, idl e redu c t i o n , an d o t her tec hno l o gies th at reduce petro l eum us e • I ndi v i d u al co nsu l t at io n a nd tec h n ic a l a s s is ta n ce • Fun d i n g o p p o r tu nities f ro m th e U.S . D epa r tm ent o f E n ergy, s tate and loc al g ove r n m ent a g enc ies, non pro fits, a n d fo un datio n s • Pub l i c re cognitio n fo r pro gress in reduc in g petro l eum co n s um ption • As s i s t an ce w ith m edia o u trea ch

J oin to d ay!

Vis i t w w w. wi clea nc ities. o rg / j o in. ph p, em a il in fo @ w ic l ea n c ities.o rg, o r c all 4 14- 221- 4 9 5 8 .

Join the ranks with these notable supporters:

Did you know?

Clean Cities provides technical assistance C

lean Cities offers technical assistance for eligible projects through the Clean Cities Technical Assistance Project, also known as Tiger Teams. This technical assistance helps Clean Cities coordinators, stakeholders, original equipment manufacturers, and fuel providers overcome obstacles to deploying alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.

Clean Cities accepts technical-assistance applications for the following types of projects: Technical Problem Solving — Vehicle Operations: Issues can pertain to vehicle performance, drivability, safety, maintenance, driver acceptance, training, or best practices for implementation of alternative fuel vehicles at specific sites.

Technical Problem Solving — Infrastructure Operations: Issues can pertain to fueling station design, siting, interaction with alternative fuel providers or fire safety code officials, fueling station performance, maintenance requirements, or user and operator training.

Evaluation of Project Potential: Complex projects (including transit systems and airports) may qualify for technical assistance if expertise is not available from local or regional resources or stakeholders. When there is demonstrated local interest, a Clean Cities technical expert can evaluate local market conditions, conduct infrastructure assessments, gauge stakeholder capabilities or needs, and determine project feasibility.

To qualify for technical assistance, applicants must demonstrate they have made efforts to solve their problems using their own resources.

To learn more about the assistance program, visit: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/technical_assistance.html Or contact Wisconsin Clean Cities at: info@wicleancities.org or (414) 221-2958.

Your one-stop-shop for information about: • • • • •

fuel, vehicles, fleets, incentives & laws, data, analysis, and trends.

Visit http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ July ReFUEL | 4

Don’t Miss the 2nd Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable July 19, 2012 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Fox Valley Technical College 1825 North Bluemound Drive Appleton, WI 54914 This meeting is open to the public and will help identify ways to expand the use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel for Wisconsin businesses and consumers.

Representatives from local compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations, large truck fleets, the State Energy Office and other state regulatory agencies will be sharing their experiences to assist interested businesses in making the decision to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

For more information visit the Natural Gas section on the SEO web site or to RSVP contact Maria Redmond at maria.redmond@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-1521.

Following the Roundtable:

Biogas to Vehicle Fuel Workshop July 19, 2012 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Fox Valley Technical College 1825 North Bluemound Drive Appleton, WI 54914 This workshop will describe the transportation applications of biogas, a renewable fuel similar to natural gas that is produced by microorganisms as they consume wastes at landfills, wastewater treatment plants, farms and food processors. Wisconsin is already a leader in biogas systems that treat manure on dairy farms and at municipal wastewater treatment facilities, but has only scratched the surface of the total biogas potential in the state. Many more truckers and fleets across the state are exploring the complementary use of both biogas and conventional natural gas to lower fuel costs and reduce vehicle noise and emissions. Biogas specialists, representatives from state agencies and engineers will answer your questions about this emerging opportunity. Additional background information on biogas as a vehicle fuel can be found at the natural gas portal of the SEO website: energyindependence.wi.us

To RSVP email Maria Redmond at maria.redmond@wisconsin.gov with “Biogas Workshop” in the subject line. This is a separate registration from the Roundtable listed above.

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New & Improved AFDC Website!

Check it out today & learn about: Fuels & Vehicles, Locate stations, Laws & Incentives, Tips to conserve fuel, and More!

Visit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/

Welcome

new

and

• • • • •

returning

Members

Altec Industries Lake Michigan Carferry Service Madison Gas & Electric Lisa Geason-Bauer Jeffrey Deutschland July ReFUEL | 6

Congratulations to our newest board members Katrina Bell

Marketing Coordinator ANGI Energy Systems

Matt Jarmuz

Director of Sales Odyne Systems, LLC

Jerry Medinger

Manager of Clean Fuels & Technologies Program American Lung Association in Wisconsin

Bryan Nudelbacher Business Analyst U.S. Venture

Jeff Shefchik

President Paper Transport, Inc.

J Th eff an L ma k yo udw u n se y ye for ig co rv ng ice ars your ra a of on tula nd re tir you tion s em r en t!

The new directors were selected at the June meeting and are joining our current directors: Mary Smarelli, Transit Express Jeff Bach, American Diesel Systems Al Bartell, City of Milwaukee Ken Neusen, Director Emeritus UW-Milwaukee Bob Reagan, We Energies George Stone, Milwaukee Area Technical College The primary role of the Board of Directors is to provide overall guidance and policy to make final decisions on pivotal issues. The Board consists of representatives from both public and private voting member organizations. Members of the Board serve three (3) year terms and are elected by vote, and are required to be dues paying members in good standing.

To learn more about WCC’s Board of Directors, visit www.wicleancities.org.

To find out how you could become a member of the Board, contact us at info@wicleancities.org or (414) 221-4958.

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Mark Your Calendars and Register Today!

July 25, 2012

Propane in the Park 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Lime Kiln Park - Octagon Shelter 2020 S. Green Bay Rd., Grafton, WI Register here: http://propaneinthepark. eventbrite.com

August 21, 2012

Idle Reduction Workshop 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM MATC - Oak Creek Campus 6665 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek, WI

August 23, 2012

Plugging In to the Future: An Educational Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Workshop 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM Odyne Systems N4 W22610 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, WI Register by contacting Emily DeVillers at (414) 221-2509 or email Emily.DeVillers@wicleancities.org.

October 2012: A Month of Odyssey!

October is the month for National Odyssey day and Wisconsin has 4 different days across the state. Don’t miss it!

October 4, 2012 Topic: Wisconsin Fleets Location: Monona Community Center, Monona, WI October 11, 2012 Location: La Crosse, WI October 18, 2012 Topic: Natural Gas Location: U.S. Venture, Appleton, WI October 25, 2012 Topic: Alternative Fuel Tour around Milwaukee Location: Milwaukee, WI

September 2012

Propane Safety Training Course Location, Date, & Time: TBA

For more event information, visit www.wicleancities.org.

For sponsorship opportunities, email info@wicleancities.org or call (414) 221-4958.

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We want you!

Are you a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities?

Have your organization, an article, or an ad featured in the Wisconsin Clean Cities monthly newsletter free. It’s your chance to tell others what your company is doing to promote petroleum reduction and other green initiatives, or tell them about a great deal.

Not a member of Wisconsin Clean Cities?

Join today! Gain recognition for the great work your company is doing.

View details listed on page 3 or visit http://www.wicleancities.org/join.php.

All articles or ads must be submitted by the 20th of each month to be featured. For more detail or to submit an article or ad, contact Heather Goetsch at (414) 221-4487 or email heather.goetsch@wicleancities.org.

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Question of the Month Q

: If I change my fleet to compressed natural gas, do I have to alter my

repair facility?

A

: In short, yes. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is generally composed of more than 90% methane. This means if the gas leaks from a vehicle or tank it will rise to the ceiling inside a building. For safety purposes, all repair facilities that service CNG vehicles need to add a ventilation system that will expel any gas that leaks, as well as other code requirements deemed necessary by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Some of the other requirements are: an approved flammable gas detection system, limitations to open flame heaters or heating equipment, and design requirements. The total cost of alterations will depend entirely upon the construction and situation of your specific building.

For more information about building code requirements in Wisconsin, visit: http://dsps.wi.gov/sb/SB-HomePage.html For more information about CNG as a vehicle fuel, visit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/

S u b m it y o u r que s tio n s to in fo @ w ic le an c itie s .o rg w ith th e s u bj e c t lin e “ W C C Q ue s tio n o f th e Mo n th �!

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AMERICAN MADE, AMERICAN PRIDE Submitted by: Joe Thompson, President of ROUSH CleanTech

I

’ve heard it said that in times of crisis, a nation that can’t feed itself is no more secure than a country that can’t defend itself. I believe this applies to a nation’s ability to fuel itself, too. America has done well with food production, growing enough to feed our population and be the world’s second-largest food exporter.

Now it’s time for America to do just as well with energy demand by adopting more domestically produced fuels.

Domestic alternative fuel usage creates American jobs. It stimulates U.S. economic activity. It diminishes crude oil petroleum imports. It reduces emissions of harmful environmental pollutants. And it increases our national security.

And, this issue gets increasingly critical. I recently read in Time Magazine an article entitled “The Truth About Oil” (April 19, 2012). In it, the author states, “A combination of recession, conservation and improved auto efficiency has helped the U.S. shed demand impressively. But demand in China, India and other developing nations has replaced it.”

Joe Thompson

Reducing our demand isn’t about changing global markets. It is about protecting our future by re-creating a nation capable of using its own fuel.

At ROUSH CleanTech, we support all domestic alternative fuels.

But right now, let’s talk about propane.

Propane is as American as burgers on the grill and apple pie on the Fourth of July. Propane was born here, has thrived here for 100 years.

This source of energy has been lighting and heating homes and cooking dinners since 1912, but its real potential is just being tapped as America begins to embrace propane autogas technology, which offers our country economic and national security. Vehicles fueled with propane autogas are made with American hands and produced on American soil — while costing up to 40 percent less than gasoline and 50 percent less than diesel.

So we might just be a little closer than we thought in finding a solution to our nation’s energy crisis.

Our nation’s propane production levels are so high that it’s exported from America at a rate of 2 billion gallons each year. After production, North American propane is stored in huge salt caverns located in Kansas, Texas and Alberta, Canada. This propane storage capacity in the U.S. is the world’s largest, positioning our country to expand global trade of this liquefied natural gas.

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Already the third most widely used engine fuel in the world, propane autogas has a strong national infrastructure in place with over 3,000 refueling stations, up to 56,000 miles of pipeline, an established distribution process, and more than 6,000 retail propane dealer locations. Propane is the most readily available alternative fuel throughout the U.S., and is the only alternative fuel with fueling stations in every state.

At ROUSH CleanTech, we are dedicated to helping fleet managers across the country meet their economic and emissions reduction goals with this domestically produced alternative fuel solution. ROUSH’s 35-year heritage as an This Ford E-series full size van runs on clean-burning, American automotive engineering company has led to the American-made propane autogas. development of propane autogas fuel systems for lightand medium-duty Ford trucks and vans and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses. All ROUSH CleanTech systems are EPA and CARB certified at launch and meet the highest standards of performance, horsepower, torque and towing capabilities.

We also are keeping jobs on American soil by using a supply chain that is 96 percent American-made, and creating, on average, one new job for every 100 propane autogas vehicles manufactured. In fact, this summer we’ve seen the deployment of hundreds of propane autogas fleet vehicles — stimulating job growth, escalating economic growth through fuel cost savings, and increasing environmental sustainability with lowered carbon emissions.

The partnership ROUSH CleanTech maintains with Ford and Blue Bird dealerships across the nation only strengthen our commitment to American pride because we have the satisfaction of knowing that they too, were made in the U.S.A. These partnerships make our line of propane autogas vehicles easy to purchase and maintain.

So as you fire up your propane grill this month, think about getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that runs on this same domestic fuel.

This CAD image of the ROUSH CleanTech Ford F-250/350 vehicle provides a clear visual of the dedicated liquid propane autogas engine fuel system.

JOE THOMPSON, PRESIDENT OF ROUSH CLEANTECH, IS A MEMBER OF THE ROUSH ENTERPRISE STEERING COMMITTEE AND RESIDES ON TWO ENERGY BOARDS. HE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ENERGY AND THE PROPANE GAS ACT. JOE, WHO BLOGS AT FLEETBLOGS.COM/FUELFORTHOUGHT, MAY BE REACHED AT JOSEPH.THOMPSON@ROUSH.COM.

ROUSH® CLEANTECH • 800.59.ROUSH • ROUSHCLEANTECH.COM July ReFUEL | 12

Evolution Marketing Leads by Example: First Business in WI to have an all-electric Nissan Leaf as their fleet vehicle

E

volution Marketing, member of Wisconsin Clean Cities, is a small marketing firm that strives to help other companies promote their sustainable work and now has one of the first all-electric vehicles in the state. Lisa GeasonBauer founded Evolution Marketing in 2008 and has been active in a variety of green roles, from running the local winter farmers market to being active on green issues for an Oconomowoc city “lead by example” team. She’s also a board member of the statewide Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, a network of mostly large companies.

Geason-Bauer has been on the waiting list for a Nissan Leaf for the firm for more than two years because she wanted a car that was as green as her business. “Of course it’s a great marketing tool, but it’s more than that,” Geason-Bauer said. “If having a Nissan Leaf is helping us to have a lesser environmental impact, while still doing our job and making money, why not?”

It’s no secret that Evolution Marketing is striving to be as green as they can in all that they do. They purchased carbon offsets for all the miles driven in their Chevrolet Malibu since 2008, and buy renewable energy from Oconomowoc Public Utilities to enable them to proclaim that the electricity they’re charging their Leaf with is also green.

The challenge with electric cars is the up-front cost, as well as the range. The Leaf is priced at about $35,000 but a federal tax credit is available that reduces that by $7,500. The Bauers can charge their Leaf in about eight hours, and the car can travel 110 miles or more on a single charge.

Geason-Bauer had a 240-volt home charging station installed.

Industry experts say total demand for electric vehicles is expected to grow, though not as quickly as the pace some had forecasted several years ago. As demand increases and more vehicles become available, the premium attached to the cars is projected to fall.

The savings on fuel costs will be immediate, Geason-Bauer said. She pays extra every month on her electric bill to purchase renewable energy through the Oconomowoc utility’s green power partners program, but even with that premium and the extra power to charge the car’s battery, she projects she’ll save more than $700 this year on vehicle fueling costs.

“She’s setting the pace for other businesses in bringing that technology to Wisconsin,” said Lorrie Lisek, Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities-Southeast Area.

For more information about Evolution Marketing and their green initiatives and services, visit: http://evmkting.com/

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EPA Grants Final Approval to the Sale of E15 Blends

B

y completing its approval of established misfueling mitigation plans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has essentially cleared the way for final approval for companies intending to sell E15 to consumers.

“This decision is a victory for consumers, who have a right to choose the best fuel for their needs,” says Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA). “Approving the use of E15 will reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil and increase our use of domestically produced, renewable fuel alternatives.”

This decision addressed the final, significant regulatory hurdle preventing consumers with passenger vehicles model 2001 and newer from selecting E15 as a fuel option. The EPA has been working with a variety of ethanol groups to meet all the conditions necessary to appropriately and legally offer E15 to consumers at the pump.

During the past few years, multiple studies have been done to examine the effects of E15 on engines. Among those studies is one conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy that concluded there were no significant changes in vehicle drivability when E15 was used instead of traditional gasoline.

“We applaud the EPA’s action and look forward to the future as retailers finish the necessary steps needed to start offering E15 to Wisconsin consumers,” says Morby.

Wisconsin consumers already enjoy the benefits of E10, which can be used in all vehicles, and E85, which is for use in flexible fuel vehicles. Adding E15 as an additional choice gives consumers another option at the pump. According to a study by Iowa State University, this choice is important: Ethanol blends are estimated to reduce the cost of vehicular gasoline by about a dollar a gallon.

The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance is a diverse group of businesses, environmental groups, and statewide and local organizations that have come together to build both public and legislative awareness of the Bio Industry in Wisconsin.

For more information about the Alliance, or to find out how to join, please visit our website: http://www.wisconsinbioindustry.com.

To learn more, visit: http://www.wisconsinbioindustry.com http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/ http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/

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Allison Transmission Purchases Equity Stake in Odyne Systems

A

llison Transmission Inc, the world’s largest manufacturer of fully-automatic transmissions for medium- and heavyduty commercial vehicles and hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses, announced on July 2, 2012 it has invested in a non-controlling equity stake in Odyne Systems, LLC. Odyne, a leading manufacturer of advanced hybrid control systems and member of Wisconsin Clean Cities, designed and developed an innovative plug-in hybrid power system which interfaces with the Allison family of commercial vehicle transmissions. The new relationship between Allison and Odyne will directly benefit hybrid vehicle operators in vocations such as utility bucket trucks, digger derricks, cranes and other applications that require worksite stationary power.

“Odyne Systems’ expertise and experience in the development and manufacture of advanced hybrid control systems made them an attractive partner,” said Lawrence E. Dewey, Chairman, President and CEO of Allison Transmission.

“Fundamentally, I believe commercial vehicle operators who require a clean and sustainable stationary power source will appreciate the features and benefits that Odyne and Allison bring to the industry.”

Joe Dalum, President of Odyne Systems, said, “This relationship between Allison and Odyne brings together two leading companies focused on enhancing the performance and efficiency of the overall powertrain. Our solutions help companies and communities meet sustainability objectives, lower costs and reduce worksite noise. It also becomes especially relevant with today’s varying fuel prices and the drive to reduce emission levels.”

Allison Transmission is one of the most recognized brands in the industry as a result of performance, reliability, quality and fuel efficiency. Globally, in 2011, Allison Transmission sold an estimated 62 percent of all fully-automatic transmissions in the markets it serves.

A leader in plug-in hybrid technology, Odyne has developed proprietary and patented hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology with advanced electric propulsion motors, modular battery systems and other components. Sold through a worldwide distribution network, the Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system can be installed on a wide variety of new and existing vehicles to reduce fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, to enable large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50% or greater, compared to traditional diesel engines. The systems also lower emissions and operate quietly at the job site. Johnson Controls is the exclusive supplier of lithium-ion batteries for Odyne Hybrid Power systems.

To learn more, visit: http://www.odyne.com http://www.allisontransmission.com/ http://www.cleancities.org/

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Eye on Wisconsin Clean Cities W

isconsin Clean Cities started off June with a flurry of grant writing and ended with a few fun events with their members. First, the 23rd Annual Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Energy Fair was June 15-17, 2012 in Custer, WI. WCC partnered with the American Lung Association and Twin Cities Clean Cities to inform fair-goers all about biofuels. Next, the 64th Annual Wisconsin School Bus Association Trade Show and Convention was held June 18-21, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Stevens Point, WI. WCC and the coalition’s propane members attended and participated in a propane workshop as well as the trade show.

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1) From left: Alan Cook, Bergquist Inc, Bill Langlois, Charter Fuels, and Josh Budworth, Charter Fuels, standing with a propane dispenser and propane powered Blue Bird school bus at the WSBA Conference; 2) From left: Ron Andrews and Paul Scozzafave, Ferrellgas, at the WSBA Conference; 3) The American Lung Association in Wisconsin, Twin Cities Clean Cities, and Wisconsin Clean Cities booth at the MREA Energy Fair; 4) A “Clean Energy” Car Show featuring alternative fuel vehicles at the MREA Energy Fair

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