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: News
Fleet Shout Out
Which Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance stakeholder fleet this year
reached 81% of their fleet operating on
an alternative fuel? (more…)
ROUSH CleanTech Develops First Available Propane Autogas Enginethat is 90-Percent Cleaner than National Emissions Standard
Near-zero emission engine certified by California Air Resources Board to lowest NOx level
LIVONIA, MICH. (August 28, 2018) — Alternative-fuel technology company, ROUSH CleanTech, has developed the first available propane autogas engine certified to California Air Resources Board’s optional low oxides of nitrogen emissions standard for heavy-duty engines with 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr). The engine is 90-percent cleaner than the current Environmental Protection Agency’s most stringent 0.2 g/bhp-hr heavy-duty engine standard. Read the article here.
Central Texas Air Pollution Levels Compared to Health Standards
Local air quality can affect our daily lives and like the weather, it can change from day to day. The EPA developed the Air Quality Index, or AQI, to make information available about the health effects of the five most common air pollutants, and how to avoid those effects. The following figures look at the air pollution concentrations in the region in comparison with the AQI. You can find the 2016 and 2017 figures here.
Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Rules Proposed
The Draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan for Texas has been released for public comment. Click on the following link to view and download a copy of the plan: Draft Mitigation Plan.
The TCEQ is accepting public comments on the Draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan for Texas. Comments may be submitted by email to VWsettle@tceq.texas.gov. You may also submit comments by mail at the address listed on the Contact Us page. Comments will be accepted through October 8, 2018.
Capital Metro Deploying Electric Buses
Through the end of September, Cap Metro is offering free rides to passengers while testing three electric bus models on a variety of their regular routes daily.
Judy attended their Learn-and-Ride event for local transit officials on August 17th featuring representatives from the bus manufacturer, Proterra. Cap Metro has committed to purchasing 40 of the electric buses over the next six years.
Member Spotlight: ICOM North America
Autogas Fleet Development Specialist
I have always enjoyed the business challenges associated with creating and expanding markets. The opportunity to expand the market for alternative fuels in the United States by offering both significant reductions in emissions leading to cleaner, healthier air AND helping public and private fleets reduce their operating expenses is truly a win/win. When the opportunity to join ICOM surfaced, I was excited about it for just those reasons.
ICOM has historically focused on Propane Autogas products while also recognizing that in Texas, both Propane Liquid Injection Autogas and CNG fuels are already meeting the needs of fleets that must reduce their emissions or “carbon footprint” and simultaneously reduce operating expenses. We are introducing a dual fuel Natural Gas (CNG-LNG-RNG)/Diesel system this year that has already been well accepted in Canada, Mexico and Europe for larger class 7/8 vehicles. We have partnered with NAT G, based in Houston, as our exclusive dealer in Texas since they already have an established CNG business in the state. According to Dennis Foose, NAT G CEO, “ICOM’s patented liquid injection systems are a perfect complement to our CNG system offerings, and we can now offer our fleet customers both alternative fuels since each has a specific niche.” Texas, as an alternative fuels producing state, also offers grants and subsidies through TCEQ/TERP that can significantly offset the costs for installing systems and get more cleaner running vehicles on the road.
Another very important feature for fleets that provide essential community services or cover large territories is the extended range available when vehicles are equipped with both gas and alternative fuel systems. During hurricanes and other natural disasters, gas and/or diesel fuel distribution may be compromised. Running what we call “bifuel” systems can double the range of a vehicle. According to Alex Hinojosa, Jr, Vice President of Hinogas. “I selected ICOM for two reasons, first, their liquid injection systems offer better overall vehicle performance and their fuel pump is not located in the tank with the propane. I don’t have to evacuate the tank to service the propane pump.”
Yes! Texas has a special place in my heart because my daughter and her family live in Austin, and the more time I spend in Texas, the more time I get to spend with my 20 month old grandson!
