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News: Archive

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2004

August 2004
Biodiesel Station Opens in Seattle Biodiesel is now available at the Pacific Pride station on Harbor Island in Seattle. The station will provide B20, a 20% blend of biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel, to fleets and individuals. "We decided to add biodiesel to our product line at our Harbor Island cardlock site due to increased demand with our current customers and the public", says a company spokesman. "Prior to having it at the cardlock station, we have been providing biodiesel to many accounts through our mobile fueling services." Members of the Pacific Pride fuel network can access the station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Non-members can purchase biodiesel with cash, check, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Wright Express or their debit card Monday through Friday from 5:00am to 5:00pm. To open an account, contact PetroCard, the station owner, at sales@petrocard.com or 1-800-950-3835. The station is located along the west side of Harbor Island at 1617 SW Lander Street. PetroCard is primarily in the business of providing fuel and value added fueling services to businesses operating a fleet of commercial vehicles. They sell fuel through cardlock and mobile fueling services. Today, they are the largest cardlock operator in Washington State, owning 27 locations throughout the Puget Sound and Spokane areas. As a member of both the Pacific Pride and CFN networks, they offer customers access to more than 300 locations within Washington and more than 3,500 national cardlock locations. Detailed directions to the new fuel station 

June 2004
Metro Transit Takes Delivery Of Largest U.S. Fleet of Hybrid Buses  King County Metro Transit unveiled its new diesel hybrid electric buses on May 27 and announced that the first of these buses will start carrying passengers on June 5, 2004. A total of 235 hybrid buses will replace aging buses now operating on routes using the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. All of the new buses are expected to be on the road by the end of the year. With a price tag of $645,000, the high-tech buses are more expensive than standard diesel buses by more than $200,000. But the transit agency expects to benefit from a savings of approximately $3.5 million annually in fuel and maintenance costs. Metro estimates that the buses, which will constitute 16 percent of Metro's fleet, will save 750,000 gallons of fuel a year.

June 2004
Clean Air Agency Takes on Climate Change  The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has developed a stakeholder process to develop regional strategies to address greenhouse gases. Motor vehicles are a significant source of greenhouse gases, thus alternative fuels will likely be included among the transportation strategies considered. A variety of information on the Agency's Climate Protection Process is available through their website.

May 2004
Coordinator Award Presented to Puget Sound's Linda Graham  At this year's National Clean Cities Conference, Linda J. Graham, Director for the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition, received recognition with the Coordinator Excellence Award for the Seattle/Western region. Linda was recognized for her work in leading the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition to boast a significant increase in the use of alternative fuels and vehicles, the development of new alternative fuels stations, her writing and lobbying for state legislation, achieving local and national media attention, and much more. Linda's hard work and that of the Coalition's many members is a powerful combination that has made the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition a great success.

May 2004
Puget Sound Coalition Honored at National Clean Cities Conference For the second year in a row, the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition has ranked among the top ten performing coalitions in the country. This designation is determined by the Department of Energy based on numerous factors, including the Coalition's ability to increase the number of alternative fuel vehicles and refueling stations. The Coalition's progress in 2003 placed it among the top ten out of 83 Clean Cities organizations around the country.

May 2004
Ron Shipley of Pierce Transit Honored as 2004 AFV Hero of the Year  Ron Shipley at Pierce Transit has been recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the AFV Hero of the Year. Each year, DOE honors companies, government entities and individuals that have made significant, long-term contributions to advancing the use of alternative fuels in cars and trucks. There is no doubt that Ron deserves the honor in recognition of all his efforts to create a CNG transit fleet and helping to advance the entire heavy-duty CNG industry.

May 2004
Coalition Membership Continues to Grow  Seattle Biodiesel LLC has joined the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition. Seattle Biodiesel is in the process of establishing a biodiesel production facility in the industrial area of Seattle. They hope to have the facility operational in summer 2004, producing biodiesel under the license of Sol Fuels.

May 2004
Lacey Alternative Fuels Fair Draws the Crowds Electric vehicles went round and round the track. People were seen floating along on Segway Transporters. Amazement was sounded over the idea of fueling a vehicle with natural gas. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles silently cruised the streets. And the street was full of other alternative fuel vehicles and booths with information on everything from biodiesel to wind-powered vehicles. It is the scene of the 2004 Alternative Fuels Fair and Electric Vehicle Races sponsored by the City of Lacey Parks and Recreation Department that took place on May 8, 2004.

May 2004
"Clear Sailing Ahead" - Washington State Ferries Announces Clean Fuels Initiatives  Washington State Ferries (WSF) has announced that the entire ferry fleet of 28 vessels will now operate on low-sulfur diesel fuel, and that tests will be conducted using ultra-low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel fuels. The biodiesel test program will begin this summer with the use of a 20% blend of biodiesel with low-sulfur diesel fuel on the Fauntleroy, Southworth and Vashon Island route.

April 2004
MC Electric Vehicles Strives to be Leader in NEV Sales  With dealerships in Seattle, Spokane and Portland, MC Electric Vehicles hopes to become an industry leader in the sales and service of neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs).

March 2004
Biodiesel Contest Winners Include Puget Sound Coalition The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has announced the top winners in the effort to recruit new members to the Biodiesel Alliance. Linda Graham, Director for the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition in Seattle, Washington, tied for third place with Anne Tazewell of Triangle J Council of Governments based in Durham, North Carolina. The winners receive 55-gallon drums of biodiesel (B100) as prizes thanks to NBB member biodiesel producers Ag Environmental Products, American Biofuels, Biodiesel Industries, Griffin Industries, Imperial Western Products and West Central Soy. First place went to Wisconsin Agriculture Spokesperson Natalie Parmentier, who will receive a one-year use of a New Holland compact tractor. The recruiting efforts of the second place winners, Saginaw, Michigan farm couple Gail and Thomas Frahm, also impressed New Holland so much that the company decided to also award them a one-year use of the New Holland compact tractor. Thanks in part to the hard work of all these winners and many others, the Alliance doubled in size during the recruitment program which began in February 2003. According to NBB, more than 700 groups, ranging from environmental organizations to school associations to government agencies and fuel suppliers, are now members.

March 2004
New Members Bring Additional Resources to Coalition New members are Rainier Petroleum, SeaPort Petroleum and Stacia Dugan. Rainier Petroleum is a marine petroleum products distributor located on Harbor Island in Seattle. The company has become interested in biodiesel and is exploring various ways to be involved in the market. SeaPort Petroleum provides fleet fueling services nationwide with CFN, as well as the ability to do on-site fleet fueling. SeaPort operates a 16 pump Shell station and provides customers with lubricants. The company is now offering biodiesel to its fleet fueling customers and is considering the inclusion of biodiesel at its Shell station near the 1st Avenue South bridge in Seattle. Stacia Dugan has joined as an individual member. Stacia is an Air Quality Engineer with CH2M Hill, so could prove to be a valuable resource to the Coalition and its members.

January 2004
City of Olympia Cleans Up Its Fleet  The City of Olympia is joining regional alternative fuels efforts with the implementation of biodiesel in its truck fleet. According to Dave Seavy, the fleet administrator, the City began using B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel, in December following a thorough cleaning of their diesel fuel tanks. The City uses approximately 100,000 gallons of diesel a year. Olympia is enjoying its share of public relations as a result of its efforts, with an article published in The Olympian and an interview for a local radio show.

January 2004
Biodiesel Fuel Station Opens in Olympia  Biodiesel infrastructure in Puget Sound continues to expand with the latest addition in Olympia. The fuel station, on Lilly Road, is the result of efforts by Acme Fuel Company owner, Tom Allen, who credits his actions to the proddings of many individuals in the community. The station provides both B20 and B100 to fleets and individuals. Those interested in using the station can contact Acme Fuels at (360) 943-1133.

2003

December 2003
New Members Join the Coalition The Coalition's membership is continuing to expand, as three new businesses join in the efforts to promote alternative fuels and vehicles. SHUTTLE EXPRESS provides shared-ride door to door service to and from SeaTac airport. The Shuttle Express fleet currently includes 17 natural gas vans, with plans for at least another 10 in 2004. BAKER COMMODITIES is one of the largest rendering companies in the U.S., with a large facility located in the Puget Sound region. The company is also involved in biodiesel production, using the waste vegetable and animal fats that it collects from area businesses. Baker Commodities is exploring the potential of a biodiesel production facility in the Puget Sound area, a facility that could use recycled waste oils and virgin oils extracted from crops grown in eastern Washington. DWAYNE LANE'S AUTO GROUP is a retail and fleet dealer of Chyrsler, Jeep, Suzuki, Chevrolet and Dodge vehicles located in Everett. Dwayne Lane's is a certified dealer of GM alternative fuel vehicles.

December 2003
Saybr Contractors Puts Environmental Conservation Ethic Into Action  With a core of leaders dedicated to environmental conservation and a strong history of fuel facility construction and environmental remediation, it seemed only natural for Saybr Contractors to begin employing alternative fuels into its own fleet in the late 1990s. And their dedication to alternative fuels continues to grow, with an expanded alternative fuel vehicle fleet and construction of alternative fuel refueling stations in the Puget Sound region.

December 2003
Pacific NW Energy Brings New Supply of Biodiesel to Puget Sound Commercial fleets and distributors now have expanded options in their choice of biodiesel. Pacific NW Energy (PNEC) will take delivery of their first direct biodiesel shipment from West Central Soy, a biodiesel manufacturing cooperative in Ralston, Iowa. PNEC will begin to schedule deliveries for the first week of January. The company will be able to provide B-100 and B-20, both commercially and to the general public, along with fleet fueling. Contact Pacific NW Energy at (800) 735-7137.

December 2003
Intercity Transit Receives State's Top Environmental Award Intercity Transit, which serves Olympia/Thurston County, received Washington State's top environmental award last month for pioneering the use of biodiesel in its entire fleet of buses. The Washington State Department of Ecology presented its Environmental Excellence Award to Intercity Transit during a joint transit Authority and Citizens Work Group meeting November 17, 2003. 

December 2003
Coalition Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary The Coalition's 5-year anniversary was celebrated on December 11, 2003. Coalition members took some time to reflect on the successes of the last five years, to recognize some of its members for outstanding contributions, and to begin serious planning for the next 5 years.

December 2003
Clean Cities Members Recognized for Outstanding Contributions  The Coalition's 2003 Annual Meeting in December provided members with the opportunity to celebrate their successes over the Coalition's first five years. As part of the festivities, the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition recognized several of its members for their outstanding contributions towards the increased use of alternative fuels and in support of the Coalition in 2003. It is through the efforts of its members that the Coalition has sustained as an organization and made progress in increasing the use of alternative fuels.

December 2003
School Buses Clean Up With Biodiesel  Students in the Central Valley School District in Eastern Washington and Northshore School District in the Puget Sound region will be among the first in the state to ride in buses operating on biodiesel fuel. The initiatives are part of a statewide program to reduce air pollution and health risks by operating school buses on cleaner-burning fuels. The school bus biodiesel pilot project was established by the legislature earlier this year with the passage of House Bill 1243. The Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition was among those who were instrumental in creating and lobbying for the passage of the legislation.

December 2003
Biodiesel Carries New Weight Premium The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) has passed a new definition for premium diesel, and the changes are good news for biodiesel. Lubricity is now is considered in determining whether a fuel can be classified as a premium diesel fuel. Independent tests show just 1% biodiesel can increase the lubricity of petroleum diesel by as much as 65%. The NCWM list now includes cetane, cold flow properties, thermal stability, and lubricity. This important development makes the positive lubricity benefit of biodiesel a premium attribute. The changes will appear in the 2004 NIST Handbook 130.

December 2003
New Technology Provides Option to Convert Diesel Engines to Natural Gas  IMPCO Technologies has developed a method for converting diesel engines to dedicated, low-emission natural gas engines. The process involves taking the cylinder head off the engine, removing the diesel equipment, machining the head for a spark plug, machining the piston in situ, then reassembling the engine and adding the Eclipse system. A close-coupled oxidation catalyst is added to the exhaust. The conversion system was developed in conjunction with Scania UK to meet a growing demand in the United Kingdom. Testing has included the conversion of 200 trucks for Safeway, which operates them 450 to 600 miles a day hauling produce to grocery stores. Several interests in the United States see the potential of the IMPCO conversion system to provide a simpler means to repower engines and provide a viable, cost-effective retrofit solution. In particular, the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (CNGVC) is exploring with Waste Management and the South Coast AQMD the possibility of bringing the IMPCO Eclipse system to California.

November 2003
King County Metro To Use Cleaner Fuels and Buses In Its Transit Bus Fleet  King County, WA's Department of Transportation (KCDOT) recently announced that King County Metro Transit is beginning a pilot program in the fall of 2003 to test the use of biodiesel in its bus fleet. Metro will employ B20, a fuel blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent standard petroleum diesel, in approximately 10 buses, which will not require any modification to use the fuel. KCDOT said permanent, fleet-wide use of the alternative fuel will depend on the test results and the oil industry's ability to make the blend affordable and available in large volumes, according to the transit agency. Use of B20 in the entire bus fleet could reduce Metro's reliance on fossil fuel by as much as 1.7 million gallons a year.

King County has also signed a contract to take delivery on 213 new hybrid diesel-electric buses. The order also includes another 22 hybrid buses for Sound Transit. Metro has been testing the new technology extensively over the past year. The agency bought one demo hybrid bus last fall and proceeded to put it through intensive stress testing and then placed it on regular routes with passengers. The order for the new 60-foot articulated buses was placed last week with the New Flyer Corporation. New Flyer will manufacture the buses to Metro's and Sound Transit's specifications, using a General Motors Allison electric drive system and a Caterpillar engine. Each bus costs $645,000. The purchase will give Metro the largest fleet of hybrid buses in the world.

For more information, see: http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/news/2003/nr031016_biodiesel.htm
AND
http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/news/2003/nr031021_hybrids.htm

November 2003
Biodiesel Use Increasing in Marine Applications, Including Around Puget Sound The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has reported that the use of biodiesel by boaters is growing. Boaters are indicating an interest in not only the environmental and human health benefits, but also the benefit of easier cleanup, ease of handling and storage and less maintenance of their boats. According to NBB, some recent examples of biodiesel use for marine applications include the Olympia, WA-based West Bay Marina's sale of B100; the sale of biodiesel at Shilshole and Elliott Bay Marina's in Seattle, WA; the Channel Islands National Park's use of biodiesel in the Pacific Ranger and Sea Ranger II vessels; and Lake of the Ozarks, MO-based Lodge of the Four Seasons Marina's sale of B20, a blend of 80 percent conventional diesel and 20 percent biodiesel to private boaters and two cruise boats. For more information on marine applications of biodiesel, see the NBB's website at: www.biodiesel.org

September 2003
Contractor Runs Vehicles and Equipment on Biodiesel As part of his mission to support cleaner air, better health, farmers and sustainability, Albert Postema has been using biodiesel in his fleet of backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, crawler loaders, wheel loaders and other equipment for more than a year. Earthwise Excavation is the first construction company in Washington State to make the switch to biodiesel. And the company has done so in a big way, using 30,000 to 50,000 gallons of biodiesel in a year. The on- and off-road vehicles and equipment are currently using 100% biodiesel, known as B100, during the warmer summer months. Postema hopes to keep the fleet on a minimum 50% blend of biodiesel with 50% petroleum diesel (B50) throughout the winter.

September 2003
Progress Continues on Development of Ethanol Production Facility in Washington State  Plans to develop an ethanol production facility in the Moses Lake area of Washington State continue to move forward. With some of the final construction and operating permits now in place, Pacific Rim Ethanol is finalizing the financing for the project. The $130 million plant will produce 40 million gallons of ethanol fuel each year. The ethanol will be blended with gasoline for use as an oxygenate and as E85, a blend of 85% ethanol with 15% gasoline for use in flex-fuel vehicles. Approximately 36,000 flex-fuel vehicles capable of using E85 currently operate in Washington State, but the current lack of E85 means all these vehicles are being operated solely on gasoline. The new ethanol plant will significantly benefit efforts to build the E85 market in the state. The plant is also expected to provide substantial economic benefits. The use of local barley and wheat to produce the ethanol will provide an alternative market for Washington State farmers. The plant is expected to provide 50 full-time jobs, with an additional 300 contracted jobs for security, plant maintenance and transportation. It is anticipated that the plant will be operational within 2 years.

September 2003
Statewide Program Provides Funds for Cleaner School Buses With the passage of Senate Bill 6072 in 2003, funds are now available to support the introduction of cleaner school buses throughout the state. Program implementation in the first year will focus on the installation of emissions control equipment and the use of ultra low sulfur diesel in existing diesel school buses. However, under the program, funds may also be used to help cover the costs of natural gas buses, natural gas fueling infrastructure, and biodiesel fuel. This could include funding assistance for school districts participating in the biodiesel program established under House Bill 1243. For the implementation of SB6072, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) is partnering with the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the other local air agencies. Work to date has included a training workshop for local air agency and Ecology regional office staff and the development of a reference manual for this program by PSCAA. Workshops for school districts have been scheduled in six locations throughout the state. These workshops will be conducted by Ecology and OSPI. The State General Administration Department is developing a state contract to purchase and install diesel oxidation catalysts so school districts will get competitive prices through a streamlined procurement process. OSPI, the local air agencies and Ecology regional offices have identified prospective school districts for this year's program. Interested districts in this region include Seattle, Tacoma, Bainbridge, North Kitsap, Bremerton, Kent and Everett.

September 2003
Statewide Program Provides Funds for Cleaner School Buses With the passage of Senate Bill 6072 in 2003, funds are now available to support the introduction of cleaner school buses throughout the state. Program implementation in the first year will focus on the installation of emissions control equipment and the use of ultra low sulfur diesel in existing diesel school buses. However, under the program, funds may also be used to help cover the costs of natural gas buses, natural gas fueling infrastructure, and biodiesel fuel. This could include funding assistance for school districts participating in the biodiesel program established under House Bill 1243. For the implementation of SB6072, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) is partnering with the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the other local air agencies. Work to date has included a training workshop for local air agency and Ecology regional office staff and the development of a reference manual for this program by PSCAA. Workshops for school districts have been scheduled in six locations throughout the state. These workshops will be conducted by Ecology and OSPI. The State General Administration Department is developing a state contract to purchase and install diesel oxidation catalysts so school districts will get competitive prices through a streamlined procurement process. OSPI, the local air agencies and Ecology regional offices have identified prospective school districts for this year's program. Interested districts in this region include Seattle, Tacoma, Bainbridge, North Kitsap, Bremerton, Kent and Everett.

August 2003
Airport Taxis, Shuttles Convert to Natural Gas -New contract requires fleet conversions to improve air quality  The Port of Seattle Commission has authorized the renewal of contracts with two major providers of ground transportation at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The contracts, with the Seattle Tacoma International Taxi Association (STITA) and Shuttle Express, will require the two organizations to make major investments to convert their fleets to clean-burning natural gas.

August 2003
Fort Lewis Opens Natural Gas Fuel Facility  As part of its Installation Sustainability Program, Fort Lewis has developed a compressed natural gas fuel station. The official opening ceremonies took place on August 5, 2003. Fort Lewis currently has more than 60 bi-fuel CNG vehicles, which have been operating solely on gasoline, and plans to incorporate a combination of more than 300 natural gas and ethanol vehicles into the fleet over the next 5 years. The CNG station is the result of the cooperative efforts of Puget Sound Energy, GSA Fleet Management Division, Saybr Contractors Inc., Questar Energy Services Inc., and Fort Lewis Public Works.

August 2003
Clean Cities Coalition Receives Grant The Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition has received a $25,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program. The grant will be used to support the Director position and the on-going operations of the Coalition. The State Energy Program (SEP) is an annual competitive program that provides financial assistance for a variety of energy-related programs, including the use of alternative fuels. The program includes a Clean Cities/Alternative Fuels category for the support Clean Cities' AFV projects including infrastructure development, the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and coalition support. Click here to view a full list of projects funded through SEP. Choose "Alternative Fuels/Clean Cities" on the top menu, and select "ALL" or a specific state on the states menu and 2003 on the bottom menu.

August 2003
Learning About and Purchasing AFVs Made Easy The Vehicle Buyer's Guide provides the opportunity to learn about different technologies, view vehicle lists with pricing and technical specifications, contact a dealer or industry expert, learn about financial incentives, and more. The best new feature is a side-by-side comparison of available vehicles.

August 2003
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) Become Street Legal Senate Bill 5450, effective on August 1, 2003, allows the licensing of  Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) for on-road operation in Washington State.

July 2003
Seattle Public Library Rolls Out CNG Bookmobile The Seattle Public Library has rolled out the newest edition in its fleet - a natural gas bookmobile. This exciting and innovative application for the use of natural gas, the first bookmobile in the nation to be powered entirely by compressed natural gas (CNG), was made possible in part by support and funding provided through the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition and the Department of Energy's State Energy Program funds.

July 2003
Biodiesel Public Access Fuel Station Opens in Deming, WA The Deming Quick Stop now features biodiesel (B20) right along side its gasoline and diesel fuels. The new biodiesel dispenser was the inspiration of station owner Chuck Gabl, who learned about biodiesel through a workshop held in Bellingham, WA in April 2003. The workshop was sponsored by the Next Generation Energy Cooperative and featured speakers from the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition - Coalition Director Linda J. Graham and Steve Hennessey from the City of Tacoma. The Energy Cooperative and the Clean Cities Coalition also provided follow-up assistance and encouragement in the implementation of the new biodiesel dispenser. The biodiesel is being provided to the fuel station by McEvoy Oil Company in Bellingham. The station is located in Deming, approximately 14 miles east of Bellingham at 4985 Mount Baker Highway and is open 6:30am to 10pm. All the usual forms of payment are accepted. The Deming Quick Stop can be contacted at (360) 592-5633. McEvoy Oil Company can be reached at (360) 734-5650.

July 2003
Pierce Transit and Clean Cities: Partners in International CNG Networking University of British Columbia staff recently discovered the convenience of the Pierce Transit natural gas fuel station, thanks to the help of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition web site. UBC personnel traveling from Vancouver, B.C. to the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington last week for a workshop needed to find a place to fill their dedicated CNG van. The Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition web site provided just what they needed - a map of area fuel stations and the phone number for Ron Shipley, Maintenance Vice President for Pierce Transit. An active Clean Cities Coalition member since its inception in 1998, Pierce Transit allows government and other public agencies to use their CNG station. So naturally their response to UBC was "Come on down!" With the help of Lead Mechanic Glenn Anderson and the Service Crew, fueling the dedicated Ford van was a snap - working out the exchange rate may be another matter. Plans are in the works to install a more traditional public access dispenser at the Pierce Transit facility, but the UBC experience shows that with the right information and a little cooperation, a facility designed to fuel hundreds of buses every day works just fine for one passenger van.

July 2003
Case Study of CNG Buses in Washington DC (Adobe Acrobat file)  The Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory has published a fact sheet titled "Evaluating the Emission Reduction Benefits of WMATA Natural Gas Buses". The fact sheet details emission testing of compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel transit buses operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Compared with their conventional diesel counterparts, the CNG buses produced 53% lower oxides of nitrogen, 85% lower total particulate matter, and 89% lower carbon monoxide emissions. 

June 2003
Puget Sound Clean Cities Ranked as Top Ten Coalition  The U.S. Department of Energy has ranked the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition among the top ten performing coalitions for 2002. 

June 2003
Washington State Legislation Acknowledged During Congressional Debate of Federal Renewable Fuels Standard The U.S. Senate has passed legislation co-authored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to encourage the production of ethanol from wheat straw and other agricultural byproducts common in Washington and other non-corn producing states. In a statement made before the Senate, the Senator acknowledged the work of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition and other interest groups in passing the package of state bills to provide tax incentives for the production of biofuels (House Bills 1240 - 1243), stating that the RFS amendment is "attempting to add a federal dimension to these efforts."

June 2003
Coalition Receives Financial Award from General Motors  Under a new incentives program for Clean Cities coalitions, General Motors has awarded $2,000 to the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition. The program, known as the Clean Cities Reward Program, provides financial assistance to coalitions that have achieved significant process in placing alternative fuel vehicles in service and developing alternative fuel refueling stations.

June 2003
Pierce Transit Recognized as National Clean Bus Leader The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) has recognized seven local initiatives for leading the nation in investment of cleaner fuels and vehicle technologies in bus transit systems. Pierce Transit is recognized for its 17-year use of natural gas buses and its work as a pioneer in helping develop natural gas engine technology for transit buses.

June 2003
NW Trek Featured for its Propane Use  The Butane Propane News has featured NW Trek in its May 2003 edition. The park uses four propane-powered trams to transport approximately 160,000 people annually on a tour of a variety of North American animals in their natural environment.

June 2003
Washington State Implements Incentives for Biodiesel and Ethanol Fuels  A new package of tax incentives to encourage the development of in-state production facilities, distribution services and retail sales facilities for biodiesel and ethanol fuels takes affect in 2003.

May 2003
City of Seattle Unveils Clean, Green Fleet Policies City of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council recently introduced a new initiative to increase the use of alternative fuels and improve the fuel efficiency of the city's fleet. Under the new "Clean Green Fleet Action Plan," approximately half of all passenger vehicles purchased by the city will use "cleaner-burning alternative fuel such as compressed natural gas...or get at least 45 miles per gallon." Policies related to heavy-duty vehicles include the use of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel and the reduction of vehicle idling.

May 2003
ENRG Fuels Becomes Clean Energy ENRG Fuels USA, Inc., a member of the Coalition, has changed its name to Clean Energy Fuels Corporation and will conduct business under the name Clean Energy. The company operates 145 natural gas fueling stations in the U.S. and Canada, including the natural gas fuel station near SeaTac Airport. Visit Clean Energy's new website at http://www.cleanenergyfuels.com for more information.

May 2003
FuelMaker and Honda to Launch Residential Natural Gas Refueling FuelMaker and American Honda will release Phill, a residential natural gas refueling appliance, in the fall of 2003, following a three-month in-use evaluable of 100 units. At the conclusion of the evaluation period, Phill will be be available to consumers and will be marketed closely with the Honda Civic GX. Initial refueling units will cost around $2,000, but the company hopes the price will drop significantly - possibly as low as $1,000. Contact Mario Pirraglia, FuelMaker, at 416-674-3034 Ext. 217 for more information or visit http://www.fuelmaker.com. 

May 2003
Ethanol Vehicle Purchasing Guide Available This 16-page brochure provides comprehensive information on ethanol compatible or flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) available for 2003. The purchasing guide is available from the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) at http://www.e85fuel.com/images/e85_vehicle_purchasing_guide.pdf.

May 2003
EPA Proposes to Reduce Nonroad Diesel Emissions The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to reduce the impact of nonroad diesel vehicles and equipment by cutting the soot emitted by these vehicles by 95% and reducing smog-forming gases by 90%. The improvements would be accomplished by requiring engine manufacturers to use state-of-the-art technology in new diesel engines used in construction, agricultural and industrial equipoment and by imposing a more than 99% reduction in the sulfur content of the diesel fuel used by these vehicles. The agency predicts that when fully implemented in 2030, the regulations would prevent 9,600 premature deaths and more than 8,300 hospitalizations for respiratory and heart problems each year.

May 2003
State Legislature Passes Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Legislation In the waning hours of the legislative session of 2003, lawmakers in Washington State passed Senate Bill 5450, which allows for the licensing of neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) for on-road use. The bill now moves to the Governor for consideration.

May 2003
Washington State Approves Package of Bills to Promote Use of Biodiesel and Ethanol Fuels  The Washington State Legislature and the state's Governor have approved passage of a package of bills designed to promote in-state production and use of biodiesel and ethanol fuels. The bills, sponsored by Rep. Brian Sullivan (D-21), were signed by Governor Gary Locke during April and May of 2003. House Bill 1240 was signed as part of a press conference, at which the Governor announced the signing of several pieces of legislation with significant environmental protections.

April 2003
Sound Transit Joins the Coalition Sound Transit is a public transit agency delivering a mix of rail, regional bus routes and new transit facilities throughout King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. These services include the operation of numerous natural gas buses operated in conjunction with Pierce Transit. More information on Sound Transit is available at: http://www.soundtransit.org.

April 2003
Study Compares Alternative Fuel Forklift Emissions The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) recently released a review of forklift emission studies, titled "Industrial Truck Emission Data Compared by Fuel", that compares emissions data from propane-powered forklifts to findings from forklifts powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and standard gasoline. The review finds that propane forklifts fitted with approved closed loop controls and exhaust catalysts result in very low emissions that meet and exceed California Air Resource Board Large Spark Ignition standards. Additionally, the review finds that propane demonstrates the highest energy efficiencies when compared to other fuel production life cycles. The review examines research findings from seven forklift emissions studies performed between 1990 and 2002, including two studies that used life cycle analyses emissions models to assess the emissions impact of upstream production of a given fuel. Contact: PERC http://www.usepropane.com.  

April 2003
Study Says CNG Provides More Health Benefit Than New Diesel Engines Researchers at the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, a division of the Harvard University's School of Public Health (HSPH), recently released the results of a new analysis comparing the health benefits of emission-controlled diesel (ECD) engines to compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled engines. According to the study, CNG engines provide a third more health benefits than the new diesle engines. HSPH notes that the study measured the 'public health damages' produced by the CNG and ECD engines in urban transit buses using noits of 'quality adjusted life years'. Both CNG and ECD reduce emissions of fine particulate by about 75%, with CNG having a further health advantage because it also reduces emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), a gas that contributes to ground-level ozone, or smog, and to the formation of fine particles. Contact: Joshua Coehn, HSPH at (617) 432-0394 or cohenj@hsph.harvard.edu.

April 2003
Contempt of Court Action Filed Against Federal Agencies  A group of environmentalists have filed a contempt of court action, alleging the failure numerous federal agencies to comply with the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and with the 2002 Court order directing the agencies to report on their past, present and future EPAct compliance. The 2002 action found that eighteen federal agencies had failed to meet the alternative fuel vehicle purchase mandates of EPAct and had failed to produce annual compliance reports and violated a requirement to disclose such reports to the public.

March 2003
Biodiesel Now Available at Shilshole Marina Shilshole Bay Fuel Dock, located at the end of Central Pier at Shilshole Bay Marina, is now offering biodiesel (B20) to area boaters.

March 2003
The "BioBug" Helps Promote Alternative Fuel Legislation at the State Capitol  The 'Clean Green Bio Machine' is a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle powered by 100% biodiesel. The 'Bio Machine' or 'Bio Bug' is owned by the Spokane County Conservation District (SCCD) and was brought to the Capitol Campus in Olympia to help promote biodiesel and raise the awareness of several bills before the legislature designed to increase the market for biodiesel, ethanol and other alternative fuels and vehicles. The SCCD has been an active participant, along with the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition, in promoting alternative fuel and vehicle legislation.

February 2003
Coalition Membership Expands with Cummins Northwest Cummins Northwest has joined the Coalition. The company, located in Renton, Washington, is a distributor of Cummins engines. Cummins is a leader in the development and manufacture of alternative fuel engines for use in buses, trucks and all types of medium- to heavy-duty vehicles. Products include a propane-powered engine that was the first heavy-duty engine to receive Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle certification and a natural gas-powered engine that was the first engine to be certified to EPA's more stringent 2004 standard. More information on Cummins and its line of alternative fuel engines is available at: http://www.cumminsnorthwest.com/Cummins/Alternative.asp

February 2003
Fuel Cell Report To Congress: February 2003 This report, prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy for Congress, discusses DOE findings on transitioning to fuel cells in all sectors of the economy. http://www.afdc.doe.gov/pdfs/fc_report_congress_feb2003.pdf .

February 2003
U.S. News & World Report Cover Story "Living Without Oil"  The February 17, 2003 edition of U.S. News & World Report features a cover article, "Living Without Oil - As war looms, the search for new energy alternatives is all the more urgent." U.S. News provides its perspective on some of the possibilities and challenges of alternative fuel sources for use in motor vehicles - including hydrogen, biodiesel, ethanol and natural gas - and the potential for these technologies to reduce the dependence of the United States on foreign oil. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/030217/biztech/17oil.htm

February 2003
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Resource Guide Available The "Resource Guide for Heavy-Duty LNG Vehicles, Infrastructure, and Support Operations" is now available from the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Gas Technology Institute. The guide is designed to assist fleet managers and other decision makers in evaluating the use of LNG in heavy-duty vehicles. http://www.ott.doe.gov/otu/field_ops/pdfs/lng_resource_guide.pdf

February 2003
New Electric Low-Speed Vehicle Reaches the Market Barton Investment Group Manufacturing LLC (B.I.G. Man) has unveiled a new, five passenger zero-emissions electric vehicle capable of traveling up to 25 miles per hour. This top speed means the vehicle is classified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV). The vehicle is charged via a standard 110-V outlet and travels up to 75 miles between charges. "The Barton" joins a growing number of LSVs on the market, including those manufactured by ColumbiaParCar, Global Electric Motorcars and Lido Motors USA. For more information on "The Barton": http://www.bigmanev.com More information on all the available LSVs is available at the bottom of the page: vehicle showroom.htm

February 2003
Ford Sells Electric Vehicle Company Ford Motor Company has sold its line of electric Think vehicles to a Swiss firm, Kamkorp Microelectronics. The Think vehicles included the full-speed electric vehicle (EV) formerly known as the Think City and the low-speed EV known as the Think Neighbor. The sale follows Ford's surprising announcement in August 2002 that it was discontinuing its investment in battery-electric vehicles. Kamkorp is the parent company of EV manfacturer, Frazer-Nash, which already has a large line of battery- and solar-powered low-speed urban vehicles. Kamkorp will continue the development and production of the full-speed "City" EV, but with an improved powertrain that is more efficient and less costly. The vehicle is projected to have a range of 100 miles. For more information on Kamkorp and Frazer-Nash: http://kamkorp.com

January 2003
Biodiesel Now Fueling Olympia Transit Fleet  Intercity Transit, the public transit agency for Thurston County and the city of Olympia, Washington, has begun using biodiesel in its fleet of 67 buses. Intercity Transit is the only transit district in Washington State currently operating on this type of fuel.

2002


November 2002
McChord Air Force Base Launches Ethanol and Biodiesel Programs In a major effort to comply with the Energy Policy Act and related Executive Orders, McChord Air Force Base has begun using ethanol (E85) and biodiesel (B20). The base celebrated the opening of its alternative fuels service station on November 15, 2002 and now has more than 400 vehicles operating on alternative fuels.

November 2002
At Fort Lewis, More Than The Uniforms Are Green In February 2002, Fort Lewis in Tacoma launched its Installation Sustainability Program. The Program has 25-year goals in five key areas: air, energy, water, training lands and materials. One means to reach these goals is through the use of alternative fuel vehicles - and implementation is well underway with projects involving natural gas, biodiesel and electric vehicles.

October 2002
New Natural Gas Fuel Facility Open For Business The Port of Seattle and ENRG Fuels USA, Inc. have partnered to develop a natural gas fuel facility near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This is the first large scale public access facility in the Puget Sound area.

September 2002
Shuttle Express: The "Natural" Way to Get to the Airport Shuttle Express has begun operation of two natural gas vans in their shared-ride door to door airport service. Plans are in the works to change the entire fleet of passenger vans from gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG).

August 2002
Court Finds Federal Government Not Meeting Alternative Fuel Vehicle Requirements  A Federal District Court Judge has found that many U.S. government agencies are failing to comply with the alternative fuel vehicle provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

May 2002
Coalition Members Honored with 2002 National Partner Awards  The City of Tacoma, ENRG, Inc. and American Lung Association win honors from the U.S. Department of Energy for their contributions to advancing the use of alternative fuels.

July 2002
City of Tacoma Refuse Haulers Using Biodiesel  The City of Tacoma has become the first fleet in the region to dedicate an entire fleet to biodiesel.  All 85 of the City's refuse haulers are now operating on a blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel, known as B20.

July 2002
Port of Seattle Initiates Alternative Fuels Program  Alternative fuel vehicles will soon be operating at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, along with a new public access compressed natural gas fueling station.