Vol. 2 - No. 6 A F N U. S. D E P A R T M E N T o f E N E R G Y LTERNATIVE UEL EWS ATnh eO Offfifciciaial lP Puubblilcicaatitoionn o of ft hthee C Cleleaann C Citiiteiess N Neettwwoorrkk a anndd tthhee AAlltteerrnnaattiivvee FFuueellss DDaattaa CCeenntteerr From the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Heavy- R T MENTOFE School A N P E E R D G Duty Y U A NITEDSTATES OF A MERIC Buses Trucks Airports Transit TThhee NNiicchhee MMaarrkkeett PPrriinncciippllee Shuttle Parks Buses Delivery Taxis Fleets D ear Clean Cities Stakeholders: By the time you read this issue of Alternative Fuel News(AFN), we will be well into the new year. But I think it is still appropriate to wish the proverbial "Happy New Year" to each of you, so I will. May 1999 be a healthy and prosperous year for you and your family. I also hope 1999 is a healthy and prosperous year for the alternative fuels industry. I’d like to take a moment to share the good tidings this new year brings to the Clean Cities Program. At long last, the much-anticipated support to Clean Cities coalitions—from training to new public out- reach strategies—will be available through a number of innovative contracts to be let in the first quarter. We also look forward to awarding more than $2.7 million in State Energy Program (SEP) grants to the best and brightest projects in our nation’s Clean Cities. The announcement of awards should take place around the Clean Cities National Conference. You can learn more about this year’s SEPon page 9 and more about the 1999 Clean Cities budget on page 5. We expect this year’s SEPfunding to be the springboard we need for the development of niche projects. Find out more about niche markets in this issue of AFN. "Partying like it’s 1999" will only take place in the Clean Cities Program if we each fully embrace the niche market concept and start to make an impact on those high-mileage, high-use fleets. Speaking of impacts, I am also looking forward to hearing more about the successes heralded in each of the Clean Cities coalitions through our revised survey for coordinators. One of our Clean Cities resolutions for 1999 is to more effectively spread the word about our program’s successes. The Report to Congress on the Clean Cities Program, due later this fall, is one way we’ll do that. And I’d also like to encourage you to make a similar goal for your coalition in 1999. Let your local leaders know what’s going on in their Clean City. Take some time to inform them of the progress your coalition has made, as well as your goals for the future. I am also looking forward to some great "Advancing the AFV Choice" events, such as the one held in Riverside, California. See page 13 for more details. Each Clean Cities coalition now has its Preferred Fleets Database. Let’s make 1999 the "Year of the Private Fleet Manager" and reach out to those who have not yet heard our message. Yes, 1999 should be full of challenges, but may it also be full of many blessings. Sincerely, Marcy A. Rood Deputy Director National Clean Cities Program CC OONNTTEENNTTSS Cover Story: The Niche Market Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Feature Story: Across the Nation AFV Transit Buses Multiply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Departments: From the Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Federal News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From the Automakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Funding Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 At the Pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Focus On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Office of Energy Efficiency Clean Cities Roundup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 and Renewable Energy Hot off the Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Cover Photos: Trucks - KevinChandler - Battelle/PIX 04918 On the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Light trucks - Warren Gretz -NREL/PIX 02203 Upcoming Conferences and Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Buses - Warren Gretz -NREL/PIX 00092 Taxis - Barwood Transportation /PIX 06214 BR-540-25912 Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing March 1999 at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste 2 he T Niche Market Principle Alternative fuels can sometimes be a tough sell. The "usual suspects" — limited refueling infrastructure, cost, Niche . and range — generally surface as reasons why fleets stick with conventional fuels. Putting aside the obvious benefits \’nich\ n. of alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) use, such as cleaner air and energy security, when it comes down to fleet purchase A place or activity decisions, the bottom line is almost always economics. If AFVs are to penetrate the market sooner rather than later, for which some- Clean Cities must concentrate their efforts on the applica- tions in which AFVs make sense, and cents. thing is best fitted. The places in which AFVs would best fit must in some way overcome those "usual suspect" barriers, and make the vareeh inculems eercoounso nmicichael lmy aarpkpeetas—linhgi gtoh -tmheil eflaegeet ,o cwennterra. lTlyh feureeled fleets are a good example. High- X 02203 mileage fleets consume large quantities of fuel, so over time, fleet managers can enjoy the cost EL /PI savings associated with less expensive alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas NR (CNG) and propane. Predictable routes and centralized refueling facilitate scheduling and etz - Gr allow for overnight or off-hour refueling, leaving more time for scheduled stops during the n e workday. Considering these factors, taxis, city shuttles, transit bus fleets using CNG, and rural Warr propane pickup truck service fleets can most often make both sense and cents. Low-mileage, high-use vehicles are another niche market—vehicles that must wait in traf- fic, idling, or that must often start and stop, such as U.S. Postal Service vehicles, or airline ground support vehicles, such as tugs or baggage carts. As zero-emission vehicles, electric vehicles are ideal for these applications, and electricity is a relatively inexpensive alternative fuel. This niche market also includes delivery fleets with limited routes in dense, urban areas—vehicles that must stop frequently along their routes, which are often in nonattainment areas. In fact, using vehicles powered by alternative fuels, such as electricity, may be one way to circumvent possible usage regulations being considered in many of the nation’s larger cities. Several cities are debating whether to enact traffic control measures, such as restricting vehicle access to core portions of the city to nighttime use only. Functioning similarly to single-occu- pancy AFVs that use high-occupancy vehicle lanes, alternative fuel delivery vehicles may be one way these fleets can escape the daytime delivery restrictions, should they be imposed. Heavy-duty, long-haul trucks are another example of a niche market for alternative fuels, particularly in western regions of the country where liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a cost-effective alternative fuel. Considering all of the different niche markets in different communities across the country— e.g., taxis, delivery fleets, shuttle service and transit provider fleets, airport ground fleets, school bus fleets, long-haul trucks—market penetration for alternative fuels and vehicles can have a huge impact. Why target niche markets? By targeting certain niche markets, Clean Cities coalitions are able to make the best "pitch" for each type of alternative fuel. Niche market penetration will help build a stronger local market base. Other area fleets can then draw on this base to make their purchase decisions and jump on the AFV bandwagon with greater confidence. "One size fits all does not apply to fleet requirements or alternative fuel vehicle attributes," said David Rodgers, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Office of Technology Utilization. "By matching those needs and attributes in ‘niches,’ Clean Cities can dramatically increase the attractiveness of AFVs." Niche market fleets that consume large amounts of fuel can also generate the refueling station throughput to justify maintaining what’s already open, and encourage additional infrastructure development. Clean Cities coalitions can play a key role in bringing niche market fleets together with local fuel providers and facilitating cooperative infrastructure 3 development planning. Strategically build- •Tulsa Public Schools in Oklahoma—179 ing refueling stations along niche market bi-fuel school buses routes will also help ensure substantial •Orange County Transit Authority, California—75 LNG buses, 240 on order throughput and generate greater investment •H.E. Butt Grocery Company, Houston, confidence in the alternative fuel market. Texas—61 dual-fuel heavy-duty delivery Moreover, the convenience and availability trucks of refueling infrastructure will hopefully •Philadelphia International Airport—18 entice other area fleets to make the AFV dedicated CNG shuttle buses choice. As more and more passengers hop •Portland, Maine, and the Northeast on the AFV bandwagon, the local market Alternative Vehicle Consortium Electric Bus Project—6 electric transit buses will continue to grow. And there are many more! Stay tuned A challenge to all to upcoming issues of the AFNfor niche market successes in delivery fleets, airport To help jumpstart the Clean Cities ground fleets, and national parks (for this niche market movement, DOE’s Assistant month's AFN’sfocus on transit buses, see Secretary for Energy Efficiency and page 8). Renewable Energy, Dan Reicher, issued a "niche market challenge" to all attendees Need help? of 1998 National Clean Cities Conference last June. He challenged Clean Cities stake- To emphasize the importance of niche holders to select a particular niche market in market penetration during the next several their areas that could reasonably be targeted years, the National Clean Cities Program PIX 02203 f5o yr e1a0r0s%. S aulrtveernyas twiveer efu deils utrsieb udtuerdi ntgo tahlle next ims adrokientg c watehgaot rity cwanil lt ob eh efelpat. uAresdp einci athl en i1c9h9e9 EL / conference attendees to help the national DOE State Energy Program (SEP) Special R Gretz -N pmraorgkreatms i nst adfiff fdeeretenrtm Cilneea nth Ce ifteieass irbelgei otanrsg.et Ptor opjreocjtesc stos lpicliatcaitniogn A, wFVhsic ihn gniivcehse sh itghha tp hraiovreity Warren Trehsep ofeneddebnatcsk s uhgasg ebseteend esxpceeclilfeicn tn; iaclhl eo f the tthivee sfturoenl ug speo (tfeonr tmialo troe aincfhoiremvea t1i0o0n% o na lttherena- markets in their communities that could be 1999 SEPSpecial Projects, see p. 9). targeted for 100% alternative fuel use, and The Clean Cities network can also provide many coalitions are already working with helpful information. The Clean Cities Hotline local niche market fleets. and Alternative Fuels Data Center have numerous case studies on file, detailing the Setting the trend in AFV steps that different school bus, delivery, and Niches that achieve 100% AFV use do two things. One, they niche markets transit fleets have taken to successfully main- tain an alternative fuel program. Other Clean cement the role of alternative You may recall our "focus on niche mar- Cities coalitions are another reference. Talk to fuels in the community, leading to kets" feature stories in past issues of the your DOE Regional Support Office Clean predictable fuel and vehicle Alternative Fuel News (AFN). So far, we’ve Cities contact and other Clean Cities coordi- sales; and two, they dispel the covered school buses and taxicab fleets. In nators. They can put you in touch with coali- erroneous perception that AFVs this issue, we turn our attention to transit tion stakeholders who have already been can’t compete." buses. We hope that by highlighting niche through the decision-making process and – DOE’s David Rodgers market success stories from stakeholder have successfully introduced alternative fuels fleets throughout the Clean Cities network into their fleets. and by providing helpful hints from project "Niche marketing works," said Rodgers. leaders, others can duplicate the successful "Remember when only doctors and emer- efforts in their own Clean Cities. gency personnel used pagers? By saturating Organizations such as the U.S. Postal that niche market and others, paging compa- Service, whose El Paso, Texas, fleet of 397 nies built consumer confidence and delivery vehicles is 100% alternatively economies of scale. Now everybody needs a fueled, are setting the trend. Taxicab compa- pager and there’s a pager for every need. nies such as L.A. Checker Cab in Long "Someday, the same will be said for AFVs. By Beach (140 CNG vehicles) and Checker Cab answering the challenge and planting the in Atlanta (70 CNG vehicles) are well on "niche market seeds" in Clean Cities commu- their way to similar success. Clean Cities nities across the country, local AFV markets coalitions all over the country already focus will grow into regional markets, which can on niche markets in their communities; result in our ultimate goal: a sustainable some of these are listed below. nationwide market for alternative fuels. 4 From the Hill Investing in Our Future: Funding for Development Subcommittee, and is used for OTT’s Technologies and Deployment Office of Fuels Development, which is responsible for ethanol, biodiesel and feedstock production, and People around the world are bracing themselves regional biomass energy programs. The remaining for the year 2000. Much anticipation and excitement portion of the OTT budget, $202.07 million, is surround the coming of the next millennium. What appropriated by the Interior and Related Agencies changes are on the horizon for the next century? Subcommittee, and supports OTT’s Office of What will the hot issues be in the coming years? Advanced Automotive Technologies, Office of With growing concerns over greenhouse gas emis- Heavy Vehicle Technologies, and Office of sions, global warming, and ongoing events in the Technology Utilization (OTU). Although the majori- Persian Gulf, alternative energy technologies should ty of this funding is used for research and develop- be at the top of the agenda. ment—programs including the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles—a significant portion is The federal government plays an important role also devoted to technology utilization, which by investing in critical research, development, and includes the Clean Cities Program. deployment of these alternative technologies. The Omnibus Appropriations Bill (H.R. 4328), which The goal for technology utilization (also called passed on October 19, 1998, sent a clear message deployment) programs is to provide the required from the U.S. Congress that energy efficiency, stimulus to achieve significant penetration of alter- renewable energy, and alternative technologies will native fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in play a major role in our energy future. The bill allo- the U.S. transportation sector during the next two cates funding in support of DOE’s Energy Efficiency decades. OTU seeks to deploy readily available and Renewable Energy technologies for fiscal year technologies and fuels, and set the stage for the (FY) 1999, which includes funding for programs and mass introduction and commercialization of projects for DOE’s Office of Transportation advanced vehicle technologies currently under Technologies (OTT). development, while at the same time chipping away We are already entering another budget cycle . 1999 FY Budget – Transportation Technologies, The President’s request for FY2000 has been sub- Technology Deployment mitted to Congress and will be the subject of numerous hearings in March, April, and May of Clean Cities Voluntary Deployment Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.96 M 1999, yet we are less than halfway through our Objective:forge partnerships with fleet owners, current fiscal year. fuel providers, vehicle manufacturers, and state Areview of our FY1999 plans shows that OTT and local governments to expand the use of AFVs supports the development and commercialization of and the development of refueling infrastructure technologies that have the potential to radically Infrastructure, Systems, and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.47 M alter current projections of the rising U.S. and world Objective:work with industry and state partners to demand for energy, particularly oil. As such, the demonstrate and evaluate alternative fuel infrastructure, overall goal of the OTT program is to provide con- primarily through the State Energy Program sumers with vehicle options that reduce oil use and decrease emissions of criteria pollutants and green- Energy Policy Act Replacement Fuels Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.28 M house gas emissions. Specific strategic objectives are Objective:implement the requirements of the improving the fuel economy of transportation vehi- Energy Policy Act cles and increasing the production and use of cost- Vehicle Field Test/Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.92 M effective alternative fuels. Activities funded by the Objective:perform rigorous, structured programs FY1999 budget for the transportation sector will to test and evaluate cars and trucks that use continue to build the foundation for substantial alternative fuels and advanced technologies changes in transportation vehicle fuel economy and Technical Information Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.47 M the use of alternative fuels—technologies critical to Objective:provide current, accurate, reliable our nation’s future. information on all types of alternative fuels The adjusted appropriation for all of the OTT and vehicles programs for FY1999 is $243.8 million. Of that, Total 12.11 M $41.75 million comes from the Energy and Water 5 at our nation’s foreign oil dependency and environ- Energy Laboratory, which manages the Clean Cities mental problems. Technology deployment initiatives Hotline, Alternative Fuels Data Center, the include Clean Cities; Infrastructure, Systems, and Alternative Fuel Newspublication, and the National Safety; the Energy Policy Act Replacement Fuels Clean Cities Conference. Program; Vehicle Testing and Evaluation; and The FY2000 budget request for Energy Efficiency Technical Information Development. As illustrated and Renewable Energy includes significant increases in the chart on the previous page, the $12.11 million for clean, energy efficient technologies. You can obtain appropriated for technology deployment activities a copy of either the FY1999 or the FY2000 budget at is divided among each of these programs with the DOE Web site: www.ott.doe.gov/budget.html. 0various objectives. OTU Goals for FY 1999 include: The appropriated funds include a $500,000 increase of the FY1998 budget allocations for Expanding the Clean Cities Program to include emphasis on technology deployment, and will expand upon greenhouse gas reductions, and significantly increasing grants to progress made during the last 4 years. ‘In 1999, states and Clean Cities to demonstrate greenhouse-gas-reducing Clean Cities funding will help implement the technologies Clean Cities Game Plan 1999,’ said Clean Cities Deputy Director Marcy Rood. "Specifically, $1.4 Linking and solidifying Clean Cities infrastructure and corridor million will pay for the "Advancing the AFV investments launched in 1996 through 1998, creating continuous Choice" events and rebates for the incremental corridors of alternative fuel infrastructure and linking 10 major cost of AFVs for private and municipal fleets. The urban centers Clean Cities Program will also provide $2 million Working closely with other federal agencies and industry to to support AFV projects in Clean Cities through encourage greater use of electric vehicles the State Energy Program. Clean Cities also plans Determining, through public comment and rulemaking, how to to partner with the Department of Interior and modify Energy Policy Act of 1992 replacement fuel goals and National Park Service to offer grants to AFV pro- design a program to promote the maximum practicable use of jects in national parks." She continued, "We are alternative fuels very encouraged about this year’s budget and the Continuing EPAct fleet programs, adding 8,000 AFVs to the feder- possibilities for implementing sound, effective al fleet and completing the rulemaking on private and local fleets AFV projects." Among other tasks, the Clean Cities budget supports the National Renewable Improving the value of the Fuel Economy Guideand other infor- mation products as a means to encourage the use of fuel-effi- cient vehicles. Federal News DOE’s Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Buenos Aires Update—163 Nations and Renewable Energy, Dan Reicher, was a member Agree to Emission Reduction Steps of the U.S. delegation to COP-4 in Buenos Aires. Reicher participated in a roundtable discussion The climate change talks of the Fourth Meeting concerning the role that clean energy technologies of the Conference of Parties (COP-4) concluded in can play in cost-effectively reducing greenhouse gas the early emissions. Although worldwide energy demand is "The agreement reached early today in Buenos Aires hours of projected to continue rising, the cost of clean energy ensures that the nations of the world will continue mov- November 14, is projected to decrease, and technology perfor- ing forward against the threat of global warming." 1998, in mance and reliability are projected to increase. So Buenos Aires, a strong market is projected for advanced energy -Vice President Al Gore, November 14, 1998 Argentina, technologies such as biomass, fuel cells, and fuel- with the draft- efficient vehicles. To help this happen, the Plan of ing of the Action includes time lines for introducing market- Buenos Aires Plan of Action. U.S. representatives based mechanisms; funding the transfer of energy- were generally pleased with the plan, which efficient and environmentally friendly technologies; outlines a schedule for global emission reductions providing assistance for countries adversely affected by the end of the year 2000. by climate change; and establishing a legal system 6 to ensure that parties meet agreed-on emissions goals. The COP-4 marked a significant change of thinking on participants also agreed to supplement their annual meet- climate change issues, as many nations expressed a ings with more frequent meetings of high-level ministers renewed interest in the problem and in greenhouse gas to ensure that progress will continue before the May 1999 policy development around the world. Many large corpo- conference in Bonn, Germany. rations in the United States, such as British Petroleum, DuPont, IBM, and United Technologies, made indepen- U.S. representatives were quick to acknowledge that dent strides during the year toward reducing emissions. there is still a long way to go. "Buenos Aires has not only On Thursday, November 12, 1998, the United States sustained, but advanced the momentum of Kyoto," became the 60th and last industrial nation to sign the remarked Stuart Eizenstat, Head of Delegation and Under Kyoto Protocol; however, the treaty must be ratified by Secretary of State. "It's going to be a long process. It's a the U.S. Senate before it becomes law. marathon; it's not a sprint." From the Automakers Ford and DOE Find Similar Solutions to Ford is also working with local and state governments to Bridge Gap Between Welfare and Work develop a sustainable business plan to expand this program within the state and nationwide. "We at Ford find this For some people in Detroit, Michigan, and Schenectady program to be a great way to marry welfare-to-work and an County, New York, getting to work is getting easier. Ford environmentally responsible mode of transportation," said Motor Company and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Charlie Pryde of Ford Motor Company. are launching separate but similar efforts to transport former In Schenectady County of eastern New York, DOE and welfare recipients to work. Both initiatives are using natural- the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are funding a gas-powered vans to augment current mass transportation similar initiative. Last year the county received a DOE/EPA systems already in place. sponsored grant for $28,000 from the International Council In Detroit, Ford Motor Company is partnering with a for Local Environmental Initiatives for a dedicated natural community-based organization, EZ-Ride, to provide a flexi- gas-powered van to shuttle former welfare recipients to and ble transportation solution to former welfare recipients. In from work. "There is not a lot of public transit [in this area]," December, EZ-Ride’s "Green Rides" initiative began using 13 comments Ron Santag of the Schenectady County Job natural gas-powered Ford Econoline vans to Training Agency, "If you’re low income, your shuttle an estimated 35,000 people a year e chances of getting a car right away aren’t as from their homes to work and back. The aB very good." The Schenectady County Job at initiative is designed to provide a more o D Training Agency coordinates this service, ot flexible transportation solution than those Ph which ensures that people are able to get to offered by the current mass transit system. eck job interviews, provides transportation to Wi "Let’s say you have a mother with two chil- crews that travel as a group to work, and dren who needs to get to work," remarked transports individuals during their first year John Slater, Executive Director of EZ-Ride. of employment. "It may take two hours front-time to drop the kids off at school and daycare, then get to work. With Green Rides, we can pick the Ford Econoline Van family up, drop the kids off, then take the mother to her bus line or workplace." Are you getting what you need in the Alternative Fuel News? Did you know the AFNis posted online—in both pdf and text-only formats—before the hard copies are distributed? Check out "What's New" at www.ccities.doe.govor www.afdc.doe.gov. Because public funds are used to print and distribute the newsletter, this is your chance to reduce those costs by going paperless! If you'd like to receive the Alternative Fuel Newsby e-mail notification, or change anything about your subscrip- tion, please e-mail the Clean Cities Hotline at [email protected], or call them at 800-CCITIES. We also welcome your comments and suggestions! 7 AFV Transit Spotlight on Niche Markets Buses Across the Nation purchased 66 AFV Transit Buses Multiply new 30-foot propane-powered Past issues of the Alternative Fuel Newshave buses and 5 new propane- demonstrated how niche markets (e.g., school buses powered streetcars. These and taxis) complement the alternative fuel vehicle new vehicles will lessen VIA’s (AFV) industry. As we continue our coverage of niche environmental impact and markets, it’s time for transit buses to pave the way! demonstrate the agency’s commitment to alternative Quickly growing alternative fueled bus fleets and suc- fuels, specifically propane. VIA’s bus fleet was pow- cess stories prove the viability of the AFV transit bus ered by propane in the 1950s and 1960s and started industry. What is required for alternative fuel transit using propane again 4 years ago in its service and bus programs to succeed? As you'll learn from the paratransit fleets. The new buses are equipped with examples below, it's a combination of innovative the Cummins B5.9 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) thinking, technological advancements, and funding. low emissions vehicle (LEV) engines. By 1999, VIA plans to convert all 20 downtown streetcars to run In the East on the Cummins B5.9 LPG engine. The new LPG buses will compliment the 209 propane powered vehi- As part of New Jersey’s "Cleaner Fuels Initiative," cles already in the VIAfleet. According to Douglas proposed by Governor Christine Todd Whitman, the Peck, the VIAMetropolitan Transit’s Director of state has ordered 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) Vehicle Maintenance, "We have had a very favorable buses. New Jersey Transit was awarded a $24.5 mil- experience and have learned how to maintain and lion contract for the custom-made, long-range cruiser refuel the current propane fleet. We are currently CNG buses to be delivered by March 1999. In addi- pumping about 4,500 gallons of propane a night, and tion, the governor announced that the state will install will be pumping more than 9,000 gallons a night when a $4 million CNG refueling and maintenance facility the propane buses and streetcars are placed into to service these buses. "The growth of public trans- service this coming year." The Alamo Area Clean portation is critical to our transportation vision for the Cities Coalition is currently working toward an official next century," stated Todd Whitman. "Public trans- Clean Cities designation. portation moves more than 300,000 people each day, takes pressure off our highway infrastructure, and is Out West essential to enhancing air quality." The New Jersey Natural Gas Company, a stakeholder in the North West Coast transit bus programs have also been Jersey Clean Cities Program, will be a major partner successful. The Los Angeles Metropolitan in this project. Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the largest clean air fleet in the nation. The MTAhas been award- In State College, Pennsylvania, the Centre Area ed $4.3 million in funding from the Mobile Source Transportation Authority (CATA) operates 34 CNG Emission Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) to transit coaches, and will be the only transit fleet on cover the incremental costs associated with MTA’s the East Coast operating entirely on CNG by the end purchase of 223 CNG transit buses. Julian Burke, MTA of 2000. Hugh Mose, CATAGeneral Manager, stated, chief executive officer (CEO), stated, "These funds will "CATAmade the decision in 1994 to replace its buses help implement the MTABoard’s policy of purchasing with natural gas-powered vehicles. The decision was clean fuel and clean air buses." The CNG buses will be based on the desire to use domestically produced fuels manufactured at a cost of $319,789 each and delivery to enhance air quality in the community and the began in February 1999. This brings the MTACNG potential for cost savings." Mose went on to say, "The bus fleet to 560, and MTAplans to add more than community response has been phenomenal. In my 2,000 buses, mostly CNG, to its fleet between now and 22 years in the transit industry, I have never received 2004. According to Deputy CEO Sharon Landers, more positive comments from bus riders and non- "There are more and more opportunities for clean fuel riders alike." grants at the state and regional levels…we’ll continue Down South to be aggressive in seeking opportunities like this for the MTA." In San Antonio, Texas, VIAMetropolitan Transit, a stakeholder in the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition, 8 Funding Opportunities 1999 State Energy Program Grants Can The 1999 SEPsolicitation hit the streets on December 28, Help Get Your Project Off the Ground 1998. Project proposals must be submitted to DOE through State Energy Offices by April 1, 1999. Due dates Say the words, "funding," or "grant money" in a room to Energy Offices may vary by state, so please contact full of stakeholders in any industry and you’re guaranteed your State Energy Office or your DOE Regional Support to get attention. Everyone needs funding, and Clean Cities Office Clean Cities contact for more information specific to coalitions are no exception. your coalition. In terms of direct funding, Clean Cities offers State Projects Requested in FY 1999 Energy Program (SEP) Special Projects Grants. So far, the Clean Cities Program has provided more than $7 mil- • Projects that promote the acquisition of AFVs in fleets lion in funds to State Energy Offices for alternative fuel that enable 100% niche market penetration. vehicle (AFV) projects, which have not only helped coali- Eligible "niche" market fleets include: shuttle applica- tions foster local market development, but have strength- tions, taxi fleets, law enforcement fleets, delivery fleets, ened the relationships between the federal, state, and health care services, welfare-to- local government partners and private sector Clean work services, and other types Cities stakeholders. of fleets. Funding is available Designated Clean Cities and petitioning for the incremental cost of coalitions with a program plan on file AFVs, with specific at the National Clean Cities Program emphasis on dedicated office are eligible for funding, and are vehicles that will maxi- highly encouraged to work with their mize alternative fuel DOE Regional Support Office Clean usage. Cities Contacts to develop a project • Projects that promote proposal. Dorothy Wormley, DOE the development of energy technology specialist and refueling infrastruc- "resident grant expert" for the ture for AFVs. National Clean Cities Program, strong- ly urges newly designated programs, as Projects that reduce well as eligible coalitions seeking designa- greenhouse gas emissions, tion, to apply for SEPmoney. such as infrastructure for renewable fuels, will be of particu- lar interest. "Funding through SEP is a great way to get a start on program • initiatives and projects, and this year’s project categories Projects that deploy alternative fuels provide multiple opportunities to start a successful alternative technologies for school buses. fuels program." The focus of these projects is technology -Dorothy Wormley deployment, rather than technology DOE Energy Technology Specialist development. Alternative fuel school buses deployed as part of this project must use emissions-certified engines from the original SEPis also a good way to help coalitions equipment manufacturers, and preference will be given focus their efforts to reflect the national to projects using technology that has proven reliable in program priorities. For example, "100% applications similar to the proposed project. Aplan for niche market penetration" (a recent catch collecting and reporting reliability and performance data phrase in and around the Clean Cities net- must be included in the proposal. work) is a primary focus of the Clean Cities • Game Plan 1998/1999. Therefore, in the 1999 Projects that implement electric vehicle advanced battery SEPgrant solicitation, projects that build 100% technologies in existing electric transit buses. niche market penetration will be of particular interest. See • Projects that develop Clean Cities coalitions, including the chart at on the next page for more detailed information funding full-time coordinator positions or interns. Eligible on the project requests for FY1999. organization activities and projects include, but are not limited to: workshops for stakeholders and fleet operators, 9 From the Field— SEP Helpful Hints The San Diego Regional What are the energy related benefits? Will public education and have been revised. An Clean Cities Coalition outreach, development your project greatly increase the number of "Interim Guidance" has AFVs on the road or the number of alterna- of legislative strate- tive refueling stations? been released to "The State Energy Program (SEP) gies, development •What are the environmental benefits of address these changes, Special Projects funding has of plans for specific your project? Does your project result in and a process was ini- helped our coalition in a number capital investments, the reduction of criteria pollutants or tiated to solicit stake- greenhouse gases? of ways. The cooperative process and training programs holder input on the has strengthened our coalition’s on AFV maintenance. •How does your project strengthen and intended final, com- relationship with the California • stimulate your Clean Cities Coalition? prehensive guidance. Projects that promote Energy Commission and has •Does your project enhance awareness or the introduction of The interim guid- increase the visibility of the Clean Cities helped establish a better working energy-efficient tech- effort in your community? ance covers issues relationship with other coalitions nologies and energy •Does your project involve cost sharing related to the reautho- n the state in an ongoing effort to saving approaches from any nonfederal partners? rized CMAQ program, mprove and streamline the SEP in heavy-duty vehi- •Are there any other Clean Cities coalitions new provisions regard- grant process. On a more internal cles. Technologies that working as partners in this effort? ing eligible geographic evel, the SEP process has helped provide cab heating For more information, check out the Clean areas under TEA-21, the coalition leadership better and cooling, thereby Cities Web site: www.ccities.doe.gov and guidance related dentify our stakeholders’ needs. reducing the need for to projects now eligible We held a proposal-writing semi- idling of heavy trucks, for CMAQ funds. nar for our members that covered are of special interest. Aplan for collecting Among these issues are special provisions how to make the right contacts, and reporting reliability and performance for alternative fuel projects that are included how to identify and conceptualize data must be included in the proposal. as part of a public/private partnership. projects suitable for funding, and • Projects that promote the use of advanced The interim guidance stakeholder process how to organize and write a suc- transportation technologies, such as hybrid or included the publication of a federal register cessful proposal. SEP has also fuel cell vehicles, that can provide reductions notice requesting written comments on the helped us recruit more dues-pay- in oil use and reductions in environmental (interim) guidance to be submitted to the ng members. Our project in 1997 emissions. Technologies that have the poten- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was an incentives/buy-down pro- tial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are by November 30, 1998. Additionally, several gram for alternative fuel vehicle of particular interest, as are technologies that workshops were held in San Francisco, and infrastructure purchases. It integrate advanced propulsion system and California; Washington, D.C.; St. Louis, was open only to San Diego Clean vehicle concepts with alternative fuels (e.g., Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois, to encourage Cities stakeholders, which helped ethanol fuel cells, and natural gas hybrids). stakeholder comments and suggestions. us draw new membership. We Projects that have a substantial R&D element Attendees of the workshops represented brought on five new members are included in this category, but extra con- various organizations, including state DOTs, who wanted access to the incen- sideration will be given to proposals that state metropolitan planning organizations tives to assist with their vehicle include a strategic deployment plan for the (MPOs), state air agencies, Clean Cities, purchases. In a way, SEP has subject technology environmental groups, industry representa- been a ‘carrot’ for our coalition. tives, and transportation groups. To charac- It’s helped us draw in other com- After Stakeholder Input, Final terize the workshops, Mike Savonis, CMAQ panies who are not only interest- Program Manager for DOT’s Federal ed in the incentives program [sup- CMAQ Guidance on the Way… Highway Administration, said, "people ported by SEP funds], but who also want to submit proposals for The Congestion Mitigation and Air felt excited about the public/private part- projects that can help build our Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program nerships. However, they are aware of the ocal AFV market." was reauthorized by the enactment of need for the program to be implemented -Kim Cresencia, San Diego the Transportation carefully in order Some Additional Changes to CMAQ Regional Clean Cities Coordinator Equity Act for the to protect public 21st Century (TEA- interest." After all •CMAQ funds for purchasing privately owned 21). Although the written comments vehicles or fleets using alternative fuels limited primary purpose and workshop input to the incremental cost of an AFV compared to of the CMAQ have been reviewed, a conventionally fueled vehicle. Program remains the final CMAQ intact—to reduce •If both governmental (federal) and CMAQ funds guidance will be transportation- are used for vehicle purchases, CMAQ funds issued. related emissions must be applied after government funding has In another effort in nonattainment been applied to the incremental cost. to educate state and maintenance •AFV purchases no longer need to be specifical- MPOs about the use areas—the alterna- ly identified or included in the State of CMAQ funds, tive fuel sections Implementation Plan or maintenance plan in Clean Cities Program of the program order to be eligible for CMAQ funding. 10