Sideshows

10 Sideshows

SIDESHOWS

How to Acquire AFVs from the General Services

Administration

At the same time the table talks were being held, the

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Issues

"sideshows" were taking place. The sideshows were more

in-depth presentations discussing issues that affect the

Clean Cities Coordinators--Best Practices

AFV industry. The different shows (see box at right) covered

several issues, including "Ethanol Infrastructure for the

Creating EV-Ready Communities

Next Millennium--Implementing the E85 Action Plan."

Nebraska's Governor E. Benjamin Nelson spoke on the

Ethanol Infrastructure for the Next Millennium--

ethanol panel that was hosted by David Rodgers, Director of

Implementing the E85 Action Plan

DOE's Office of Technology Utilization. Nelson gave a

wonderful speech about the history and ongoing efforts of

Advanced Technology Vehicles for the 21st Century

the ethanol industry. "The future belongs to those who

Renewables Research and Development/E85

prepare for it today," he stated. He continued to explain

that although the benefits of ethanol for each state differ

International Panel

among clean air, environmental compliance, and jobs,

ethanol is the common solution. He strongly supports the

jointly developed E85 Action Plan to expand the number of

political support. It was a great opportunity to hear from

ethanol refueling stations, and suggested that the market

the Clean Cities Coordinators--Carlon Bennett, Kent Igleheart,

base for E85 vehicles must expand beyond government use.

Melissa Howell, George Nichols, Tracy Daly, and David

Byerman--regarding their experiences with many innovative

Another exciting sideshow featured "Clean Cities

programs they've implemented.

Coordinators--Best Practices," which highlighted how

coalitions succeeded in getting more AFVs on the road,

For more information on the sideshow presentations, go

expanding infrastructure, and building coalition strength and

to the Clean Cities Web site at www.ccities.doe.gov.

Bulletin Board

Look for more information on other relevant topics in upcoming issues of AFN...

memo: Familiar Faces Speak Their Minds

Most speakers felt that mandates would result in greater

Many attendees extended their stay in the nation's capital

petroleum displacement and succeed in increasing the number

after the Clean Cities Conference to participate in the final

of AFVs on the road only if accompanied by financial

public hearing for the local government and private fleet rule

incentives, and only if compliance is strongly enforced.

(see Alternative Fuel News, Vol. 2, No. 2). The hearing room at

Many of them also support voluntary alternative fuel use

DOE was packed with familiar faces--Clean Cities coordinators

in private, but felt encouragement by way of a strong package

and stakeholders, including school district, utility, and state energy

of incentives would be helpful. However, speakers over-

office representatives, and fleet managers--people recognized

whelmingly believed government fleets at all levels, including

as alternative fuel industry leaders in their Clean Cities and

municipal, should be required by law to acquire AFVs.

their states.

Mandates for transit bus and commercial urban vehicles, such

Tom Gross, DOE's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transpor-

as delivery trucks, were also suggested. AFV credits were

tation Technologies, served as the hearing's primary official.

also mentioned as a way to ensure alternative fuel use. In

Joining him from DOE were David Rodgers, Director, Office

the proposed system, dedicated vehicle owners would receive

of Technology Utilization; Ken Katz, Program Manager for

more credits than flexible-fuel vehicle owners and the

EPAct Compliance and Rulemaking; Paul McArdle, Program

credit system would be based on fuel consumption rather

Manager for EPAct Implementation and Analytical Support;

than vehicle acquisition.

and Vivian Lewis, Attorney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel.

In general, speakers seemed concerned about the broad

The public comment period closed on July 16. DOE now

scope of public issues associated with transportation fuels;

has until May 1, 1999, to review the comments, decide

they were not there simply to defend or promote their own

whether or not to move forward with a rulemaking, and

self-interests. "I'm here to let DOE know that there are some

publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) --a draft

success stories out there," said Larry Rodriguez, from the CNG/

rule that would outline the specifics of any proposed

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Alternative Fuels Technician

regulatory program. The final rulemaking deadline is

Training Program for Tulsa Public Schools. "We see the cost

January 1, 2000. Stay tuned to upcoming issues of

savings. We have a duty and a responsibility to get the cleanest

Alternative Fuel News for details.

technology and to ensure cost savings, reduced maintenance

costs, and driver acceptance," he said.