NJCCC is very active in the online community. Please visit our website, follow us on Twitter and join our LinkedIn group. |
The NJCCC is more than happy to announce that ROUSH Clean Tech, Garden State LNG, and Rowan University have become members of our coalition. We appreciate the dedication of all of our members to a greener future in the transportation sector.
For a complete list of members click here
Intrested in becoming a member? Click here
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To save on gas and stay cool while driving, pay attention to your speed. Generally when going below 40 MPH your maximum efficiency will be with the windows down and A/C off. If you are driving above 40 MPH the opposite would be most efficient
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AltWheels Fleet Day is an invitation only day for the largest corporate and municipal Fleet Managers on the East Coast. The event, which will be co-hosted by NJ Clean Cities, consists of panels, exhibits, and vehicles offering a showcase of alternative transportation solutions — from concept vehicles, to vehicles that are available and affordable today.
Date: September 19
Location: Four Points Sheraton, Norwood, MA
For more information and to register, click here
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Green Fleets Transportation Workshop
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NJCCC, NJDEP, Sustainable Jersey, Montclair and ACUA are teaming up to present an informational workshop. Topics include avaliable transportation technologies, fuel efficiency, idle reduction/management, and two municipal case studies
Locations and Dates:
10/4: Egg Harbor (ACUA)
10/6: Montclair
For more information, contact Chuck Feinberg (chuck.feinberg@gmail.com)
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Hybrid Truck Users Forum National Conference & Expo
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The focus of HTUF 2011 is on educating, training, supporting and guiding the next generation of end-users and will feature an expanded three-day agenda, over 60,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, new product reveals and the world's largest advanced medium and heavy-duty Ride and Drive and Convoy
Dates: October 10-13
Location: Baltimore, MD
For more information and to register for the event, click here
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A Message From Chuck Feinberg
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Welcome to the August Newsletter of the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition. I’m pleased to report that progress is being made! We obviously are only beginning to scratch the surface in the on-going effort to reduce petroleum usage in the transportation sector, but as you will see in this Newsletter, there are positive developments occurring on all levels: on the ground at various fleet locations across NJ, with our policy-makers in Trenton, and at the National level in Washington. The challenge is, of course, immense. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in this past July the U.S. imported 60% of its oil (359 million barrels), sending approximately $42.0 billion, or an incredible $941,080.51 per minute, to foreign countries, many of which do not have friendly relations with us. This is not a sustainable situation. The need to utilize domestically produced, environmentally friendly, and less expensive fuels is greater than ever, as is the availability of technology to allow us to do so cost-effectively.
We are participating in several events coming up which are mentioned in this Newsletter and are planning several others for the fall. I look forward to your participation and I would like to thank our stakeholders for their hard work in making New Jersey a cleaner and greener state, and in supporting the NJ Clean Cities Coalition. As an independent 501(c)3 non-profit entity, we rely on your support for our activities.
I hope you enjoy this newsletter. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me at chuck.feinberg@gmail.com
- Chuck Feinberg, Chairman & DOE-designated Coordinator
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NJCCC Projects are Moving Forward!
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Blue Diamond Disposal to Open First Public CNG Station in Morris County
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Blue Diamond Disposal will be opening the first compressed natural gas (CNG) station in Morris County this fall. With partial funding being provided by NJCCC’s ARRA grant, Blue Diamond has purchased 17 CNG refuse trucks and will eventually convert their entire fleet of 60 trucks to CNG. Clean Energy was contracted by Blue Diamond to construct the station, in Mt. Arlington just off of I-80, and NJ Natural Gas will be the utility company providing the natural gas.
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Covanta Essex Announces New CNG Station
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NJCCC members Covanta Essex and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. were recently awarded a contract by the Port Authority(also a NJCCC member) to build a compressed natural gas (CNG) station in Newark. The project, partially funded by the NJ Clean Cities Coalition’s ARRA grant, will be built at the Essex County Resource Recovery Facility (ECRRF). The CNG station will be open to the 400 or so trash trucks that use the facility on a daily basis. Construction is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2011. This will be the second CNG station in Newark, joining a recently opened public station at Newark Airport.
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NJ Clean Cities Takes Leadership Role Regarding NJ’s Draft Revised Energy Master Plan
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Governor Chris Christie recently released the State’s draft Revised Energy Master Plan (EMP), a vision for the use, management, and development of energy in New Jersey over the next decade and beyond. The draft EMP is intended to establish a path for the Administration to manage energy in a way that promotes renewable sources of energy, saves money, stimulates the economy and job creation, and protects the environment.
For the first time, this draft of the EMP includes a transportation fuels component. The focus of the transportation section within the EMP is to reduce the environmental impacts of our current transportation infrastructure while also improving economic efficiency. This will entail the continued development and deployment of vehicles using clean, domestically-produced fuels and refueling stations, further research and development to create cost-effective electric vehicles and the infrastructure necessary, and a focus on the fuel needs of heavy duty vehicles.
In addition to the formal public hearing process, the Board of Public Utilities has established four work groups to focus on developing recommendations concerning specific issues in the draft. One of those groups, the Alternatively Fueled Vehicle Work Group, is being chaired by NJCCC’s Chuck Feinberg and consists of several members of our Coalition, among others. “I am thrilled that the revised EMP recognizes the impact of transportation fuels here in NJ, and that state-wide planning is necessary for the efficient deployment of alternatives. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time, and it is my honor to be part of this process on behalf of the NJCCC. This is an opportunity for the NJCCC to have a real say in the development of state policy and programs for alternative fuels” said Feinberg.
You can view the 2011 Draft Energy Master Plan here
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Free Webinar Series: Cut Fuel Use and Emissions by Focusing on Driving Performance
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GreenRoad, a leader in driving performance and safety management, is offering a series of webinars with expert guidance on how to reduce fuel usage and idling in your fleet by tackling a major root cause – driving performance.. Improving driving performance helps save lives and protects our environment by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. GreenRoad not only provides feedback on driving safety but also fuel efficiency so that drivers can learn to be cost-conscious and eco-aware. GreenRoad customers typically reduce crash costs by 50 percent and reduce fuel usage and emissions by up to 10 percent. The webinar series is part of a larger initiative at GreenRoad to support the NJ Clean Cities Coalition and other Clean Cities Coalitions, and to help cities across the U.S. meet clean air objectives
The webinar series will focus on expert insight and practical tips that you can apply to your fleet to reduce fuel use and emissions. Sign up at www.greenroad.com.
September 15: How to Improve Your Drivers’ Performance in 60 Days or Less
September 29: Creating Clean Cities: How Your Drivers Can Dramatically Reduce Fuel and Emissions
October 13: Why Driving Performance Matters to Your Bottom Line: “Green Driving ROI”
October 27: Why Even Good Drivers Need Performance Management
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Review of Annual Clean Cities Summit
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On June 27-30, the DOE Clean Cities Stakeholder Summit was held in Indianapolis. The summit provided a forum where Clean Cities coordinators and national and local stakeholders were able to discuss the obstacles, successes, and strategies for
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both the short and long-term future of petroleum reduction in the transportation sector. For NJCCC Chairman Chuck Feinberg and the NJCCC members that attended, Clean Vehicle Solutions' Dean Sloan and Mid-Atlantic Truck Center's Bob
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Feldman, the summit proved to be a great networking and educational forum.
One highlight of the summit was the “Day at the Track” event. This included exhibits and ride-and-drive opportunities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Following a parade of alt-fuel vehicles through downtown Indianapolis, the participants took a lap around the famous track. The featured speakers at this event were DOE Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs David Sandalow and DOE Vehicle Technologies Program Manager Pat Davis.
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NJ Clean Cities is on TV!
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Clean Cities TV features a NJCCC Event!
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In a recently released video the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities TV (CCTV) recapped NJCCC’s Alternative Fuels Workshop on May 19th at the Mid-Atlantic Truck Center in Linden. The event featured several guest speakers and alternatively fueled vehicles, and was attended by over 100 people. This was NJCCC’s first appearance on Clean Cities TV. CCTV was created with the intent of making educational information from Clean Cities Coalitions throughout the country more accessible.
The video, and all of CCTV's videos, can be viewed here
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Chuck Feinberg on The Woodbridge Channels!
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NJ Clean Cities Chairman Chuck Feinberg was recently interviewed on the Woodbridge Channels for a segment about alternative fuels called Greenable Woodbridge. Mr. Feinberg spoke mostly about alternative fuel options for individuals but also touched on small tips that don't cost any money that can reduce petroleum usage. Dennis Henry, Director of Public Works for Woodbridge, also was interviewed for the segment.
You can view the segment here and then follow the Greenable Woodbridge link. |
President Obama Announces First Fuel Efficiency Standards for Work Trucks
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On August 9, the Obama Administration announced fuel efficient and greenhouse gas pollution standards for work trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles. These are the first standards of their kind and will help take another step towards alternative fuels and a greener future. The program will be a joint DOT/EPA venture and will include standards specific to different vehicle types. The goals of the program will be for trucks and buses built from 2014 to 2018 to reduce oil consumption by 530 million barrels and greenhouse gas pollution by approximately 270 metric tons. It is estimated that this project will save $50 billion in fuel costs over the four year range.
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DOE Awards More Than $175 Million for Advanced Vehicle Research and Development
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U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced on August 10th more than $175 million funds have been awarded for advanced vehicle technologies. The money will be dispersed over the next three to five years and will help support 40 projects across 15 states. The projects will target new innovations throughout the vehicle, including better fuels and lubricants, lighter weight materials, longer-lasting and cheaper electric vehicle batteries and components, more efficient engine technologies, and more. The private sector has dedicated an additional $300 million to these projects, another example of how grant money can leverage private money. This comprehensive approach to vehicle efficiency research and development will help ensure the technologies are available to help automakers achieve recently announced fuel efficiency standards for both heavy-duty work vehicles and cars.
See the DOE article, which includes a list of all awarded grants
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DOE Launches New Tools to Accelerate Adoption of Electric Vehicles
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On August 22, the U.S. Department of Energy announced two new tools that have the intention of making communities better prepared for the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). One tool is a template for residential EV charger installations that local governments can easily adopt to help speed up the approval process. The other is a training video for inspectors and electricians that will provide them with a guide to facilitate inspections and installations of home EV chargers. Home EV charging is one of the many benefits of an electric vehicle because it is cheaper and more convenient than retail stations.
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The NJ Clean Cities Coalition was one of a limited number of Clean Cities coalitions to win a competitive solicitation sponsored by the US Department of Energy for the services of a DOE-funded intern for the upcoming school year. This program, entitled Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program, was open to all 87 designated Clean Cities Coalitions across the country. After considering numerous candidates, the NJCCC is happy to announce the selection of Rachel Clark, a senior at Rutgers University. Rachel is an Environmental & Business Economics major, with previous experience working for the NJDEP Division of Parks & Forestry, the Rutgers Campus Information Services and with the Edison Wetlands Association. She formally starts with us during the first week in September. Special thanks to our outgoing summer intern, Zack Feinberg, who is returning to Northeastern University.
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Technical Response Service Question of the Month
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Question: What is the status of E15 implementation now that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted the recent Clean Air Act (CAA) waivers?
Answer: In March 2009, EPA received a formal CAA waiver request from the ethanol industry to raise the allowable ethanol content in gasoline for conventional passenger vehicles from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15). In January 2011, EPA granted a partial waiver for the use of E15 in MY 2001 and newer light-duty vehicles.
So when will I see E15 at my local gas station?
State and federal agencies have begun to tackle the many additional issues that must be addressed. In the last two months, EPA has made the following announcements:
E15 Labeling and Other Requirements. On June 27, EPA finalized new requirements to help ensure proper labeling and use once it enters the market. This rule outlined a label that must appear on all E15 fueling pumps warning that the fuel may only be used in certain vehicles. The rule also prohibits misfueling MY 2000 and older gasoline vehicles with E15 and sets other requirements for E15 producers, distributors, and sellers. For more information, refer to the final rule in the Federal Register.
Underground Storage Tank Guidance. On July 5, EPA finalized guidance for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) containing ethanol blends greater than E10. The guidance will assist these entities in demonstrating compliance with federal regulations requiring USTs to be compatible with the fuel stored. For more information, refer to the final guidance in the Federal Register.
What else must be done?
Before any fuel can be sold in the United States, manufacturers must register it with EPA’s Fuel and Fuel Additives program. As of August 10, 2011, E15 had not yet been fully registered with EPA. Other federal regulations must also be addressed. In addition, state laws and regulations limiting sale of E15 must be amended before the fuel can be sold in certain states.
Supplemental Information and Resources
It will no doubt take time to update laws and regulations to allow the sale of E15, and address other barriers. An exact timeframe is not known. For more information on the EPA partial waivers and to stay up-to-date on new developments related to E15, please reference the following resources:
Compatibility - Intermediate ethanol blends may degrade or damage some materials used in existing UST systems and dispensing equipment, potentially causing leaks. Studies that test fuel storage and dispensing components and equipment are needed to fully understand the effects of intermediate ethanol blends.
Cost - New storage and dispensing equipment that is compatible with intermediate ethanol blends may be needed to sell the fuel at retail outlets. Currently, the total cost of installing a compatible single-tank UST system and fuel dispenser is estimated to be more than $120,000.
Liability - Many fuel retailers are concerned about potential liability issues if consumers misfuel their MY 2000 or older automobiles or non-road engines with E15. This issue was partially addressed by the recent E15 labeling rule, but concerns may still exist.
The GAO report identifies several ongoing EPA and U.S. Department of Energy studies that are addressing these and other challenges.
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