Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office uses stimulus funds to convert cars to propane hybrids

June 10, 2010

The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office will use stimulus funds to convert 20 more cars to propane-gasoline hybrids.

“We are very exited about this,” said Sheriff Lt. Gifford Anthony, budget officer and commander of the mobile command post. “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

The sheriff’s office already had budgeted five vehicles for conversion in its fiscal year 2011 capital spending. Under a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, James Madison University/Virginia Clean Cities Coalition asked the sheriff’s office to take part in a four-year program after a limousine company couldn’t fulfill a position for the $28,500 grant. The grant, approved by Columbus Council on Tuesday, could be worth up to $125,000 for the services it provides.

“We are getting over $100,000 worth of conversion kits,” Sheriff John T. Darr said Wednesday. “We have to do very little for the grant.”

Anthony said the grant is a four-year commitment, requiring the use of propane in the 20 vehicles 85 percent of the time. Propane-powered vehicles improve air quality, require less maintenance and the fuel is cheaper than gasoline.

The sheriff’s office plans to start converting some vehicles this summer and have all 25 of them completed by Dec. 1.

At a cost of $6,000 each, Force 911 of Pendergrass, Ga., will convert the vehicles to use propane-gasoline, and Blossman Gas of Ocean Springs, Miss., will supply the propane for the vehicles.

James Madison is the administrator of the grant, requiring the sheriff’s office to file reports on how the propane vehicles are operating.

Officials are busy this week identifying marked and unmarked cars in the sheriff’s office fleet for conversion. Darr said Wednesday some of the hybrid vehicles will be used for patrol, administration and to transport inmates out of town. Deputies frequently are required to transport inmates to mental hospitals for treatment.

The hybrid vehicle will use gasoline to start up and quickly switch to propane. When the propane runs out, it automatically switches back to gasoline.

Deputies who drive a hybrid vehicle will be trained on the proper operation, and mechanics will get additional training.

With the grant, Anthony said the city probably will have to increase the size of the propane storage tank that will be placed at the city fueling station.

Ben Wright, 706-571-8576

Source: Ledger-Enquirer

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2010/06/10/1152790/sheriffs-office-uses-stimulus.html

Propane AutoGas: American-Made Alternative Fuel Powers Pittsburgh Paratransit Fleets

ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 28, /PRNewswire/ — Proud father, American veteran and business owner Bob Delucia is answering his country’s call to action, again. Only this time he gets to do so right here on U.S. soil. Delucia began Star Limousine Service, Inc. in 1985 with the help of his daughter Angela – they had one car. Now, with a quartet of Pennsylvania taxicab and paratransit companies he owns with his two sons, Delucia is meeting the challenge for environmental stewardship and a reduced dependence on foreign oil head on – by converting 31 vehicles in his fleet from gasoline to propane AutoGas.

Delucia first began exploring alternative fuels two years ago at the peak of the fuel price spike, when conventional gasoline broke the four-dollar mark. He has converted a handful of fleet vehicles to electric hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell power and four to propane AutoGas. But when Delucia applied for state grant funding to expand his green fleet, he went all in for AutoGas.

Delucia chose to partner with national vehicle conversion and fueling network Alliance AutoGas to develop his grant application and to convert and fuel his 31 vehicles.

As a businessman, Delucia recognized the merit of partnership with an outfit that offers a nationwide network and growing footprint. As an American vet, he naturally rallied behind another American-owned company – working to create stateside jobs by utilizing a clean-burning fuel that is produced on American soil.

“We are really excited to be cleaning up the city and saving money at the same time, and Alliance AutoGas has helped us make that happen,” Delucia stated. He first learned of Alliance through his industry association with the Taxicab, Paratransit and Limousine Association (TLPA).

Fleets that convert vehicles to AutoGas can expect:

– Lower fuel costs

– Significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions

– Reduced dependence on foreign oil (90% of propane is produced in the U.S.)

In addition to going green and running four companies, Delucia dedicates much time and energy to working with veteran affairs and retraining veterans who return from deployment to install alternative fuel systems. In 2008 he was nominated for veteran entrepreneur of the year by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NAVOBA). Vetrepreneur Magazine, whose spokesperson is Rocky Bleier, published an article detailing Delucia’s entrepreneurial efforts and his accomplishments.

Bob Delucia’s four Pittsburgh area companies are:

– AirStar Transportation Inc.

– Classy Cab

– Star Limousine Service Inc.

– Cranberry Taxi

AirStar Transportation & Limousine Service Inc. was one of four Allegheny County companies to receive money from the Pennsylvania grant. An Alliance AutoGas fueling station at their home base is ready to power the Pittsburgh fleet. As a member of Access Group, 15 of Delucia’s converted vehicles will be wheelchair accessible.

Delucia’s fleet will benefit from the Alliance AutoGas turn-key solution that includes:

– Equipment and labor to convert vehicles from gasoline to AutoGas — Propane AutoGas fueling station on site at fleet base — Safety and operational training for fleet personnel — Year-round fuel provision — Ongoing expert technical support

About Alliance AutoGas

Alliance AutoGas – with founding partners Blossman Gas (the nation’s largest independent propane company) and American Alternative Fuel – provides a turn-key solution that has fleet managers across the country committing to use clean, domestically produced alternative fuel that is here now. For more information about Alliance AutoGas and their network of partners visit www.allianceautogas.com.

Contacts For Alliance AutoGas general questions contact David Finder, Energy Program Manager, Blossman Gas, Inc. – dmfinder@allianceautogas.com or (828) 251-0027.

SOURCE Alliance AutoGas
Copyright 2009 PR Newswire All rights reserved.

Alliance AutoGas Podcast

Automotive Insight Radio
To hear John McCelroy discuss Alliance AutoGas select B 4/28 from the left hand side here.

Force 911 Participates in ARRA-funded Propane Autogas Vehicle Program Kick-off Meeting

On Friday, April 16, 2010, Force 911 participated in a kick off meeting to promote the Propane Autogas Vehicle Program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 19, 2010 – Pendergrass, Georgia, April 19, 2010 – Force 911 joined members of the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program for a kick off meeting on Friday, April 16, 2010 at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, to promote the Propane Autogas Vehicle Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), focuses on increasing the amount of propane autogas vehicles in the United States as well as developing a network of refueling stations.

The grant was awarded to the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy to help convert approximately 1,200 gasoline-powered vehicles to propane autogas. Virginia Clean Cities and James Madison University will serve as project managers for the program.

Vehicles in public and private fleets, including law enforcement vehicles, taxis, limousines and vans will be converted to run on propane autogas. As a member of Alliance AutoGas, a national clean vehicle coalition that will coordinate the vehicle conversions, Force 911 will convert law enforcement vehicles for counties participating in the grant.

Wayne Abbs, President of Force 911, stated “We’re excited to take part in the official kick-off of the Propane Autogas Vehicle Program. With past vehicle conversions, we have already witnessed how propane can save law enforcement departments money on their fuel expense. This grant will help deliver propane bi-fuel systems to more county law enforcement agencies. Not only does it reduce fuel expense, but agencies like that propane is produced domestically.”

Propane autogas vehicles experience significantly lower emissions than gasoline or diesel vehicles which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 90% of propane is produced in the United States, creating less dependence on foreign oil.

About Force 911

Force 911 is a complete source for law enforcement and public service vehicles, providing outfitting for various law enforcement and government agencies. Force 911 offers equipment installation, K9 transport units, hybrid propane vehicle conversions, department graphics and other services. Located in Pendergrass, Georgia, Force 911 is your single point of contact from vehicle design to delivery. For more information about Force 911, please visit www.force911.com or call 678-919-7911.

# # #

Force 911 provides police vehicle outfitting including hybrid propane fuel conversions. Force 911 offers K9 transport systems, equipment installation and other services. Force 911 has 19 locations in GA & AL. For more information visit www.force911.com.

Proulx Oil named best Family-Owned Business

NEWMARKET — Proulx Oil and Propane has been selected as the 2010 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year by the state Small Business Administration office.

This award recognizes successful family-owned and operated businesses that have passed from one generation to another. Nominees were evaluated based on their financial success, increased employment opportunities, and their community voluntary efforts.

For many businesses “change” represents a threat to a way of doing business. When Proulx Oil was started in Epping in 1944, Joe Proulx did so as he embraced the nation’s shift from coal to oil. Years later, Maurice Proulx continued in the family business and managed the company as they added propane gas, a cleaner burning product and became Proulx Oil and Propane Co.

Joe and Maurice Proulx understood that methods and practices may change but the core element for their business was rooted in finding and providing energy solutions.

Today, the company is led by the third generation, Jim, John and Tom Proulx who each manage different parts of the business. They have continued to grow as a company through the combination of organic growth of the business and growth through acquisition. With 45 full and part-time employees they service residential and business customers in 34 New Hampshire communities and 10 communities in Maine. They operate from three physical locations and through their emphasis on customer service have established the Proulx name as leader in the New Hampshire heating industry.

Proulx Oil and Propane was nominated for this award by Everett Eaton of TD Bank in Portsmouth. “Jim, John and Tom Proulx continue to grow Proulx Oil and Propane through their commitment to be leaders in the heating industry. Their emphasis on leading through change while maintaining the core values of their family business truly distinguishes them from their peers,” Eaton said.

To learn more about Proulx Oil and Propane visit www.proulxoilandpropane.com.

SOURCE: Fosters Daily Democrat

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100413/GJBUSINESS_01/704129977/-1/fosnews

Eco-friendly cabs keep Cape Town green

From Nkepile Mabuse, CNN

Cape Town, South Africa (CNN) — Cape Town is a city surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, and one local taxi firm is doing its best to keep it green.

The Green Cab is an eco-friendly taxi service, run by Amiene van der Merwe. Inspired by the needs of today’s traveler she rallied three other women to start a green business.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/03/23/green.cabs/

New Alliance AutoGas Partners in Indiana Bring Propane Vehicle Conversions and Fueling to Midwest

ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 9 /PRNewswire/ — The national propane vehicle conversion and fueling network Alliance AutoGas has announced partnerships with Donahue Gas and Productive Concepts, Inc. to bring alternative vehicle fuel solutions to public and private fleets in the Midwest. As Alliance AutoGas partners, these companies will work with Indiana fleets to convert vehicles from conventional gasoline to propane AutoGas. Converted fleets will join the more than 14.6 million vehicles worldwide running on clean, economical AutoGas.

Donahue Gas and Productive Concepts will provide Indiana fleets with a turn-key alternative fuel solution:

• Equipment and labor to convert vehicles from gasoline to AutoGas
• Propane AutoGas fueling station on site at fleet base
• Safety and operational training for fleet personnel
• Year-round fuel provision
• Ongoing expert technical support

A third-generation family-owned business, Donahue Gas has served the propane needs of Central Indiana since 1938. Donahue offers commercial propane services, including forklift cylinder delivery; they also provide more than 2,000 families with a reliable, year-round propane delivery program to ensure customer satisfaction and peace of mind.

“Donahue Gas has always been committed to serving the community’s propane needs,” says Brian Donahue, Donahue Gas owner. “Our partnership with Alliance keeps us at the forefront of the quickly expanding AutoGas market.”

Productive Concepts, an emerging leader in the alternative fuels industry, boasts the only U.S. production line capable of almost any alternative fuels conversion. Since its inception in 1999, Productive Concepts has focused on delivering the highest quality products and services at the best price, saving customers money while reducing emissions and extending the life of their fleet vehicles.

Productive Concepts President Rob Lykins is eager to expand his company’s offerings. “Our commitment has always been to bring customers the best in alternative fueling systems, and as an Alliance AutoGas certified conversion center partner we will continue to do just that.”

“In partnering with Donahue Gas and Productive Concepts, Alliance makes it easy for Indiana fleets to access cleaner, domestically produced AutoGas,” says Alliance AutoGas President Stuart Weidie.  ”We’re proud to enable fleets to fill up with a better vehicle fuel.”

Ideal candidates for propane vehicle conversions include many public and private fleets. Fleets that convert to propane AutoGas can expect:

• Lower fuel costs
• Significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Lowered dependence on foreign oil (90% of propane is produced in the U.S.)
• Green branding opportunities

The new partners will immediately begin discussions with local and regional vehicle fleets interested in converting vehicles to propane AutoGas.

About Alliance AutoGas

Alliance AutoGas – with founding partners Blossman Gas (the nation’s largest independent propane company) and American Alternative Fuel – provides a turn-key solution that has fleet managers across the country committing to use clean, domestically produced and readily available AutoGas. Visit www.allianceautogas.com.

Alternative Fuel Summit to Promote Propane AutoGas Vehicle Conversions for Fleets

Alliance AutoGas representatives will discuss the advantages of retrofitting
gasoline vehicles to run on AutoGas

ASHEVILLE, NC – February 25, 2010 – Leading fleet industry speakers will gather next week at the Propane Engine Fuel Summit to discuss the benefits of AutoGas as an engine fuel. The summit, available via live Webcast, will feature propane industry experts and top-level government officials detailing the many benefits and applications of propane vehicle fuel, commonly called AutoGas.

Summit exhibitor Alliance AutoGas, the nation-wide propane vehicle conversion and fueling network, has been invited to speak at the event.  Alliance representatives Steve McCoy and Matt Sgambettera will discuss national and regional propane marketing efforts and on-road propane vehicles. Virginia Clean Cities Executive Director Chelsea Jenkins will outline the DOE-funded Southeast Autogas Corridor Program in which Alliance AutoGas plays a key role. This program will convert nearly 1,200 conventional gasoline fleet vehicles to run on AutoGas and will implement approximately 20 AutoGas fueling stations throughout the Southeast.

“This summit is the perfect opportunity for fleet managers wanting to learn more about what AutoGas can do for them, and we’re excited to help lead the discussion,” Steve McCoy said. “Alliance’s services not only help fleets reduce emissions and fuel costs, they do so with fleets’ existing vehicles.”

Alliance AutoGas provides America’s fleets with a turn-key alternative fuel solution that includes:

• Vehicle conversion system and installation
• Propane AutoGas fueling station on site at fleet base
• Safety and operational training for fleet personnel
• Year-round fuel provision
• Ongoing expert technical support

Ideal candidates for propane vehicle conversions include all types of public and private fleets.

To learn more about the Alliance AutoGas fleet solution, join the Webcast Thursday at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The summit will be webcast from the TV Worldwide studios in Chantilly, VA March 3-4, 2010. To register visit www.propaneenginefuelsummit.com.

About Alliance AutoGas Alliance AutoGas – with founding partners Blossman Gas (the nation’s largest independent propane company) and American Alternative Fuel –  provides a turn-key solution that has fleet managers across the country committing to use clean, domestically produced alternative fuel that is here now.  Visit www.allianceautogas.com and learn about our growing network of partners.

Contacts

Direct Alliance AutoGas general questions to David Finder, Energy Program Manager, Blossman Gas, Inc. dmfinder@allianceautogas.com or (828) 251-0027.

Clean Fuels Ohio Launches $11 Million ARRA Grant that Includes Propane AutoGas Vehicle Conversions

ASHEVILLE, NC – February 22, 2010 – Clean Fuels Ohio has scheduled a media event to announce the launch of the Ohio Advanced Transportation Partnership, a DOE-based initiative to bring 280 alternative fuel vehicles and 15 refueling stations to Ohio. The contract, which provides $11 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was finalized last week.

As part of the program, Alliance AutoGas will retrofit 77 vehicles, across three Ohio fleets, to run on propane AutoGas and will install AutoGas refueling sites at each of the fleet bases. Columbus Green Cabs, Yellow Cab of Cleveland, and Ace Taxi of Cleveland will all convert vehicles with Alliance.

“Alliance AutoGas is proud to be a part of the Clean Cities initiative helping fleets convert to domestic AutoGas,” said Alliance Representative Steve McCoy, who will attend the event. “Our mission to put more propane-powered fleets on the road and to grow the national propane AutoGas infrastructure is helping America gain energy independence while providing lasting benefits to fleets.”

The event will take place Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riffe Center, Capitol Theater lobby in Columbus, Ohio. Mark Shanahan (Director of Ohio Air Quality Development Authority) and Chris Korleski (Ohio EPA director) are a few of the high-level state and DOE officials who plan to attend. Members of the press are encouraged to join the launch.  The Riffe Center is located at 55
E. State Street.

Fleets that convert vehicles to AutoGas can expect:

• Lower fuel costs
• Significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Lowered dependence on foreign oil (90% of propane is produced in the U.S.)

Ideal candidates for propane AutoGas vehicle conversion include taxis, law enforcement and municipal vehicles, limousines, utility company vehicles and many others.

About Alliance AutoGas Alliance AutoGas – with founding partners Blossman Gas (the nation’s largest independent propane company) and American Alternative Fuel –  provides a turn-key solution that has fleet managers across the country committing to use clean, domestically produced and readily available AutoGas.
Visit www.allianceautogas.com.

Contacts

For more information about the event, contact Clean Fuels Ohio at (614) 884-7336 or email at info@cleanfuelsohio.org.

For Alliance AutoGas general questions contact David Finder, Energy Program Manager, Blossman Gas, Inc. – dmfinder@allianceautogas.com or (828) 251-0027.

Propane-Powered Cars Helping Reduce Pollution

Gasoline Alternative Introduced To Upstate Businesses

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — The air we breathe is up for discussion in Spartanburg County, and not just because of its impact on health. It could cause the economy to suffer, too.

At the Spartanburg Community College on Thursday, a forum encouraged businesses owners with large fleets to consider alternatives, like propane-powered vehicles. “The exhaust doesn’t harm you like gasoline or diesel would,” said Steve Whaley with Alliance AutoGas.

Source: WYFF4.com- Mike McCormick, WYFF News 4 Reporter