Clean Fuels Ohio Highlights, Fall 2012
Clean Fuels Ohio staff has been busy conducting educational events and presentations throughout Ohio. We have conducted fuel specific events, been engaged with state and national policymakers, shared the methods behind our success and interacted with fleets from around Ohio. Here is just a highlight of the exciting workshops and places that Clean Fuels Ohio has had a presence.
Ohio’s Propane Autogas Advantage (July 17):
Clean Fuels Ohio hosted Ohio’s Autogas Advantage at the Ohio Fire Academy on July 17th. This free, day-long conference focused on the advantages of using propane autogas as a fuel for fleet vehicles and allowed propane vendors and Ohio fleet managers the opportunity to share information and network. The event featured a Propane 101 presentation by Greg Zilberfarb with the Propane Education and Research Council, presentations on available propane vehicle technology and fueling infrastructure, and a vendor and vehicle showcase. Ohio’s Autogas Advantage drew a crowd of more than 75 attendees, 12 vendors and 8 vehicles.
Solid Waste Association of North America-Tri-State Conference (July 19):
CFO Program Director Andrew Conley was invited to present to the SWANA Tri-State Conference held on July 19. Conley’s presentation focused on natural gas’s many benefits when used in the refuse sector, including the opportunities of natural gas to be sourced from landfills and waste. Conley’s presentation also focused on the availability of various natural gas vehicles and engine models, and best practices for project and station development. In addition, Conley spoke of Ohio fleet successes and available incentives and grant opportunities around natural gas vehicles in Ohio, including DERG.
White House Roundtable (Aug. 29):
On August 29, Clean Fuels Ohio participated in a White House roundtable on fuel economy and real world fleet alternative successes at The Ohio State University. Panel participants included Gary S. Guzy, Dep. Dir. and General Counsel, White House Council on Environmental Quality; Ronald Sega, OSU Vice Pres. and Enterprise Exec. for Energy and the Environment; Michael Birk, National Fleet Manager, Frito Lay; Giorgio Rizzoni, Director, OSU Center for Automotive Research and Sam Spofforth, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Ohio.
The roundtable participants discussed the future of the auto Industry targeting fuel efficiency, environmental performance, and alternative fuels. The roundtable reviewed the impact of the auto industry recovery, advances in fuels and environmental impacts. Spofforth presented to attendees on opportunities around the portfolio of fuels and technologies, including information on the benefits and availability of biodiesel. Sam also distributed literature including the “Six R’s of Diesel Cleanup” handbook (which features sections on “refueling” diesel vehicles with biodiesel) as well as the Ohio Biodiesel station locator maps.
Clean Diesel Dividends Workshop (Aug 30):
Clean Fuels Ohio hosted a Clean Diesel Dividends event on August 30th at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission in Columbus, Ohio. The event focused on past successes of Clean Diesel projects in Ohio and provided information on available clean diesel technology options. The 35 attendees also heard information on the harmful effects of diesel emissions as it impacts passengers, the community and the environment. The highlight of the event was sharing information about the upcoming Diesel Emission Reduction Grant program available in fall of 2012 from the Ohio EPA. Allan Harness of the Ohio EPA was available for questions from the attendees. Additional conversations and follow-up meeting were a result of this event.
Farm Science Review Biodiesel Expo and Workshop (September 18-20):
Clean Fuels Ohio tabled at the Farm Science Review with a focus on Biodiesel options available in Ohio. The table, located in the Small Farms Center tent, was staffed by Ohio Green Fleets staff and was visited by hundreds of Farm Science Review attendees. Clean Fuels Ohio also hosted a Lunch and Learn at the Farm Science Review, held in the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s FSR Conference room. Attendees of the Lunch and Learn were given additional information about biodiesel and time was allocated for specific questions and concerns to be addressed.
U.S. Department of Energy Peer Review (September 24-27):
Cynthia Maves attended the 2012 Clean Cities Coordinator Peer Exchange & Technology Deployment Workshop in Estes Park, Colorado, September 25 to 27th. The peer exchange featured updates from Argonne and Oak Ridge Labs, NREL, and DOE headquarters. Cynthia gave a presentation highlighting lessons learned from administering CFO’s $11 million Recovery Act grant. CFO received recognition for honorable mention for Greatest Petroleum Displacement using electricity and Top Overall in Fuel Economy Measures. Also, due to past success in grant management, CFO was asked to be a resource for other Clean Cities Coalitions as they look to improve their grant management abilities. Other highlights of the conference included a presentation by Alex Schroeder from Colorado’s State Energy Office and an informative session on coalition website design. Shawn Norton of the National Park Service discussed the range of green initiatives undertaken in our national parks. Cynthia enjoyed the beautiful scenery and many elk sightings.
Governors NGV Summit (October 9):
Clean Fuels Ohio staff participated in Governor Kasich’s Natural Gas Vehicle Summit on October 9th. This event, organized by the Kasich administration and America’s Natural Gas Alliance, brought together representatives from across the state and natural gas industry to discuss ways to further position Ohio to be a leader in the natural gas arena. Executive Director, Sam Spofforth, was a panelist for a session discussing State Policy Issues. Dr. Jerry Hutton also had a role in the day by serving as a moderator for the CNG Fueling Infrastructure panel. Clean Fuels Ohio looks forward to further cooperation with statewide leaders to bring Ohio to the forefront of the natural gas industry.
Ohio Air Quality Development Authority Grant Award:
Clean Fuels Ohio was awarded a $180,000 grant from the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority ) to support statewide transportation projects designed to increase the use of cleaner, non-petroleum fuels, energy saving vehicles, and more sustainable fleet management strategies. The programing will capitalize on existing efforts and momentum by implementing activities under the following broad, complementary program areas: 1) Ohio Green Fleets, 2) Proposal Development, Incentives, and Support, 3) Increasing Fuel Availability, 4) Policy Education and Outreach, 5) Ohio Natural Gas and Propane Partnerships, and 6) Ohio EV Readiness. The work proposed in each area is targeted to meet critical fleet needs and dramatically increase the deployment of AFVs and associated infrastructure throughout the region. We look forward to working with OAQDA to implement this project.










