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CLEAN FUELS OHIO MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
Making Ohio a cleaner and more prosperous state. |
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The Present and Future of Electric Buses in Ohio
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October has seen two exciting announcements about electric transit bus deployments in Ohio, first from the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and second from Laketran. Both announcements represent a promising path forward for the future of electric transit vehicles in the state.
On October 6, 2021, COTA issued a press release announcing the expansion of its environmentally friendly fleet with the addition of its first two new electric transit vehicles, running on several routes daily, in a continued effort to reduce the authority’s vehicle emissions. The two vehicles were expected to begin service on Monday, October 11.
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Transportation Solutions Vehicle Expo Success |
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Clean Fuels Ohio successfully wrapped up their Transportation Solutions Vehicle Expo at Columbus State Community College last Friday, October 15th. This event brought together solutions providers and implementers from around the state for a day of networking, education, and hands-on experience with some of the industry’s technologies.
A wide range of vehicle technologies, fuels, and types were displayed at the expo. Attendees explored vehicles from companies like Ingevity, Bus Service Inc. ICOM N. America, and Lordstown Motors. Local fleets brought several vehicles to demonstrate examples of real-world deployments as well.
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USDA Grant Fuels United Dairy Farmers Efforts to Provide E15 to Customers |
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Ohio-based United Dairy Farmers (UDF) has been a leader in offering renewable fuels, especially ethanol blends, to customers. A recent grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to UDF for biofuels infrastructure will strengthen that commitment even further.
Approximately two months ago, the USDA announced an award of $634,000 to UDF. According to the announcement, “this Rural Development investment will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. United Dairy Farmers Inc. will replace 21 dispensers and four storage tanks and install 13 dispensers at fueling stations in Ohio and Kentucky.”
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School Bus Rebate Funding Now Available |
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On September 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two funding opportunities for school bus fleets serving public schools, totaling approximately $17 million in rebate funding to help replace old diesel school buses.
First, the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates program will offer approximately $10 million to public and private fleet owners for the replacement of old diesel school buses with new buses certified to EPA’s cleanest emission standards. The EPA will award selected applicants $20,000-65,000 per bus depending on the fuel type for scrapping and replacing old buses. The EPA has been awarding these rebates annually since the passage of DERA in 2010 to reduce harmful emissions from older, dirtier diesel vehicles.
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National Drive Electric Week Recap |
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In this year’s National Drive Electric Week, occurring from September 25-October 3, 2021, electric vehicle aficionados from around the country hosted and participated in events to inform people about electric vehicle and charging developments and the benefits of going electric.
As part of these efforts, Clean Fuels Ohio and our Drive Electric Ohio chapters organized or supported seven events across the state to celebrate recent developments and successes in Ohio EV progress and to emphasize the continued need for EV growth and accessibility. The seven events included more than 132 vehicles that had driven a combined total of more than 3,700,463 electric miles.
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Columbus to Spend $30.1 Million to Use Methane Gas From Sewage Plant to Generate Power |
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A $30.1 million project to use the methane-rich biogas produced by one of Columbus' South Side sewage treatment plants to fuel generators and produce electric power and heat was approved Monday by the Columbus City Council.
Within two years, the Jackson Pike plant will burn methane extracted from its series of large, domed "anaerobic digesters" that motorists pass along Interstate 71 south of Downtown as fuel for both turning electric generators and heating the plant using a new combined heat and power (CHP) engine system.
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Hexagon Agility Receives Tenth Set of Orders for RNG/CNG Trucks From Major Global Logistics Customer |
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Hexagon Agility, a business of Hexagon Composites, signed a master services agreement in June 2020 with a global logistics customer to deliver renewable natural gas (RNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel systems for medium and heavy-duty trucks.
Hexagon Agility received its tenth set of orders under this agreement, representing an estimated value of USD 8 million (approx. NOK 70 million). Total orders placed to date with delivery targeted in 2021 represent an estimated value of USD 88 million (approx. NOK 766 million).
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Lazer Spot Accelerates Drive to Zero Emissions |
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Today Lazer Spot announced its partnership with SRECTrade to advise and manage the company’s environmental commodities as part of further accelerating Lazer Spot’s long-time drive to reduce vehicle emissions. As the leader in the spotting industry Lazer Spot has reduced emissions for years, operating 100% electric yard trucks since 2017. Informed by these early trials, Lazer Spot has accelerated the deployment of 100% electric yard trucks aided by SRECTrade’s work to optimize funding provided by environmental commodity programs like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
Lazer Spot has led the reduction of vehicle emissions since 2015 with an Idle Reduction Initiative that improved the overall health of its fleet, saved on fuel and reduced emissions. The company now is ahead of the standard industry idle time by almost 30%, saving over 1.5 million gallons of fuel and eliminating over 32 million pounds of CO2 emissions. Two years into this initiative Lazer Spot began deploying its first all-electric yard trucks and is now more aggressively transitioning its fleet while successfully balancing the benefits against higher initial deployment costs.
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Cummins Launches 15-Liter Natural Gas Engine for Heavy-Duty Trucks |
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Cummins Inc. is releasing a 15-liter natural gas engine for heavy-duty trucks.
“Cummins continues to expand our portfolio of power solutions options so customers can meet their business goals and operational objectives, while also meeting emissions standards and achieving their sustainability goals,” says Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of Cummins’ engine business. “The launch of our universal 15-liter platform for heavy-duty ensures a full range of natural gas powertrains that are available to meet the emission reduction goals of all customers and end markets. Equally exciting is that this engine is also the basis for the recently announced hydrogen internal combustion engine currently being tested that we are developing.”
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Open Application: Black & Veatch IgniteX Climate Tech Accelerator |
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Recognizing that the world is in climate crisis, global engineering and construction company Black & Veatch is looking for bold, committed partners to help accelerate the development of climate tech solutions for a net-zero climate future.
Applications are open now through Nov. 10, 2021, for Black & Veatch’s Ignite X Climate Tech Accelerator. The 12-week virtual program will provide funding and support to startup companies on the cutting edge of climate technology. Throughout the program, Black & Veatch will pair with scalable technology companies, offering opportunities for mentorship, access to the company's vast network of subject matter experts, product testing, pitch development, investor introductions, and up to $50,000 in funding. If you have questions, please contact the BV IgniteX Climate Tech Accelerator Team.
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Attention Clean Fuels Ohio Members! |
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Do you have late-breaking news or announcements that you would like to have included in next month's newsletter?
If so, please email Rachel or call 614-884-7336
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Clean Fuels Ohio | cleanfuelsohio.org
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