Earlier this year, we surveyed many of you regarding a future biodiesel training workshop. And we received a big response!  Using YOUR feedback, we've put together a series with the information you asked for, from the essentials of biodiesel to the nitty-gritty details of putting it to use.

Join us to learn more about why this alternative fuel could be the perfect fit for your fleet (and how you can make the next steps to implement biodiesel).  

Part 1: Biodiesel Basics Webinar
On Thursday, October 22 (10 - 11:30 a.m.), we'll explore the fundamentals of biodiesel, such as blends, fuel sources, vehicle benefits, emission reductions, and fuel standards.

Part 2: Technical Workshop
The following Thursday, October 29 (8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.), we'll build on the basics covered in the webinar to help address many of the technical issues around implementing biodiesel in your fleet. Topics will include fuel handling, vehicle compatibility and performance, procurement contracts, and more.

Potelco is a contractor based in Sumner, WA, specializing in the engineering, design, and construction of utility services, such as electricity, and natural gas and telecommunications.

Potelco is the first fleet in the state to adopt liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles, and are thought to be the first fleet in the United States to operate Ford F-550s powered by LNG. But Potelco’s fleet is more than just LNG; they also use Nissan LEAFs as pool vehicles in Western Washington.

We're glad to have Potelco on the Western Washington Clean Cities team!  

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) have now established a statewide master contract for heavy-duty transit vehicles. 

The contract allows public agencies and other public entities to use a select number of transit bus vendors for a variety of alternative fuel types and bus sizes. Since federal procurement requirements are often complicated and onerous to meet, the state's price agreement should help eliminate many of the obstacles in procuring transit buses, including potentially 6-12 months of time and effort throughout the process. 

The State hopes that the new contract will encourage the earlier adoption of electric (and other alternative fuel) buses and make them readily available at reasonable prices.

To see the list of approved vendors (and create your own quote), visit the DES contract website. 

Clean Energy Fuels is now making two of its long-range trucks - powered by both compressed (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) - available for a free trial to WWCC members and friends.

• CNG: 2015 Peterbilt 579 
• LNG: 2016 Freightliner Cascadia

The demo program is a good opportunity for interested fleets to try operating a heavy-duty natural gas vehicle and experience the truck's advantages firsthand. Clean Energy also has several natural gas fueling stations in the area, including south Seattle, SeaTac, Everett and Bellevue.

Contact Jeff Wittenberger ([email protected]) to learn more. 

Now in its sixth year, this conference is Washington State's signature clean energy event, bringing together members of the energy industry, energy policy & economic development leaders, project hosts, and users of energy services.

Western Washington Clean Cities members are eligible for a $25 discount - just use the discount code WAEFC15 during registration. Presented by the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) and the Washington Department of Commerce.

Full information here. 

The Port of Seattle is making green happen! In September, the Port and Sea-Tac Airport were recognized at the Global Aviation Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, for its initiatives to reduce pollution and the airport's impact on climate change.  

One of the initiatives highlighted in Switzerland was the airport's switch to electric ground service equipment. In 2014, Western Washington Clean Cities worked with the Port and Alaska Airlines to install nearly 600 electric charging stations and convert a range of equipment – such as baggage tugs, bag ramps and pushback vehicles – from fossil fuels to electricity. Replacing the equipment is projected to save $2.8 million in airline fuel costs and 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year – the equivalent of taking 1,900 cars off the road.