Over 1200 elected officials and staff from across Alabama attended the 2010 League of Municipalities Convention in Mobile, Alabama. ACFC provided information regarding Alternative Fuels and Vehicles at their booth anchored by the City of Trussville���s CNG Honda GX. Mayor Gene Melton drove the car to Mobile and provided compelling reasons to consider CNG as a motor fuel when asked by his fellow mayors. We sincerely appreciated his willing participation in getting the alternative fuels ���word��� out at the convention

April 8, 2010 Birmingham, AL ��� Scores of Birmingham flex-fuel vehicles drivers topped off their tanks for 85 cents less per gallon today, thanks to a promotion by the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) to increase U.S. awareness of sugarcane ethanol as an environmentally friendly fuel. UNICA provides 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol for the IZOD IndyCar Series. Barber Motorsports Park is hosting the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama this Sunday, April 11. The ethanol rally was held at the Dogwood Shell Station on Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills in conjunction with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC) and McPherson Oil. To see entire Press Release click HERE

ACFC truly appreciates the outstanding support provided by the following: APCA - the Alabama Partners for Clean Air; UNICA - the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association; The McPherson Companies,Inc. and the IRL - the Indy Racing League.

March 17th, Dothan, AL ��� Over 90 individuals attended an informative workshop on domestically produced biofuels today at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center. The workshop featured national biofuel experts offering insights into current and future applications for biofuels in Alabama, including biodiesel, ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), and propane, and electricity. These alternative motor fuels reduce our dependence on foreign oil, are cleaner burning for the environment, and create domestic jobs for the economy.

Click HERE to read entire Press Release.

View Workshop Agenda and all presentations HERE

• To formalize our Coalition's activities and accomplishments since 2002
• To add the credibility of being a Clean Cities designated organization
• To further participate in opportunities made available by Clean Cities membership
• To gain further access to the Clean Cities network & educational resources
• To provide the opportunity to recognize ACFC stakeholders and members for their efforts and successes

A formal designation ceremony will be held at the Alabama Renewable Energy Conference, November 17th, at Auburn University. Go to http://www.nrmdi.auburn.edu/bio/ADECA/conference/2009 for more information on this important conference

I will be happy to address any questions you may have regarding this exciting recognition and the upcoming event. Many thanks for your continuing support.

For more information about the Clean Cities program please visit http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/

Across the country, states are looking for ways to tackle their energy, environmental, and climate change challenges through a variety of approaches. One frequently discussed option is the use of biomass resources to develop bioenergy-bioheat, biopower, biofuels, and bioproducts.

The link below will bring you to the State Bioenergy Primer, produced by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This document is designed to bring many of these resources together and provide useful, readable and targeted information that will enable a state decision maker to determine if he/she wants or needs more details.

You may download a copy here.

(Atlanta, Ga. - August 21,202009) In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, reduce diesel emissions and protect human health and the environment for the people of Alabama, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.25 million to the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition to reduce emissions from truck stop engine idling. This clean diesel project will create jobs while protecting Alabama's air quality.

Read complete announcement HERE

You may download a copy here.

On July 23rd a Workshop promoting the pillar of the T. Boone Pickens Plan... Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a motor fuel...was held at the Energen Conference Center in Birmingham. Over 100 attended the fast paced and fact filled Workshop outlining the Compelling Case for using CNG in Public and Private Fleets. Stephe Yborra, an expert in NGV markets and technologies, was joined by other NGV equipment and services representatives and current NGV fleet operators to cover a wide range of topics.

Co-hosted by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, The Clean Vehicle Education Foundation, Jefferson County Department of Health, The Energy Division of ADECA, ADEM, The Alabama Partners for Clean Air, The Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham and Sponsored by NGVAmerica, Alagasco-an Energen Company, and ANGI Energy Systems.

Click HERE to read the entire press release.

Below are links to the Birmingham CNG Workshop Presentations. All are in Adobe PDF format.

Batson - Airport Express (0.4 MB)

Boyce - Cummins Westport (1.6 MB)

Dorfman - Emission Solutions Inc (1.7 MB)

Neiburger - Altech-Eco (1.3 MB)

Nisbett-City of Lake Jackson TX (1.2 MB)

Smith-Honda CVEF 072309 (1.0 MB)

Yborra-Workshop Master (8.4 MB)

Nearly a hundred and fifty individuals representing businesses, fleets, and governmental entities gathered in Hoover, Alabama on June 24th to discuss the currently available transportation fuel alternatives and technologies that will be a part of this sea-change shift in energy policy focus. This was the largest single gathering ever in Alabama to learn about all the available alternative fuel options for the transportation sector.

Click HERE to go to link to all presentations and view the full press release and additional photos of the Workshop.

Charity begins on the golf course at the Regions Charity Classic. You have the opportunity to make the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition a big winner by participating in the Birdies for charity program. Participating charities receive every single penny of the donations generated! Additionally, you have a chance to win prizes when o pitch in to help ACFC! Click on the link to go to ACFC���s page for Birdies for Charity.

Alabama Clean Fuels: Birdies for Charity Site

• EPA National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2009/2010 Request for Proposals View RFP
• EPA National Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Program - View RFP
• SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program FY 2009/2010 Request for Proposals (RFP) - View RFP

Organizations interested in collaborating with ACFC to submit proposals in response to these funding opportunities should take note of the following deadlines:

1. October 30, 2009 - one pager with project overview due to ACFC
2. November 16, 2009 - all project details due in writing to ACFC (i.e. engine/technology details, budget, partners, match commitments)
3. December 6, 2009 - proposals due to EPA

Contact Mark Bentley or Phillip Wiedmeyer at 205.402.2755 or email at mark@AlabamaCleanfuels.org with questions as you prepare your one page overview.

Over 100 attended the Biodiesel Workshops (Sept. 15, 16 & 17) and were provided a great deal of information in a short amount of time! The Biodiesel Workshops were funded by the United Soybean Board's Soybean Checkoff. The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition was pleased to conduct the sessions in three North Alabama communities. You may view the full powerpoints presented at the Workshops at the links below. Also please read the Press Releases about the Workshops below.

A special "thanks" to Don Nelson from the Renewable Energy Group (REG) and David Lindon, City of Hoover, for their informative presentations. It takes a "Team" and we feel we had the right folks to both present and answer questions at the Workshops! How can help YOU to begin to use biodiesel in your vehicles!

Presentations

Press Releases

October 8th, 9th and 10th 2009
Hilton Garden Inn
Orange Beach, Alabama

The Alabama Chapter of NAFA is planning the Fourth Annual Southern Regional Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama the 2nd week of October.

For full agenda and registration form : CLICK HERE

The Fourth Edition of the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide is now available. This is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in biodiesel. You may download a copy at http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/npbf/pdfs/43672.pdf or order a hard copy as indicated on page two.

Lawson State has been, and continues to be a valued participating partner at ACFC events relating to alternative fuels in Alabama. We are especially pleased that Lawson State is now a member of the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) and, as such, is offering professional educational training on all alternative fuels and vehicles. A recent "First Responder" training event, the first of its type in Alabama, was well attended with more to be scheduled. Please welcome Lawson State Community College and their Alabama Center for Automotive Excellence as a member of ACFC.

Read more about Lawson State at http://www.ls.cc.al.us/

Alabama AGC is an 82-year-old organization of qualified construction contractors and industry-related companies dedicated to skill, integrity and responsibility. The Association provides broad influence and a full range of services satisfying the needs and concerns of its members, partners and the industry, thereby improving the quality of construction and protecting the public interest.

Read more about AGC at their website here http://www.alabamaagc.org/

With over 60 years of combined experience, the team at Phoenix Energy is uniquely equipped to offer you the latest and most comprehensive alternative fuel solutions. We are a leader in the alternative fuels industry in Alabama and the surrounding states���applying our years of hands-on fleet management into practice at every level, from customer service to training new generations of technicians.

Phoenix Energy is committed to the philosophy that customer satisfaction is achieved through a never-ending commitment to Quality, Service and Dependability. The equipment we sell and service has been specifically engineered for a wide range of applications from compressed natural gas to propane and breathing air, with private fleets, Industrial forklifts, and public refueling stations in mind.

Read more about Phoenix Energy by clicking here www.phoenixenergycorp.net

Auburn University, in cooperation with the Energy Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), has just published a "must read" for any municipality or other entity looking to produce biodiesel from waste vegetable oil (WVO).

If you are interested in reducing municipal fuel costs, reducing expensive sewer clogs and involving your community in a great recycling program consider this method. If you would like to discuss further be sure to contact ACFC for additional insight.

Birmingham, AL - March 20, 2009 - Recognizing the need for alternative vehicle fuels as an effective solution to help protect the environment and reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil, Alagasco has acquired four new natural gas Honda Civic GX sedans...

Read Full Press Release

Dudley Reynolds, President of Alagasco addressing Press Conference

Please welcome Clean Energy Fuels and McPherson Oil Products as new ACFC members. As an organization we are proud to be partnering with such outstanding national and regional leaders.

Clean Energy is the largest provider of natural gas for transportation in North America with a broad customer base in the refuse, transit, ports, shuttle, taxi, regional trucking, airport and municipal fleet markets.

Please visit their web page at http://www.cleanenergyfuels.com/main.html

McPherson Oil Products is a full service petroleum products and services company and supports its customers with its philosophy of TPM - Total Petroleum Management. TMC has a strong heritage of providing leadership in the petroleum distribution business, and this heritage has provided a solid foundation for TMC to continue providing quality products and services to its customers for many years to come. TMC continues to be chosen by suppliers, customers and employees for their openness, honesty and integrity in the petroleum business.

Please visit their web page at http://www.mcphersonoil.com

Hoover, Alabama - A nationally recognized fleet management workshop made a pit stop at the Hoover Public Safety Center today to talk with public officials, business leaders, and fleet operators.

Read Full Press Release

The economic stimulus package, signed by President Obama, includes an increase in the federal income tax credit for alternative fuel infrastructure.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or H.R. 1, increases the existing Federal alternative fuel infrastructure tax credit of $30,000 or 30 percent of the incremental cost, to $50,000 or 50 percent of the incremental cost of alternative fuel infrastructure. The original infrastructure development provision was part of the 2005 Energy Policy Act.

This provision may be used by both tax paying and tax exempt entities in Alabama to add alternative fuel infrastructure.

For details on how to apply for infrastructure tax credits please contact our office at 205.402.2755 or email mark@AlabamaCleanFuels.org.

Congratulations to City of Hoover on recognition of having one of top 100 fleet operations in the country

Please welcome Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) as a Silver Level Member of ACFC.

Please visit there web page at http://www.cecinc.com/ for a full overview of this very impressive company.

Effective December 16th new pump labeling requirements must be implemented. Read requirements here.

Please read the entire news release here. ACFC congratulates Dr. Perry Ward, Tommy Hobbs and all the fine folks at Lawson State on becoming the only Alabama member of the NAFTC. This association will provide an in-state resource for training and education on alternative fuels and vehicles.

The Interstate 65 "Clean Corridor" opened October 7th, 8th and 9th with the beginning of a three day drive fueled entirely on biofuels such as E85 ethanol and B20 biodiesel. Similar to the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, the I-65 Clean Corridor is transforming transportation in America. Today drivers from Indiana and Alabama embarked from corridor anchor stations in Gary, Indiana and Mobile, Alabama on a journey to meet in Southern Indiana to celebrate the corridors opening. Stops on the Alabama tour include Mobile, Prattville, Birmingham, and Athens. Read entire Press Release here

Read an overview of the Corridor Drive and Media Summary below:

I-65 Corridor and Beyond

Clean Corridor Fall Drive Media Summary

Alabama took another step Friday toward energy diversity that will limit future gasoline scarcity issues and the related price spikes with the opening of new E85 ethanol and B20 biodiesel pumps at two gas station in Mobile. The fueling centers, located on Airport and Government Boulevards are part of the I-65 Clean Corridor project. Download entire Press Release HERE (DOC).

To see and read Press Coverage of the event click on links below.

Mark Bentley (ACFC), Don Evans (President-Fords Fuel) Bill Johnson (Director-ADECA), Alabama Governor Bob Riley, and Mayor Sam Jones (Mobile)	Phillip Wiedmeyer Fueling the Chevy with E85 at Grand Opening
Cars lining up at Mobile Grand Opening for 85 cent E85!	Grand Opening.Gov. Riley, Don Evans (Owner) and Mayor Sam Jones (Mayor of Mobile)
Enterprise fueling at Mobile Grand Opening

The majority of Clean Cities Coalitions from around the country were represented at the 2008 retreat at Yellowstone. See all the presentations and information presented at the following website:

http://www.netl.doe.gov/publications/proceedings/08/clean-cities-mt/index.html

Please welcome the Alabama Propane Gas Association as a Silver Level member of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. APGA was established in 1939. It has been a valuable source of information and training for individuals involved in the propane gas industry as well as a source of information for consumers. The purpose of APGA is to serve its membership by combining the resources of all segments of the propane gas industry in promoting the growth of the industry and the many benefits of propane as a superior energy source.

"We look forward to working with APGA to further the use of propane as a clean, domestically produced, alternative transportation fuel", said Mark Bentley, Executive Director of ACFC. "Propane is one of this nations most versatile sources of energy, supplying about 4% of total domestic energy needs and fueling more than 10 million vehicles worldwide. Approximately 90% of the U.S. propane supply is produced domestically with the majority of the remaining 10% imported from Canada and Mexico".

Please read more about the Alabama Propane Gas Association at their website. www.Alabamapropane.com.

The company said that the growth of biodiesel's popularity and the increased use of B20 were catalysts for the decision to test higher blends, which concluded successfully.

Read the entire article here.

Since 1946, Saiia Construction has specialized in heavy construction, developing the equipment and manpower resources to tackle the big projects. Today Saiia combines almost sixty years of experience with the latest in technological advances to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Saiia's goal has always been to assist their clients in solving problems and providing innovative solutions that save money. Sam Saiia founded the company in 1946, beginning a tradition of providing exceptional customer service.

Please visit Saiia's website at www.Saiia.com for additional information on this outstanding company.

Well over 200 folks attended 3 biofuels workshops last week (July 15, 16,and 17th) to hear experts in their respective fields give an overview of how biofuels can move Alabama forward. The power point presentations are available for your review here. If, after review, you have a question on any area please contact Mark Bentley, Executive Director, Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition at mark@alabamacleanfuels.org.

Download Workshop Presentations & Pictures

On June 19, the ASTM International D02 Main Committee approved a trio of long-awaited ASTM specifications for biodiesel:

• A new specification for blends of between 6 percent biodiesel (B6) to 20 percent biodiesel (B20) for on and off-road diesel.
• Finished specifications to include up to 5% biodiesel (B5) in the conventional petrodiesel specification (ASTM D 975)
• Changes to the existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification (ASTM D 6751)

The new ASTM specifications for B6 - B20 blends will aid engine manufacturers in their engine design and testing processes to optimize the performance of vehicles running on biodiesel.

"The new ASTM spec for B6 - B20 is a major building block in GM's efforts to elevate biodiesel as part of our overall energy diversity strategy," said John Gaydash, Director of Marketing for General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations. "We are eager to work with the National Biodiesel Board on efforts to continue to ensure biodiesel fuel quality, as well as to increase our support for biodiesel use in our diesel vehicle lineup."

The main change to the existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification was updating cold soak filtration testing to ensure the cloud point is still an accurate indicator of low temperature performance. Automakers and engine manufacturers have been requesting a finished blend specification for B20 biodiesel blends for several years, with some citing the need for that spec as the single greatest hurdle preventing their full-scale acceptance of B20 use in their diesel vehicles.

Read entire Press Release here.

Five two-hour workshops were held across the state the week of June 23rd to inform school systems and other interested individuals in how schools can take advantage of the many benefits of soy biodiesel.

Get details and download information here.

Considerations when preparing a RFP for storage tank cleaning. Click here.

See details and application here.

A small team of engineers and technicians are assembling a demonstration plant that, as early as this month, will start turning wood scraps into ethanol.

Read Entire Article

Good news! The EPA has approved conversion of specific vehicles to E85 (Flexible Fuel Ethanol/Gasoline).

On May 14, 2008, the EPA issued a Certificate of Conformity to Flex Fuel U.S., LLC for the conversion of specific 2006 model year Chrysler and Dodge vehicles to operate on E85.

The certificate allows the conversion of up to 100 vehicles that are a part of the model year 2006 Chrysler test group #6CRXV05.7VE0. Models included in this test group are the 2006 Dodge Magnum, Magnum AWD, and Charger with certain 5.7L engines as well as the 2006 Chrysler 300/SRT-8 and 300 AWD with the same 5.7L engine. (Note: This certificate does not cover vehicles that operate in California and may not cover vehicles in other states that have adopted and placed into effect California emissions standards).

For more information, go to http://flexfuelus.com, which is also now linked from What's New and the AFDC Related Links database.

As gasoline and diesel prices continue to rise, many people are considering converting their car or light truck to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

CNG is a clean, inexpensive (currently selling for less than half the cost of gasoline) domestic fuel. Best of all, it uses zero imported (or domestic) petroleum. And government rebates are available to help with the cost of conversion and to further lower the cost of CNG fuel.

But conversion from gasoline to CNG should not be done by unqualified technicians, using unapproved conversion kits or unsafe high-pressure gas cylinders.

For additional information about converting to a clean and inexpensive domestic fuel click here:

http://www.ngvamerica.org/pdfs/FAQs_Converting_to_NGVs.pdf

Birmingham, AL - E85 ethanol sold for 85 cents for 85 minutes, Wednesday, May 14th, at the Dogwood Shell Station in Vestavia Hills. Over 100 cars lined up and were filled up with the cleaner burning E85 ethanol at this, the first biofuels station located on the I-65 Clean Corridor in Alabama! This was the "second phase" of marketing for this Clean Corridor station...the first being the Grand Opening on March 10th. General Motors, the largest producer of Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV's), sponsored this special event featuring E85.

Download the full press release here (PDF).

Do you Think this Got Attention?	Just Some of the Vehicles Lined Up
	Busy Two sided E85 Pump
	Vehicles Lined up for 85 cent E85

Please welcome White Energy as a Silver Level member of ACFC. White Energy believes that, ethanol is more than simply a source of renewable energy. It is the catalyst which will generate entirely new markets, create jobs, re-energize existing industries, create growth in the investment sector, protect our country by allowing us to reduce our reliance on foreign oil, and help fuel our future. White Energy is moving clean energy solutions in the right direction. Please visit their website at www.white-energy.com.

Alabama soybean farmers are hoping a program started by the Pike County School System will spread to others around the state and help regenerate interest in growing soybeans. The Pike County Board of Education is the only school system in Alabama that runs biodiesel in all of its buses.

View Entire Article

March 10, 2008. The first E85 ethanol and B20 biodiesel biofuels station on I-65 in Alabama opened today in Vestavia Hills (Birmingham) at the Dogwood Shell station on Montgomery highway. Download the press release and all pertinent details here (Zip File).

Bill Johnson (ADECA) at Dogwood Shell	Mac McPherson at Dogwood Shell
Dogwood Shell Grand Opening	McPherson Team with Congressman Bachus
Congressman Bachus	Mark Bentley, Glen Zorn, and Phillip Wiedmeyer
Dogwood Shell BioDiesel and E85 Pump	Dogwood Shell BioDiesel and E85 Sign
Shell Biofuel Sign

Free vehicle emissions testing has begun at Express Oil Change & Service Center locations throughout the Birmingham area. View the full article here.

Download Case Study Here (PDF 1.4MB).

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs - Energy Weatherization and Technology Division (ADECA-EWT) and the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC) have been awarded a grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to create clean biofuels corridors along Corridor X and Corridor V in Appalachian Alabama. Up to 30 retail outlets for biodiesel will be established along the corridors and an aggressive marketing campaign will be employed to build the biofuels market in the Appalachian region of the state.

Visit the Alabama Clean Corridors website for more information.

The Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development(OED) is the clearing house for all info on the I-65 Clean Corridor project. For updated information on the I-65 project please see their website http://www.in.gov/energy/pumpmap/I-65%20project.html in addition to ours.

Today Governor Riley announced the first round of Grants on the I-65 Clean Corridor. The announcement took place at 11:30 at the Dogwood Shell Station in Vestavia Hills (1488 Montgomery Highway). Other Clean Corridor biofuel station locations announced today by the Governor will serve the Mobile, Athens and Cullman markets along I-65.

At the annual meeting on September 24th the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition elected a new Board of Directors to serve the organization for the next 12 months. View the complete Board listing here.

AUBURN - Auburn University's orange and blue Tiger Transit buses are now green.

The transit fleet of more than 40 vehicles has made the switch from using regular diesel fuel to biodiesel, a cleaner burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. AU is the first university in the state to make the switch.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC) applied for and received a Department of Energy (DOE) grant to install the infrastructure for six retail E-85 Ethanol and five B20 Biodiesel pumps at retail stations along I-65 as part of this multi state program.

We will host workshops (week of September 10th, 2007) and events to recruit retailers in the chosen areas that would like to add E85 or B20 (or both) pumps.

Click Here for more info

Please welcome Allied Renewable Energy (www.alliedrenewableenergy.com) as a Platinum Partner in ACFC. Allied takes pride in their team's experience, knowledge and ability to design, engineer, develop, build, operate, produce, test, analyze, market and distribute excellent biodiesel from their refineries.

MONTGOMERY - June 12th. State Motor Pool opens new E-85 refueling facility. See story here.

   

BIRMINGHAM - May 9th. Today, the City of Birmingham joins the State of Alabama in moving to more environmentally friendly fuels. We applaud the leadership that Mayor Kincaid and the City of Birmingham is providing in their move to B20 biodiesel for the 600 diesel vehicles in their fleet. Read more.


http://www.informationbirmingham.com/pressrele/photos050707.jsp