In this issue:

• UK Launches Car Sharing Service
• Multi County Switchgrass Project  Awarded Grant
• US Airlines, Military Join Forces on Biofuel Development
• Other Events

UK Launches Car Sharing Service

Don’t have a car? Use ours! UK Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) has teamed up with Connect by Hertz car sharing company to offer car sharing to the campus community. This low-cost, short-term car rental option offers an hourly rate for use of a car. Unlike traditional car rental services, the minimum age allowed to use the car sharing program is 18 with a valid driver's license and a good driving record. Rates start at $8 an hour and include 180 miles per day. Gas, maintenance and insurance are included in the cost.

The basic membership includes a $25 application fee and a $50 annual membership fee, but both fees will be waived for the first year for people who enroll before May 15. Other promotional discounts are possible at special times of the year. Although the membership will be free for the first year, the application process includes providing credit or debit card information; any future car rental will be charged to that card.

Six UK Car Sharing cars are available on campus in these locations: Administration Drive near the Student Center (one car); Martin Luther King E lot (two cars); Kentucky Clinic (one car); and Woodland and Hilltop (two cars). The cars have permanent spaces reserved for them and are identified by special signs.

The cars used in the program are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay certified green vehicles, which means they are superior environmental performers relative to other vehicles. SmartWay certification means a car has scored a 6 or above on the EPA's air pollution and greenhouse gas scales of 1-10.

The cars, which can be unlocked with a membership card, include all the regular amenities as well as a GPS, an in-car communication system with the Member Care Center, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a fuel card. Members can reserve vehicles via phone or Internet.

The application for membership is online. A valid driver's license, a valid credit or debit card, and proof of address are needed to enroll. Driving records also will be evaluated to determine qualification for membership. Membership cards will be mailed to members within a week to 10 days of successful application.

Car sharing is a great option for those who don’t have cars on campus, those who regularly use alternative transportation, and those who want to avoid wear and tear on their vehicle.

US airlines, military join forces on biofuel development

US Air Transport Assn. and the Defense Logistics Agency's Defense Energy Support Center last week signed a strategic alliance agreement designed to spur the development and deployment of alternative aviation fuels.

"We have a level of commitment that's truly unparalleled," ATA CEO James May said of the partnership, which will "commence immediately." The alliance will form three teams--environment, deployment/logistics and contracting/finance--composed of ATA and DESC representatives. "Collaborating with the US military through DESC, the US airline industry reinforces its commitment" to deliver alternative aviation fuel, May told reporters Friday in Washington. The airline industry and the US Dept. of Defense collectively require more than 1.5 million barrels of jet fuel per day.

DESC Commander Rear Adm. Kurt Kunkel called the alliance "a significant step forward" in the alternative fuels initiative, adding that a new class of biojet fuel, hydrotreated renewable jet, is expected to be approved in the second half of 2010. The Fischer-Tropsch production process was approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials last June (ATW's Eco-Aviation Today, July 10, 2009).

"Development of alternative fuels. . .is still in the initial stages, but actions such as this alliance will make those potential solutions a reality as we work together and leverage our capabilities," Kunkel said.

The three teams are scheduled to participate in a special aviation session at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference April 27-29 in Washington and will hold an industry forum at the 2010 DESC Worldwide Energy Conference May 10-12 in suburban Maryland, where they will meet with alternative fuel suppliers.

Though there currently are no projections for what the alliance will achieve in the coming year, May called the initiative "truly extraordinary," adding that "five years ago we never would've thought we'd have made this much progress already. . .think it's phenomenal progress."

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KCFC Good Business News is a newsletter for KCFC members and interested parties.
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