In this issue:

• EPA Grants Approval for Rouse Propane-Fueled Vans
• RFPs for Natural Gas Vehicle Projects
• KCFC Gets Summer Intern
• Meetings

EPA Grants Approval for Roush Propane-Fueled
E-150 / E-250 / E-350

ROUSH® Performance received positive news from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that their 2010 E-150, E-250, and E-350 propane fuel conversion system has met the Federal emission regulatory requirements as established by the government agency. 

This means that the 2010 ROUSH E-150, E-250, and E-350 LPI system conforms to the Federal emissions standards in place for the control of air pollution from New Motor Vehicles. These ROUSH vehicles are now certified to be sold anywhere in the country, with the exception of California and those states which have adopted the California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification standards. CARB certification is currently pending, as is EPA approval for other additional model year vans. Production and shipment of conversion systems and of ROUSH-built vehicles can commence immediately.

The EPA certification covers the 2010 model year Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 cargo vans, wagons, and certain cutaway configurations with a GVWR of up to 10,000 pounds (the Heavy Duty Vehicle 1 classification), utilizing the Ford 5.4L, 2V V-8 engine. Vehicles can be ordered with the conversion performed at the ROUSH vehicle assembly facility in Livonia, Mich., or a conversion system can be ordered and installed by a qualified up fitter on an existing vehicle meeting the appropriate configuration standards.

The purchase of propane-powered vehicles is eligible for a variety of federal, state, and municipal tax credits or rebates. The Qualified Alternative Fuel Motor Vehicle (QAFMV) federal tax credit is available to be applied toward the purchase of vehicles that have been repowered to operate on an alternative fuel. The ROUSH propane powered E-150, E-250, and E-350 is unique as it was calibrated and certified to stricter emissions standards than the EPA mandated for vehicles of its class. That means the QAFMV tax credit can cover 80 percent of the incremental cost to convert certain models, up to an $8,000 cap for qualified buyers.

As an alternative fuel, propane offers a variety of advantages. It is available “right here, right now” with a national infrastructure already in place. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline. It is already the third most widely used fuel worldwide, following gasoline and diesel. Propane also plays a strong role in lowering our national dependence on foreign oil, as 90 percent of the propane used today comes from domestic sources of production.

Complete details on the ROUSH propane offerings can be found online at www.SwitchToPropane.com or by calling 800-59-ROUSH.

RFPs for Natural Gas Engine Projects

NREL has issued a Request for Proposals No. RCI-0-40455 for a program entitled, “Natural Gas Engine and Vehicles Research, Development and Demonstration (NG RD&D) Program”.  RFP documents may be accessed and downloaded from the following website:

http://www.nrel.gov/business_opportunities/solicitations_rfps.html

Proposals are due May 5, 2010.

Please direct all questions to my attention at Kathee.Roque@nrel.gov.  Be sure to include “RCI-0-40455” in the subject line of all email correspondence pertaining to this effort. You may also contact Melissa Howell at kycleanfuels@insightbb.com.

KCFC to Get Summer Intern

The KCFC has been awarded funding from Argonne National Laboratories to employ an intern for the Summer beginning in late May.  ANL chose 25 U.S.

Department of Energy Clean Cities programs around the country for intern placement.  Each CC Coordinator awarded can utilize the services of interns from University MBA programs.

We will utilize an intern for data base gathering. He/She will establish a strong data base for our outreach and education initiatives.  If you get a call from someone stating they are the KCFC Summer Intern, we would appreciate your help!

MEETINGS CALENDAR

KCFC Good Business News is a newsletter for KCFC members and interested parties.
 If you have a news item you would like to share, please send it to kycleanfuels@insightbb.com.

For more clean fuel news and resources, visit www.kentuckycleanfuels.org.