Alternative Fuel Workshop in Seattle to Train Fleet Managers on Sustainability

As fuel prices rise and emission reduction standards increase, a variety of options for on-road light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks are available to meet government requirements and marketplace demands. Trucks fueled by propane autogas are one such alternative, proven to exceed performance expectations and environmental standards.

Want to learn more? Live in the Seattle area? Well, the latest alternative fuel workshop for fleet managers hosted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and the other members of the Alternative Fuels Trade Alliance will take place January 20 in Seattle. The free workshop will be held in the Summit Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Seattle-Seatac International Airport, 17338 International Blvd. This will be No. 12 in a nationwide series of 14 training seminars in 2010 and 2011, made possible by a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Energy Department. The workshops address alternative fuel quality, infrastructure, available vehicles, safety, the latest technologies and the environmental impact of propane autogas, ethanol, biodiesel and compressed natural gas.

“This is the year to go green for American fleet managers. By bringing together four alternative fuel industries, we can train fleet managers on available options and how alternative fuels can meet their needs,” says Brian Feehan, vice president of PERC. “We all benefit when we have a cleaner environment and less dependence on imported oil.”

At the conclusion of the workshop, fleet managers will have the opportunity to get inside vehicles that run on propane autogas and other alternative fuels. The Alternative Fuels Trade Alliance comprises PERC, the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Biodiesel Foundation and the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation.

Each full-day collaborative workshop involves a site in the Energy Department’s Clean Cities program, which uses local coalitions to promote training on alternative fuels such as propane autogas. The Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition will host the January 20 workshop. Remaining workshop sites for 2011 are Orlando, Fla., and Kansas City, Mo.

Vehicles fueled by propane autogas, the most widely used alternative fuel, emit up to 12 percent less carbon dioxide, about 20 percent less nitrogen oxide and up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles.

To register for the Seattle workshop or another upcoming workshop, or to view an archived webcast, visit www.altfuelsalliance.org. For more information on PERC and its propane autogas programs, visit www.autogasusa.org.