WASHINGTON, D.C.—In celebration of National Battery Day on February 18th, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Daniel Simmons announced the opening of a Battery Recycling Center at Argonne National Laboratory. Aiming to reclaim and recycle critical materials (e.g., cobalt and lithium) from lithium-based battery technology, this recycling center focuses on cost-effective recycling processes to recover as much economic value as possible from spent lithium-ion batteries.

“Partnering with the private sector, National Laboratories, and universities, the Battery Recycling Prize ...

by Sam Spofforth

January 24, 2019

The iREV project is a series of resources designed to help you and your emergency management team learn about Alternative Fuel Vehicles and integrate them into emergency planning activities. Information includes:

Case studies examining how electric, natural gas, and propane vehicles have been used by communities during emergencies; an online tool to help you visualize where alternative fuel vehicles and stations are in your community; and opportunities for AFVs to be integrated in emergency operations plans and energy assurance plans.

iREV ...

By Todd Mouw, President Roush CleenTech

This past year, ROUSH CleanTech launched several new low-NOx innovations that further reduce harmful emissions. The company introduced an ultra-low NOx propane engine for Class 4-7 trucks in addition to its already low NOx offering. This 0.02 g/bhp-hr NOx engine is 90 percent cleaner than the current EPA’s most stringent heavy-duty engine standard. ...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified diesel exhaust from sources such as transit buses as a major factor in the urban air pollution that disproportionately affects low-income and disadvantaged communities. Electric buses have zero tailpipe emissions and provide clean air benefits to communities that have historically borne a greater burden of fossil fuel pollution.

MERIT, DRPT’s project-based prioritization process for statewide transit capital funding was recently approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB). This prioritization ...

Nissan North America has announced an increase rebate of $3,500 for the 2018 Nissan Leaf, the world’s best selling electric car. This $3,500 discount, combined with the $7,500 Federal tax credit can save $11,000 for Virginia residents.

The Nissan Leaf has features including:

A 151 mile range
Eco Mode which “limits the motor’s output and conserves energy”
B Mode which further engages regenerative breaking to charge the battery
And many more!
Right now is an excellent time to invest in alternative fuel ...

by Hope Katz Gibbs

In March, residents and visitors in Crozet will have the chance to ride around the Albemarle County town on an autonomous shuttle.

Called TONY (TO Navigate You), the shuttle service will provide six-seat electric vehicles capable of moving with little or no human input, says Paul Perrone, the man behind the machine.

Perrone, a University of Virginia alumnus (Graduate School of Engineering, ’95), founded Crozet-based Perrone Robotics in 2003. Since then, he has developed MAX, a patented autonomous engine ...

EPA anticipates awarding approximately  $40 million in competitive grant funding for the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The Program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas.

This program targets class 5-8 diesel vehicles. Eligible vehicle types include model years 1995-2010 and the following types:

a. Buses
b. Medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks
c. ...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2019, as well as biomass-based diesel for 2020.

The key elements of today’s action, following the EPA’s proposal in June, are as follows:

“Conventional” renewable fuel volumes, primarily met by corn ethanol, will be maintained at the implied 15 billion gallon target set by Congress for 2019;
Advanced ...

by Barry Carr

December 12, 2018