Levels of ozone pollution drop, spurring new classification for Northern Virginia

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday April 15th that Metropolitan Washington, D.C., which includes numerous jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, has formally attained the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. The announcement included Virginia’s plan for maintaining compliance with the standard. Approval represents an important milestone for Virginia and recognition that air quality throughout the commonwealth meets the federal health-based standard.

This redesignation achievement is the result of ...

April 8th, 2019 – Swannanoa, NC – Attendees of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Southeastern Convention, April 13th – 15th in Atlanta, GA, can visit booth #122 in the Autogas Pavilion to experience a wide variety of products that Alliance AutoGas has to offer propane industry fleets interested in converting their vehicles to use their own fuel.

There will be two autogas vehicles in the booth: a 2019 Ford F150 and a 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500. ...

U.S. Department of Energy has released some funding.  Virginia Clean Cities at JMU is preparing proposals for letter of interest submission at the end of the month and I would like to discuss this with you if you have interest in any of these areas:

These opportunities are for several areas:

1. Alternative Fuel Proof of Concept in New Communities
2. Innovative Alternative Fuel or Efficiency Approaches
3. Electric Vehicle Data Collection
4. Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Infrastructure for Resiliency and Emergency Preparedness

If you have ideas – send them ...

Virginia Clean Cites Stakeholders met in Richmond on April 4th for the 4th annual Rally event.  The event began with afternoon vehicle demonstrations in front of Main Street Station showcasing a range of technologies from electric task oriented vehicles, a 100% biodiesel truck, to propane School buses and SUVs and natural gas recycling truck as well as a selection of electric passenger vehicles including Nissan showcasing their updated new manufacturer discount of $3500 for the Nissan Leaf and smaller discount ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes announced up to $59 million for new and innovative advanced vehicle technologies research.  Funded through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, this funding opportunity seeks projects to address priorities in advanced batteries and electric drive systems, energy efficient mobility systems, materials for more efficient powertrains, co-optimized advanced engine and fuel technologies, and alternative fuels and new mobility options.

“Every day, American consumers and businesses rely ...

As the future of the transportation industry continues to evolve, one thing remains the same – work still needs to get done, and multiple studies show that fleets across the country are increasingly relying on the power and performance of biodiesel to get the job done in their existing and new diesel vehicles. For the third time in four years, surveyed fleets named biodiesel as their top alternative fuel choice both for current use and future interest.

Each year, NTEA ...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the opportunity for eligible applicants to apply for up to $85 million in competitive grant funds through FTA’s Low or No Emission (Low-No) Bus Program. The Low-No Program helps project sponsors purchase or lease low or no emission vehicles that use advanced technologies for transit revenue operations, including related equipment or facilities.

“U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao and the U.S. Department of Transportation are committed to improving ...

VCC Statement:  “The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) is a critical tool for Virginians who live where emissions from heavily polluting diesel engines are concentrated we must continue progress.” Said Alleyn Harned, Director of Virginia Clean Cities.  “This bipartisan program has serious positive impact on our air and our future and sets a stage to also replace old diesel vehicles with new clean technologies.”

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Statement from Virginia Clean Cities: “Virginia Clean Cities and many of our stakeholders appreciate the Governor’s veto of HB2269” Said Alleyn Harned, Executive Director at Virginia Clean Cities “Virginia has a great opportunity to reduce pollution and improve our economy by collaborating with regional programs”

Press release from the Governor is below:

RICHMOND March 14 —Governor Northam today vetoed House Bill 2269, which would prohibit the Commonwealth from entering into a regional program to reduce carbon dioxide air pollution from vehicles and ...