Louisiana Clean Fuels transformed the Capitol Park Welcome Center in downtown Baton Rouge today into an exposition of alternatively fueled vehicles.
A natural gas-powered garbage truck, a propane-powered school bus and several electric and natural gas-powered cars surrounded the building. Inside the welcome center, local vehicle fleet managers, alternative fuels experts and sponsors of LCF, an affiliate of the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, gathered for the annual Louisiana Alternative Fuels Conference and Expo to discuss the transition away from gasoline and diesel fueled fleets.
“Right now the supply is exceeding the demand of compressed natural gas fuels,” said Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne. “I hope to see more vehicles moving that way. We are obviously a state dependent on the oil and gas industry, but there is no reason why we ought not also be leaders in the clean fuel area as well.”
Dardenne addressed the group of about 45 along with speakers from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Revenue, Builder’s Supply concrete supplier and other business leaders. The group discussed methods of expanding the numbers of transport vehicles running on natural gas or propane. The conference was scheduled to be held in LSU’s Energy, Coast and Environment building but was moved to accommodate parking for tonight’s Taylor Swift concert.
Keynote speaker Matt Krasney, director of alternative energy for Penske Truck Leasing, said the Pennsylvania-based firm hopes to continue growing its fleet of 550 CNG-fueled vehicles despite current low gas prices, which dissuades some potential converts to alternative fuel.
Krasney said about half of Penske clients who lease trucks want to increase their use of alternative fuels.
Republic Services Inc. Vice President of Fleet Steve Saltzgiver said the Arizona-based company’s customers also prefer the natural gas trucks because they are 10 times quieter than diesel fueled trucks. Republic Services, a leading national provider of solid waste collection and recycling services, has 2,200 of its 29,000 road vehicles fueled by CNG.
“Why use CNG?” Saltzgiver said. “Because it’s the right thing to do, it’s cleaner, it’s emissions are lower. Natural gas is one of the most abundant North American resources. It’s cheaper, and it’s quieter. We have customers that are now putting in their contracts—they want this.”
Other speakers—including Jarrod Coniglio, deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue; and Lyle Jenson, CEO of American Power Group—also explained to vehicle fleet managers how to obtain proper registration for alternative vehicles and how to convert diesel engines into more efficient CNG-burning dual engines.
—Deanna Narveson
