The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition held a workshop at Lawson State Community College’s Bessemer Campus to give early adopters of propane-powered vehicles an opportunity to share their experiences.
The attendees provided facts and figures on how converting from gasoline and diesel to cleaner propane saves money and is ultimately better for the environment. There are propane-powered school buses, delivery and service vans and other commercial vehicles.
“We had a great turnout and our speakers and panelists provided a lot of important and actionable information to fleet managers, government officials and members of the public who have an interest in saving money while also helping decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil,” said ACFC Executive Director Mark Bentley. “People like Greg Zilberfarb of the Propane Education and Research Council, Casey Foster from Birmingham City Schools, Russell Lawrence from Tuscaloosa Transit Authority and Andy Farquhar from the Alabama Department of Corrections have years of experience in using propane-powered vehicles and we were thrilled to have them share their experiences here today.”
Propane is typically less expensive than gasoline and diesel at the fuel pump. Vehicle maintenance costs are also significantly lower, according to the ACFC. Propane burns cleaner than gas or diesel, the ACFC said.
Kathy Hornsby of the Energy Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs said at the workshop that the $25.5 million Volkswagen settlement for Alabama may positively impact propane vehicle expansion in the state.
“I think it is great that they are doing the event and giving more exposure to propane,” Foster said. “It is great cost savings for the school systems and also it is clean energy, so it is great for the community.”
More information on Propane Autogas and other alternative fuels can be found at www.alabamacleanfuels.org.
