tc4 summary2015
TRANSCRIPT
Domestic Fuel Alternatives
Energy
Conservation
Reduced Dependence on Imported Oil
Reduced Emissions
Biodiesel
Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition (TC4)
FlexFuel Blends
Biodiesel is a homegrown, renewable fuel that reduces particulate
matter and ozone forming emissions. It is recognized by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency as an “Advanced” biofuel because it
reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50% or more. Biodiesel also
provides more than 5,000 jobs in Minnesota according to the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
In 2014, Minnesota led the nation with a first-of-its-kind 10% biodiesel
requirement in virtually all of the state’s diesel fuel sold during the
warm weather months. In addition, several retailers make even higher
biodiesel blends available and fleets like Metro Transit and City of
Minneapolis use higher biodiesel blends in their diesel vehicles.
TC4 serves on the state’s Biodiesel Task Force and is helping the
transition to higher biodiesel blends with events such as the B Ready
for B10 workshops series. TC4 also educates the next generation of
drivers via the Biodiesel Essay Contest Scholarship.
Minnesota is a long time leader in FlexFuels. In 2014 an estimated
16 million gallons of E85 were sold while the state’s ethanol
industry produced over 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol and added
over $2.5 billion to the state’s GDP.
By using FlexFuel blends drivers are able to reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide
emissions, ozone forming pollutants, and other air toxins. In 2014 Minnesota’s
FlexFuel use prevented an estimated 50,000 tons of lifecycle carbon dioxide
emissions.
Finding FlexFuel blends in Minnesota is easy for the 400,000 flex fuel vehicles
driving Minnesota roads. More than 280 stations currently sell E85 and 20 or
more new locations are expected to open in 2015. Along with E85, more than
75 stations sell blends like E20, E30, or E50.
The Minnesota E85 Team partners have invested more than $17 million to
create the nation’s largest FlexFuel fueling network.
Propane Autogas
Electric Vehicles
Natural Gas
With approximately 200 public charging stations and 9 DC fast chargers
Minnesota has a larger electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure than any
neighboring state. This expansive infrastructure is thanks to the great
network of organizations pushing for electric vehicles.
TC4 is working with stakeholders like the National Park Service to
install 12 charging stations along the Mississippi River Corridor. Other
stakeholders include the Minnesota Plug-in Electric Vehicle Owners
Circle, a grassroots organization that helps new EV owners adjust to
EVs and provides testimonials for potential EV owners.
Drive Electric Minnesota and TC4 hold events and workshops such as
first responder trainings and auto dealership staff education.
Compared with gasoline vehicles, propane vehicles produce
significantly lower carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon,
particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions. In Minnesota there are
more than 30 propane autogas stations throughout the state.
School and shuttle bus fleets are great candidates for propane. Eastern
Carver County School district continues to grow its propane bus fleet along
with Saint Paul, Red Wing, and Orono. *Look for the GREEN Blue Bird logo*.
Minnesota based Schwan’s also uses propane autogas in their fleet to keep
costs and emissions low.
TC4 is helping bring cleaner burning propane autogas to Minnesota by
connecting fleets with technical assistance and grant funding.
Natural gas vehicles can produce significantly lower amounts of toxic
and carcinogenic pollutants compared to conventional gasoline and diesel.
About 90% of natural gas is produced domestically, which helps lessen
Minnesota’s dependence on imported oil.
Minnesota now has 20+ natural gas refueling sites and a mix of heavy and light
duty CNG vehicles are available for a variety of uses. Some CNG vehicles are
even produced in Minnesota and TC4 stakeholder 3M produces a lightweight
CNG fuel tank.
TC4 helps advance natural gas as a vehicle fuel via coordination of the
Minnesota Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition and by providing workshops and
presentations for fleets, first responders and decision makers.