Written on: May 13, 2016 by ICM
(Morristown, NJ) – AMERIgreen Energy, in conjunction with Clean Cities of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, hosted “The Fleet Footprint Event: Emissions Requirements and the New Energy Landscape” in Morristown, NJ. The event presented an honest assessment of all transportation fuels/energy so fuel dealers and their fleet customers can use the information to make smart, cost-effective decisions in order to support new emissions goals.
With so much uncertainty facing the energy industry, change is the only constant. The event represented all alternative fuel technologies taking root in the diesel space.
Attendees learned from and interacted with industry experts and experienced fleet managers. They presented options and content to incorporate existing equipment to navigate the changes and avoid unexpected costs as they adapt in the face of impending emissions mandates. Plans are being made to extend the program reach to educating additional fleets in the region.
“We hope the event represents a launching point for dealers to continue to grow their relationship with their local market becoming a resource for their customers as they work to comply with emerging emissions standards. The requirements are coming. Positioning dealers as a local resource and engaging with fleets is the best way to remain ahead of the changes to successfully guide customers through the experience with new equipment and energy. This guidance is key to preserving the composition of local commercial relationships,” said Steve McCracken, AMERIgreen CEO of Energy Services.
The day started with an Alternative Fuels Overview from the Clean Cities Directors of New Jersey and Pennsylvania with an overview of their nationally and state-specific programs, as well as alternative fuels options available for fleets to reduce dependency on foreign oil and lower emissions. Steve Howell, NBB Senior Technical Advisor, presented a technical overview of biodiesel. He included a chemical breakdown of the fuel, the history of the ASTM quality specs, importance of food AND fuel, and which major vehicle manufacturers have approved their equipment for 20% blends of biodiesel (or B20).
“When you grow a crop of soybeans that soybean is 80% high protein meal, which feeds humans and animals…and it is 20% oil. That oil was an excess commodity,” said Steve Howell. As more of this protein is grown throughout the world, the oil will always come as a result. Steve also said, “The more fuel we make, the cheaper food gets.” This is different than other fuel types such as ethanol and some of the other alternative fuels. Soybeans are not grown specifically for biodiesel – it comes as a result of growing it for feeding animals and humans.
The program also included two panel discussions from fleet users and managers. First, biodiesel industry leaders presented their experiences in using biodiesel within their own businesses. The audience learned about the benefits and challenges they dealt with when introducing biodiesel to their fleets. Rob Griscom, VP of Operations at Ross Enterprises mantra is “You have to try it. See it for yourself,” when talking to his customers about using biodiesel. He’s such a fan of biodiesel that he uses it for his personal and company vehicles after doing rigorous testing.
The second panel, propane autogas, CNG and electric vehicle representatives shared their experiences integrating alternative fuels into their own businesses and helping others make the transition. Valuable first-hand lessons were shared to benefit attendees as they consider alternative fuel options.
The event concluded with an Alternative Energy Vehicles Expo. On display were a biodiesel-powered school bus, biodiesel Jeep, propane autogas bi-fuel truck, and electric cars. Attendees could kick the tires, talk with vehicle owners, and see first-hand the alternative energy technologies currently available.
See the full event recap and presentations here.
Biodiesel Panel (L to R): Rob Griscom, Ross Enterprises; Joe Biluck, Medford Township; Rick Bologna, Westmore Fuels
