LP Gas, October 2018
PROPANE AUTOGAS Continued from page 37 The certification actually covers all of the companys 68 liter V10 3V propane engines for Class 4 7 vehicles from commercial automobiles to school buses Consequently propane can remain on par with electric as school shuttle and transit buses along with Class 4 7 medium duty trucks will be competitive as they seek funding from the settlement due to their ultra low NOx engines When we try to stay relevant in the energy discussion we can say we have ultra low NOx certification Mouw says In a dollar for dollar comparison propane school buses with low NOx engines are the most cost effective methods for using settlement funding POWERED BY PROPANE POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER IN MISSOURI As a result of the VW settlement Missouri is expected to receive 41 million in funds 12 million will be spent on school buses 4 million will be expended on transit and shuttle buses and 3 million will be used for Diesel Emissions Reduction Act DERA matching funds In all 46 percent of the states total settlement funds will be available for autogas fleets according to Steve Ahrens the president and CEO of the Missouri Propane Gas Association At the same time the Missouri Propane Education Research Council has presented a substantial proposal to fund up to 1 million in propane buses a total of 50 rebates each valued at 2000 for 10 years leading Ahrens to believe that propane has the best chance ever to increase market share among school buses and other fleets He continues Weve been working to connect school districts bus companies and marketers so that theyre aware of the advantages of propane as a replacement for diesel buses As a result of Missouri autogas stakeholders input we were able to lift the limit on replacement buses from two in the original plan to upwards of 10 alternative fuel buses propane CNG or electric under the adopted plan Due to propanes flexibility and lower costs Ahrens thinks it is more easily deployed than other alternative fuels As long as there is a sufficient baseload demand he stresses that propane could be a game changer in Missouri This is a big opportunity a 10 year funding opportunity he adds We have a long journey ahead of us Mouw agrees with Ahrens sentiment that the funding is a big opportunity The propane industry should focus on the positives of the settlement and in turn adapt and evolve as a market Mouw stresses I dont know when well have another opportunity like this Mouw says Think outside of the box and hop on board now 38 LPGas October 2018 LPGasmagazine com
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