First Responder Safety Training

U.S. spent $42.0 billion on foreign oil in July

August 23, 2011. In his monthly update on the level of foreign oil imports in the U.S., energy expert T. Boone Pickens said that based on the latest figures from the Energy Information Administration, the U.S. imported 60 percent of its oil, or 359 million barrels in July 2011, sending approximately $42.0 billion, or $941,080.51 per minute, to foreign countries, including OPEC nations that ultimately threaten U.S. national security.

In issuing the report, Pickens praised Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, and Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight, for calling a joint hearing on the intersection of energy policy and tax policy. Scheduled for September, the hearing will specifically consider the NAT GAS Act (H.R. 1380) and the dual priorities of comprehensive tax reform and a sustainable energy policy.

The NAT GAS Act encourages the use of domestic natural gas to fuel heavy-duty vehicles, simultaneously improving our national security and strengthening our economy. The legislation currently has 183 bipartisan co-sponsors from across the country and since May the total number of co-sponsors has increased. Co-sponsors include Tea Party members from the Republican Study Committee; the Black Caucus; and, the Blue Dog Coalition. Additionally, President Barack Obama has declared his support for using natural gas to wean America off OPEC oil and secure our energy future.

Commenting on the July oil numbers, Pickens offered the following statement:

“Chairman Tiberi and Chairman Boustany deserve immense praise for holding this hearing and for considering this legislation, which is a concrete step towards ending these challenging economic times for America by creating jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and improving our national security,” said Pickens. “The NAT GAS Act represents an immediate and achievable opportunity to get Americans back to work. In a time when unemployment continues to hover above nine percent, this bill would create 500,000 new American jobs.”

“Domestic natural gas is cheaper, cleaner, more abundant and can be used right now. The NAT GAS Act will help our economy and provide opportunities for Americans. Not only is this bill going to create jobs in the near term, it is going to save the country money.”

“When you spend nearly $1 million a minute on foreign oil, it is no wonder why we have a fiscal crisis. Continuing to rely on OPEC instead of using domestic natural gas is wrong.”

“I urge Congress to continue to press forward, work together in a bipartisan way and help us take control of our future by passing the NAT GAS Act.”

CEC Alt Fuel Website Available

Recently, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has unveiled Drive, a new website providing information about the State's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program.

"This landmark economic development program provides as much as $100 million annually in competitive grants and financial incentives to develop alternatives to fossil fuels," said Energy Commission Vice Chair James Boyd. "It leverages federal and private investment to create jobs here in California. Drive clearly lays out the many funding opportunities and serves as a clearinghouse of information from such varied sources as state and federal government agencies, utilities, and vehicle manufacturers."

The Drive website details a wide range of transportation projects -- from producing renewable fuels, to installing new fueling and charging stations for electric cars and other alternative fuel vehicles, to training the workforce that supports the ever-evolving transportation industry. "Drive" is located on the California Energy Commission's website at www.energy.ca.gov/drive

Production Of ADA Compliant CNG Vehicle To Begin

"The Vehicle Production Group LLC announced the start of production for the 'First Mobility Vehicle,' MV-1, the first and only factory-built and assembled vehicle which meets or exceeds the vehicle guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act." You can get the vehicle with either a gasoline or CNG powertrain. Delivery to customers will begin before the end of September 2011. The vehicle will be assembled in Indiana. "The MV-1 features a 56-inch high by 36-inch wide side door opening for easy wheelchair or motorized scooter entry and exit via a wide deployable ramp with a 1200 pound capacity." The CNG system will have an estimated range of 290 miles.

More info here.

Technology Transition Corporation

Technology Transition Corporation "provides advocacy and consulting services to the renewable and clean energy industries." Their website hosts four webinars currently:

• Local Leaders Create Fuel Cell Success Stories: Spotlight on Leading Local Companies "Learn how companies like Coke, FedEx, Bridgestone and Sierra Nevada are using this technology, and how state and regional elected officials, permitting officials and other local leaders were involved."
• The Top 5 Fuel Cell States: Why Local Policies Mean Green Growth "Learn what initiatives the top 5 states have in place, why this technology is a great choice for businesses, and what you can do to foster growth."
• Where the Jobs Are: Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in Your Area "Governors and legislatures can create and implement attractive policies, to facilitate fuel cell installations and entice foreign and U.S. companies to your area."
• Go Local: Maximizing Your Local Renewable Resources With Fuel Cells "Learn how municipalities are using digesters, solar, wind, and other local, renewable resources, in conjunction with fuel cells. Discover how to put these programs to work in your region."

National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium

"(NAFTC), a pioneer and national leader in developing, managing, and promoting programs and activities that desire to cure America’s addiction to oil, lead to energy independence, and encourage the greater use of cleaner transportation."

Fuel Cell System Sets World Record

A humble Oakland bus has been the vehicle for achieving this record.

UTC Power...today announced that one of its latest generation PureMotion® System Model 120 fuel cell powerplants for hybrid-electric transit buses has surpassed 10,000 operating hours in real-world service with its original cell stacks and no cell replacements. This powerplant is aboard an Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) bus operating in the Greater Oakland, Calif. area.

GreenRoad

GreenRoad teaches drivers how to save fuel and drive more safely.

GreenRoad was founded with a clear mission: to make each and every driver safer and more fuel efficient. Our founders, true pioneers in understanding driving behavior, took on the challenge of creating breakthrough technology and programs that inform and engage drivers—from the novice to the professional.

The result is the easiest, most effective program for reducing driving risk and saving fuel.

"Facts About Natural Gas"

Facts About Natural Gas is a website and a newsletter presented by Natural Gas Vehicle for America, which represents more than 100 companies.