US ethanol exports set new record in 2018 at 1.7 billion gallons

Posted by & filed under National.

U.S. ethanol exports reached a record 1.7 billion gallons in 2018, according to data released by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service on March 6. When compared to 2017, ethanol exports increased by 23 percent. Exports of distillers grains also increased last year.

According to the data, the U.S. exported ethanol to more than 80 countries last year. Brazil, Canada and India were the top export destinations for U.S. ethanol, with volumes reaching 513.23 million gallons, 349.17 million gallons, and 156.82 million gallons, respectively.

The value of those ethanol exports reached $2.75 billion, up from $2.42 billion in 2017.

New DOE Funding Opportunity Targets Alt-Fuel Trucking Research

Posted by & filed under National.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced funding of up to $51.5 million for gaseous fuels research.

The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) targets the research of technologies for trucks, off-road vehicles and the fuels that power them. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the FOA addresses priorities in gaseous fuels research, including natural gas, biopower and hydrogen; heavy-duty freight electrification; hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cell technologies for heavy-duty applications; and energy-efficient off-road vehicles.

“As the fastest-growing fuel users, trucks offer an important opportunity to use innovation to improve energy productivity,” says Mark Menezes, under secretary of energy at the DOE. “Through research and new developments in both energy efficiency and domestically sourced fuel technologies, we can not only strengthen our energy security but also improve transportation affordability for our nation’s trucking industry – helping those who deliver American goods and those who use them.”

 

CARB Certifies Agility Nat-Gas System for Ford Medium-Duty Vehicles

Posted by & filed under National.

Agility Fuel Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hexagon Composites ASA, has received California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications for a natural gas fuel system for installation on Ford 6.8L V-10 gasoline engines with a gaseous engine prep package.

The Ford 6.8L engine with Agility’s natural gas fuel system is certified to meet CARB’s optional low-NOx emissions standards with NOx emissions at or below 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour.

In addition, Agility received CARB’s heavy-duty on-board diagnostics and greenhouse-gas emissions standards certification with full compliance.

Volvo’s First All-Electric Vehicle Will compete With Tesla’s Model 3

Posted by & filed under National.

Volvo now has its own Tesla competitor, the Polestar 2. The electric vehicle was unveiled Wednesday and will directly compete with Tesla’s Model 3.

Polestar is an electric car brand that was spun off from Volvo in 2017. The company announced late last year to make the Polestar 1, its plug-in hybrid sports car, available in the United States toward the end of 2019.

The base price for the Polestar 2 will be 40,000 euros, around $45,000, CNN reports. That puts it on par with the pricing for Tesla’s comparable Model 3.

The vehicle will have an expected range of 275 miles on a full battery, and owners’ phones will be able to work similarly to a key fob to unlock and start the vehicle. Polestar will also offer an optional “Pilot Package” for the vehicles that will include driving assistance features such as land assist and self-parking.

ROUSH CleanTech Develops First Available Propane Autogas Engine that is 90 Percent Cleaner than National Emissions Standard

Posted by & filed under National.

Alternative-fuel technology company, ROUSH CleanTech, has developed the first available propane autogas engine certified to California Air Resources Board’s optional low oxides of nitrogen emissions standard for heavy-duty engines with 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr). The engine is 90 percent cleaner than the current Environmental Protection Agency’s most stringent 0.2 g/bhp-hr heavy-duty engine standard.

“Last year, we introduced a propane autogas engine that was 75 percent cleaner than the EPA’s emissions standard. But, we knew our next challenge was to meet CARB’s lowest NOx standard at 0.02 g/bhp-hr,” said Todd Mouw, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “Our newest propane autogas engine reinforces ROUSH CleanTech’s commitment to provide vehicle solutions that reduce the impact to the environment while leveraging an abundant, domestically produced fuel that costs less than diesel.”

NOx emissions are regulated under federal air quality standards because they are known to be harmful to human health and to the environment, contributing to regional ozone attainment challenges, smog and other air-quality issues. Heavy-duty diesel trucks are the single largest source of NOx emissions, contributing to smog in a majority of the nation’s most populated urban regions. According to the EPA, operating vehicles with ultra-low emission engines can make significant improvements to regional air quality and reduce a wide variety of human health impacts.

Forty-One Models of Light-Duty Plug-In Electric Vehicles Were Available in Model Year 2018

Posted by & filed under National.

A total of 41 different light-duty plug-in electric vehicle models were available for purchase in model year (MY) 2018 – 27 of which were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and 14 of which were all-electric vehicles (EV). The first two mainstream plug-in electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, debuted in 2010. The total number of plug-in electric models has grown for every model year except for 2015, in which the number of PHEV and EV models changed, but the total available stayed constant. The model counts include only one record per model name, even if some models have multiple configurations (i.e., Tesla Model S has various battery sizes and drive configurations, but it was only counted as one model).

Hydrogen Stakeholders Team up to Advance Heavy-Duty Fueling

Posted by & filed under National.

Air Liquide, Hyundai, Nel, Nikola Motor, Shell and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop and test hydrogen fueling hardware for heavy-duty (HD) vehicles.

Under the MOU, the vehicle and infrastructure companies plan to test pre-commercial 70MPa hydrogen heavy-duty vehicle high-flow (H70HF) fueling hardware for future Class 8 (40-ton) trucks. The industry group has created specifications for the fueling nozzle, vehicle receptacle, dispenser hose and breakaway device components for the purpose of developing a request for proposals for suppliers.

The group is requesting notification of suppliers’ intent to participate in a pre-commercial development and test program designed specifically for this fueling hardware. The hardware samples will undergo performance tests in accordance with the appropriate SAE/ISO/CSA industry standards.

Argonne Launches Online Tool for Alt-Fuel Decision-Making

Posted by & filed under National.

Argonne National Laboratory’s AFLEET Tool (Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation) is now available in an online version.

Argonne – which is managed by UChicago Argonne LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science – says the resource is a free, publicly available, spreadsheet-based tool that calculates and compares the costs and environmental benefits of a broad range of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies. It also accommodates all vehicle types, from passenger cars and pickup trucks to buses and freight trucks.

Workplace Retaliation: How to Protect Your Rights After Exercising Legal Protections

Posted by & filed under news.

Workplace retaliation can be an unsettling experience for employees who have exercised their legal rights. Whether you’ve reported discrimination, taken medical leave, or fulfilled civic duties like jury service, the law protects you from facing negative consequences at work due to these actions. Unfortunately, some employers may still retaliate in subtle or overt ways. Understanding your rights and knowing how to protect them is essential if you’re dealing with potential retaliation.

What is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities. These actions can include demotions, pay cuts, changes in job responsibilities, or even termination. For example, if an employee faces a wrongful discharge after performing jury duty, this could constitute retaliation. Retaliation can be motivated by many reasons, including a supervisor’s desire to “punish” an employee for speaking up or to discourage others from doing the same.

Protected activities that may lead to retaliation include, but are not limited to:

  • Reporting discrimination or harassment
  • Filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a similar state agency
  • Taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Participating in an investigation of workplace misconduct
  • Requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability
  • Serving on a jury

Recognizing the Signs of Retaliation

Retaliation can be obvious, but it often presents itself subtly. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing workplace retaliation:

  1. Sudden Negative Performance Reviews: If you have a history of positive evaluations and suddenly receive poor reviews after engaging in a protected activity, this could be a sign of retaliation.
  2. Changes in Job Responsibilities: Retaliation may involve stripping away key responsibilities, reassigning tasks, or making your job more difficult, often in an attempt to make you feel unwelcome or unsuccessful.
  3. Unjustified Demotion or Termination: Losing your position or being demoted without cause following a protected action can be a strong indicator of retaliation, especially if the timing aligns closely with your protected activity.
  4. Isolation or Exclusion: If you’re being left out of important meetings or communications after engaging in a protected activity, this could be a form of retaliatory behavior meant to sideline you.
  5. Pay Reduction or Reduced Hours: Reducing your pay or hours, especially without explanation, could indicate retaliation, particularly if it follows an incident where you exercised a legal right.

Legal Protections Against Retaliation

Federal and state laws protect employees from retaliation. The Civil Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and other laws make it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for exercising their rights. Additionally, many states have their own protections against workplace retaliation, which can provide even more safeguards for employees.

For instance, being wrongfully discharged after performing jury duty is illegal in most states, as jury service is a civic duty that cannot lawfully lead to adverse employment actions. Employers are required to respect employees’ legal rights to serve on juries without fear of job loss or other penalties. If your employer terminates you for fulfilling your duty as a juror, you may have grounds to file a wrongful discharge claim.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Retaliation

If you believe you’re experiencing retaliation at work, there are steps you can take to protect your rights:

  1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, and any witnesses. Save emails, memos, and notes from meetings that may indicate retaliation. Documentation is key in proving retaliation, as it provides evidence of the connection between the adverse action and the protected activity.
  2. Report the Retaliation to HR or Management: Report any suspected retaliation to Human Resources or your company’s management team. By formally notifying your employer, you create a record of your complaint and give them an opportunity to address the issue.
  3. Consult an Employment Lawyer: An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and advise you on the best course of action. They can also help you file a formal complaint with the EEOC or relevant state agency if needed.
  4. File a Complaint with the EEOC or State Agency: If internal measures do not resolve the issue, you may need to file a complaint with the EEOC or a similar state agency. These agencies are equipped to investigate retaliation claims and enforce your rights.
  5. Know Your Rights Under State Law: In addition to federal protections, many states offer additional protections for employees facing retaliation. Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific laws regarding wrongful termination and retaliation to ensure you fully understand your rights.

Preventing Future Retaliation

While you cannot control an employer’s actions, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of retaliation. When engaging in protected activities, maintain a professional demeanor, follow all workplace protocols, and document everything. This can strengthen your position if issues arise and demonstrate that you were acting within your rights responsibly and professionally.

Additionally, building supportive workplace relationships can provide allies who can vouch for you if you face retaliatory actions. This doesn’t guarantee protection but can help create a positive environment and establish your credibility.

Experiencing retaliation in the workplace can feel isolating and overwhelming, but remember that you have rights and protections under the law. Understanding the signs of retaliation and knowing how to respond can help you safeguard your career and well-being.

No one should face retaliation for standing up for their rights, reporting misconduct, or fulfilling civic duties. By being proactive, documenting incidents, and seeking appropriate support, you can take meaningful steps to protect your rights and hold employers accountable for unlawful behavior. Taking action not only protects you but also helps create a more just and respectful workplace for everyone.

Electric vehicle charging stations coming to Danville

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

Danville will join a few select cities in the state to offer electric vehicle charging stations, allowing environmentally conscious drivers who opt to lessen their carbon footprint in the world to recharge.

Engineer Earl Coffey received the city commission’s approval recently to allow Kentucky Utilities’ installation of two “EV” charging stations, which will be located in the two southern-most parking stalls on Fifth Street, off of Main and on the edge of Centre College’s campus.

Coffey told the city commission KU has “been keen to some of the things going on in Danville” and taking an interest in local projects. He reminded commissioners the company dedicated some funding toward the new water plant park and, most recently, contributed money toward construction of the trail connector, from Corporate Drive over to Hughes Lane.