Fleet Equipment – Running Your Fleet on Biodiesel is Easier Than You May Think

Posted by & filed under National.

One of the challenges of working in the renewable fuel industry is that people often believe that using biodiesel products requires a lot of jumping through hoops and equipment upgrades.

With biodiesel, that’s just not true. In fact, getting started with biodiesel blends requires no vehicle or infrastructure modifications. Here’s what fleet operators need to know about using biodiesel.

Vehicles. Biodiesel is a “drop-in” fuel, which means diesel-powered vehicles don’t need modifications to use it. All major OEMs support using biodiesel blends up to B5, meaning the fuel is 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum diesel. Nearly 90 percent of medium- and heavy-duty truck OEMs support B20 (20% biodiesel).

Infrastructure. If you have your own fueling locations, switching to biodiesel blends does not require modifications to that infrastructure. Some fleets choose to blend the fuel themselves. This may necessitate a dedicated storage tank for the B100 and a blending system, but it often only takes months to realize a return on the investment.

Quality. The biodiesel industry has come a long way since its pioneering days. Today, biodiesel meets the stringent standards of ASTM International. ASTM D6751 gives biodiesel a minimum uniform quality across the industry. On top of that, you could look for a producer who follows the voluntary BQ-9000 program, which brings additional quality assurance steps on biodiesel production, distribution and storage.

Supply. Biodiesel is a mature industry, with billions of gallons produced in the U.S. annually and a robust supply chain. When picking a supplier, fleets should consider companies that can provide a full range of products, such as blended fuel, B100, renewable diesel and ULSD. Other factors when picking a supplier include how they can move product—truck, rail, ship, barge—and the extent of their terminal network. And don’t forget value-added support that goes beyond the sales team, such as logistics and supply chain management, RINs expertise and technical support.

Performance. Ease of use is great, but you still need a fuel that performs, right? So what do the people who know diesel equipment best—diesel technicians—have to say?

Louisville Metro Government and Louisville Gas & Electric Co. Installed a New Public Charging Station at Seneca Park

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

Louisville Metro Government and Louisville Gas & Electric Co. have installed a new public charging station at Seneca Park.

The charging station was installed on Rock Creek Drive, near the restrooms and tennis courts. It will be available to the public for an hourly fee during normal park hours.

The station is equipped with quick-pay options and safety features, including charging plugs that lock in place when not in use, according to a news release. The fee is about $3 per hour.

The site was chosen using data collected by Drive Clean Louisville, a Metro Government initiative that promotes the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles. A survey asked the public to identify places in Louisville in need of vehicle chargers, and Seneca Park was among the top spots named.

LG&E is locating this and other stations across the Louisville area through its EV Charging Station Program to meet the growing demand for accessible, convenient charging facilities as more motorists embrace electric vehicles.

LG&E and KU Energy host nine public charging stations through the program. You can learn more about the program — including other locations — on the LG&E and KU website.

REV Announces LNG-Fueled Capacity Tractors

Posted by & filed under National.

REV Group, a manufacturer of specialty vehicle brands and a provider of parts and services, has announced the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled engines in its Capacity TJ9000 L9N terminal tractors, which will be used for California Energy Commission (CEC) research.

The Cummins L9N LNG engine, which powers the TJ terminal tractor, features a near-zero-emissions certification. Further, according to REV, LNG is competitive in matching the duty cycles of a diesel-powered tractor.

The stainless-steel tank used by Capacity Trucks (which is part of the REV Group) was designed by Chart Industries Inc. and provides an expected service life of 25 years. With a tank volume of 127 gallons, the LNG tractor is set to exceed the total energy of Capacity’s standard 50-gallon diesel tank.

 

DOE and U.S. Army Team up for Fuel Cell R&D

Posted by & filed under National.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Army to collaborate on the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for military and civilian use.

The agreement was signed by the director of the U.S. Department of Army’s Tank & Automotive Research Development and Engineering Command (TARDEC), Dr. Paul Rogers, and the director of the DOE’s Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO), Dr. Sunita Satyapal. The MOU will enable the partners to work more closely on technologies that can meet both organizations’ goals.

Army TARDEC is the United States Armed Forces’ research and development facility for advanced technology in ground systems. Research is under way at Army TARDEC to develop fuel cell-powered vehicles for tactical uses, among other activities.

National Lab Demos High-Power Wireless EV Charging

Posted by & filed under National.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have demonstrated a 120 kW wireless charging system for electric vehicles. According to the national lab, this system provides six times the power of previous ORNL technology and represents a big step toward charging times that rival the speed and convenience of a gas station fill-up.

The wireless system transfers 120 kW of power with 97% efficiency, which is comparable to conventional, wired, high-power fast chargers, says ORNL. In the laboratory demonstration, power was transferred across a six-inch air gap between two magnetic coils and charged a battery pack.

ORNL researchers previously created and demonstrated a 20 kW wireless charging system, which is being modified for applications such as commercial delivery trucks.

KCFC Executive Director Speaks at TIM Regional Conference

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

Educating firefighters and first responders is a top priority for the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition. Executive Director, Emily Carpenter, spoke at the Regional Traffic Incident Management Conference held in Florence, KY. The conference included first responders from Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Carpenter’s speech educated all attendees on alternative fuel and advanced transportation technologies on the road today. She highlighted how to identify the vehicles, safety information, and provided information on where to get more resources. 

 

EPA Plans to Issue Higher-Ethanol Gasoline Proposal by February

Posted by & filed under National.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency aims to release its draft rule allowing year-round sales of higher ethanol gasoline blends by February, and end deliberations on the proposal by May, according to a filing with the Office of Management and Budget.

President Donald Trump last week announced his intention to lift the summertime ban on sales of so-called E15 gasoline, which was imposed by the EPA to reduce smog. The announcement marked a win for farmers eager to expand the market for corn-based ethanol, and was seen as a political victory for Trump ahead of congressional elections in November.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week he was confident the rule would be ready for the driving season next year, although industry experts said such a timeline was too ambitious.

Trump’s announcement capped a months-long effort by the White House to thread the needle between rival corn and oil industry interests, both of which are unhappy with the administration’s handling of the nation’s biofuels policy.

Why Fiber Optic Cabling Is Essential for City-Wide Internet Growth

Posted by & filed under news.

In an increasingly connected world, reliable, high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From smart traffic lights to streaming services and e-commerce platforms, city life depends on digital infrastructure that can handle massive amounts of data at lightning speeds. At the heart of this infrastructure is fiber optic cabling, a technology that’s quickly becoming essential for city-wide internet growth.

The Need for Speed and Reliability

Fiber optic cables transmit data using light, making them exponentially faster and more reliable than traditional copper-based systems. This allows for:

  • Higher bandwidth for streaming, cloud computing, and real-time communication

  • Faster speeds, often reaching gigabit levels for both uploads and downloads

  • Lower latency, which is critical for emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and telemedicine

  • Improved reliability, especially in densely populated urban environments where demand is high

As urban populations grow and digital demands increase, cities must invest in infrastructure that can support the present and future needs of both residents and businesses.

Urban Growth and Digital Expansion

Cities are becoming digital ecosystems, powered by smart technologies that enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Fiber optics are foundational to:

  • Smart city technologies like real-time transit updates, environmental monitoring, and public safety systems

  • High-density living, where hundreds or thousands of residents in one building need seamless access to high-speed internet

  • Remote work and education, which have become permanent aspects of urban life

Without fiber optic infrastructure, cities risk falling behind in global competitiveness and quality of life.

Supporting Local Businesses and Institutions

High-speed internet isn’t just for residential users. Businesses—especially in sectors like finance, media, and healthcare—rely on rapid data transfer to operate efficiently. Schools and universities need stable connections for digital learning platforms, while hospitals require reliable data systems for telehealth and records management.

To meet these needs, cities are increasingly turning to commercial network cabling services that specialize in designing and installing large-scale fiber systems tailored for urban business districts and enterprise buildings.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in fiber optic cabling is scalability. Fiber networks can handle vast increases in traffic without the need for costly infrastructure overhauls. This makes fiber an ideal long-term solution for cities anticipating population growth and technological advancements.

As 5G networks expand and the Internet of Things (IoT) connects everything from refrigerators to traffic lights, only fiber can support the data backhaul required to make these innovations work seamlessly.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Fiber optic cabling is not only more energy-efficient than copper wiring, but also less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which means fewer outages and maintenance calls. Over time, this reduces operational costs and environmental impact. Moreover, cities with fiber infrastructure attract more tech companies, increase property values, and create jobs tied to infrastructure upgrades.

Overcoming Urban Installation Challenges

Deploying fiber optic cabling in a city comes with unique challenges—crowded underground utility lines, complex permitting processes, and the need for minimal disruption to daily life. However, modern trenchless technologies and aerial deployment methods are making it easier and faster to install fiber even in dense urban areas.

Working with experienced contractors and city planners ensures the process is efficient, safe, and compliant with local regulations.

The internet is the backbone of today’s cities—and fiber optic cabling is the backbone of the internet. As digital demands soar and smart technology becomes the norm, investing in fiber isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic necessity.

Whether supporting residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, or municipal operations, fiber optic networks pave the way for faster, more connected, and more competitive urban environments.

DERA Funding Announced

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

The Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Charles Snavely today announced the 2018 Kentucky Clean Diesel Grant Program, which will provide $275,689 for projects to reduce diesel emissions from aging school buses in the Commonwealth.

Funding is being made available through the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This competitive program is open to all public school districts and private schools located in Kentucky.

“This program will help schools protect the health of our children by reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality,” Sec. Snavely said. “I encourage all of our school districts to apply for this funding.”

Kentucky public school districts and private schools that own and operate school buses are eligible to apply for funding through this grant program, which will reimburse up to 25 percent of the cost to replace a school bus. Grant recipients are responsible for the remaining 75 percent.

Kentucky school buses travel about 100 million miles each year, providing transportation for more than 350,000 children. Diesel exhaust can negatively affect children, who have a faster breathing rate than adults and whose lungs are not yet fully developed.

New buses emit up to 60 times fewer pollutants than those built before 1995, but budget restrictions often push bus replacement to the back burner.
“This program will provide additional resources that make it easier for school districts to replace older, more polluting buses with newer, cleaner ones,” said Department for Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Sean Alteri.

Proposals that achieve the most cost-effective emission reductions, and those that demonstrate the greatest emission reductions will be given priority in grant awards, as will applicants located in current or former non-attainment areas for ozone or particulate matter.

The purchase of new vehicles to expand the fleet is not covered by this program. Vehicles being replaced must be scrapped and rendered inoperable. Evidence of appropriate disposal, such as a photograph of the scrapped vehicle including serial number and VIN, will be required in order to receive grant funds.

The deadline to apply for funds is November 8, 2018. To apply, visit the Division for Air Quality’s web-site at http://air.ky.gov/Pages/CleanDiesel.aspx.

Alternative Fuel Corridors 2018 Nomination Request Released

Posted by & filed under National.

The Federal Highway Administration has released the 2018 call for nominations for the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act Designation of Alternative Fuel Corridors.

Current corridor designations and information about the program can be found on our cornerstone project page with the link below.

Information for the call for nominations can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration website.