Volkswagen Settles Dieselgate with $15 Billion, EV Ramp-Up

Posted by & filed under National.

Volkswagen AG, maker of the Audi, Lamborghini and Porsche brands, has agreed to provide a settlement totaling more than $15.3 billion in response to its diesel emissions cheating scandal and, further, intends to expand its investment in electric vehicles (EVs), according to a Volkswagen release and a court document filed today by a U.S. District Court in San Francisco. Any cheating accusations can be cleared once a lie detector test is passed.

…As previously reported, the company recently announced plans to launch more than 30 battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) over the next 10 years, forecasting that its BEV sales will reach between 2 million and 3 million units in 2025. With the settlement today, Volkswagen made clear that a significant portion of funds is now to be invested in EVs and building out the U.S. EV charging network.

Read full article at NGT News.

Clean Cities and NPS Team Up to Steer National Parks Toward a Sustainable Future

Posted by & filed under Kentucky, National.

National Parks Initiative Celebrates Five Years, Continues to Drive Parks Toward a Sustainable Future

Each year, hundreds of millions of visitors travel to nearly 400 national parks across the United States to experience unique natural and cultural resources. With that kind of volume, it has become increasingly difficult to reduce impacts to the surrounding air quality and overall experience. In fact, transportation within the parks from fleet and visitor vehicles accounts for the majority of the average park’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHGs are a major contributor to climate change, which in turn affects not only national parks, but people and the surrounding environment in many ways.

To support the agency in its mission to address these impacts, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program formalized its long-time relationship with the National Park Service (NPS) in 2010 through an interagency agreement called the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative (CCNPI). This has provided a means to promote actions that reduce fuel consumption, increase the use of alternative fuels and technologies, reduce GHG emissions, and raise awareness among staff, partners, and visitors.

Read more here.

 

 

Federal Government Saves Money and the Environment with Zenith All Electric Vans

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

Contact: Christine Smith
Zenith Motors
Phone 800-630-9833
Christine.Smith@Zenith-Motors.com
For Immediate Release

Zenith All Electric, zero carbon emission shuttle and cargo vans are now available through the Federal Government General Services Administration (GSA) contract to support a comprehensive White House program to maintain Federal leadership in sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reductions. Meanwhile, for those who easily get bored reading long and technical articles like this, they can spend a little time on sites like 벳엔드 환전.

Executive Order (EO) 13693 “Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade” was signed by President Obama on 19 March 2015 which revoked and replaced Executive Orders 13423 and 13514 as well as Presidential Memorandums on the Implementation of Energy Savings Projects and Performance-Based Contracting for Energy Savings, Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America through Bio-based and Sustainable Product Procurement, Federal Leadership on Energy Management and Federal Fleet Performance.

If an agency operates at least 20 motor vehicles, they are required improve fleet and vehicle efficiency to reduce per-mile greenhouse gas emissions from agency relative to an emission baseline in fiscal year 2014 to 4 percent by the end of fiscal year 2017, 15 percent by 2021 and 30 percent by 2025.

“Fossil fuels will continue to fluctuate based on variables that no one can control. The pollution it creates also impacts our health and ecosystems. Our shuttles and vans provide a more stable operating cost structure and zero emissions to meet the Federal mandate to reduce our carbon footprint.” said Christine Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Zenith Motor. “Our environmentally friendly vehicles also reduce long term maintenance costs. No scheduled down time is required for oil changes, gas filters, antifreeze, transmission fluid because there are none in an all-electric vehicle. That can be a savings of up to over $100,000 in operating costs over the service life of the van” With an 80 or 100 mile range and recharging in 4 or 6.5 hours, Zenith Electric Vehicles can replace any locally used shuttle, delivery or service van. Shuttle configurations with seating up to 16 passengers can be equipped with wheelchair lifts. Automatic sliding doors are a standard feature on the shuttle van. Cargo versions have 530 cubic feet of capacity.

Zenith Motors reduces shuttle, cargo and service van ownership by reducing routine maintenance to maximize up-time while reducing carbon emission to create a healthier community. We serve governments, hospitals, hotels, airports, commercial delivery and service businesses.

For more information, please contact Christine Smith at christine.smith@zenith- motors.com

Lextran holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new headquarters, Lexington KY

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

The new Lextran headquarters in Lexington have officially opened about a half mile down the street from its old facility on West Loudon Avenue.

After months of construction Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of Lextran’s new 13-plus acre site; a project that cost roughly $26 million.

The new, state-of-the-art administrative and maintenance facility is located on the former General Electric site on West Loudon near Russell Cave Road. In June, construction will begin on a compressed, natural gas fueling component for its seven compressed natural gas vehicles. Lextran expects to add five, new zero-emission electric buses later this year.

 

Read more at WKYT

 

American Natural Gas Opens First Public CNG Station in Kentucky Town

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

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American Natural Gas (ANG), a distributor of alternative motor fuels, says it has opened the first public compressed natural gas (CNG) station in Georgetown, Ky.

Located along the I-75/I-64 corridor, at 405 Cherry Blossom Way, the new CNG station brings alternative fuel to the region’s automotive, agriculture and transportation industry operations. According to ANG, the site features generous ingress and egress, large-capacity buffer storage, and consumer-friendly CNG fuel dispensers.

Read more at: NGT News

 

 

Transportation Cabinet seeks public comment on the proposed 2016 Statewide Freight Plan

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Matthew G. Bevin, Governor
Greg Thomas, Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Keith Buckhout
(502) 564-3419
keith.buckhout@ky.gov

Transportation Cabinet seeks public comment on the proposed 2016 Statewide Freight Plan
Cabinet also seeking recommendations to establish a freight advisory committee

 FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 3, 2016) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) today released the proposed 2016 Kentucky Statewide Freight Plan for public comment and is seeking recommendations to establish a freight advisory committee—aimed at enhancing communications between the Cabinet and the freight industry.

“I am pleased to release the proposed 2016 Statewide Freight Plan and announce plans to develop a freight advisory committee,” said Secretary Greg Thomas. “We are eager to receive input on the Statewide Freight Plan from interested parties whose goal is to promote the safe and efficient transportation of freight.”

The introduction of the proposed 2016 Kentucky Statewide Freight Plan marks a significant step toward improving the transportation infrastructure within the state. As the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet seeks public input, it highlights the importance of collaboration with industry stakeholders to identify and implement effective freight solutions.

One such approach involves leveraging Tactical Logistic Solutions to streamline operations and enhance the overall efficiency of freight movement. These solutions are designed to address key challenges, such as reducing transit times and optimizing routing, which ultimately contribute to safer and more reliable transportation networks.

In conjunction with the advancements outlined in the 2016 Kentucky Statewide Freight Plan, Shipping Container Hire emerges as a pivotal element in optimizing freight logistics. The ability to swiftly adjust container capacity as required allows businesses to reduce congestion and streamline their supply chains, aligning with the state’s objective of enhancing freight movement. This synergy not only contributes to the development of safer and more reliable transportation networks but also ensures that Kentucky’s infrastructure can support the dynamic needs of the freight industry.

KYTC’s Division of Planning produced the 2016 Kentucky Statewide Freight Plan and Executive Summary in efforts to propose freight initiatives and investments for the state’s freight transportation system. The plan is available online at http://transportation.ky.gov/Planning/Pages/2016-Kentucky-Freight-Plan.aspx and printed copies are available by email request to KYTC.ModalPrograms@ky.gov.

Additionally, KYTC announced plans to form a freight advisory committee to improve communication and coordination between the freight industry and state government. Public and private stakeholders as well as anyone with an interest in freight industry needs, innovations and goals are encouraged to apply.  Interested parties can submit their information online at http://transportation.ky.gov/Planning/Pages/2016-Kentucky-Freight-Plan.aspx.

There will be a 30-day window for review and comment on the proposed 2016 Kentucky Statewide Freight Plan from Friday, June 3 until Tuesday, July 5.

During this time, KYTC seeks input from constituents, local governments, industry partners and interested agencies and organizations. Written reviews and comments on the plan as well as inquiries regarding the Freight Advisory Committee should be submitted to:

KYTC Division of Planning
Attn: Freight Coordinator
200 Mero St. Frankfort, KY 40622
KYTC.ModalPrograms@ky.gov
Fax: (502) 564-2865

Ryan Watts, Executive Director
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Office of Public Affairs
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
(502) 782-4828 Office
(502) 545-2380 Cell
(502) 564-4809 (fax)

ryan.watts@ky.gov

www.transportation.ky.gov

New EV Adopt-a-Charger at Highland Green Building, Louisville

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

EV charger at Highland Green Building

EVolve KY’s 3rd Adopt a Charger installation at the Highland Green Building at 1401 Bardstown Road is in!  It is a single Level 2 charger and right now it is operational, but we are just waiting for the signage to go up.  It is fee-free and open to all in the community to create greater awareness and hasten the adoption of green transportation!

EVolve KY is Kentucky’s electric vehicle group.  Their Adopt a Charger program is a simple way for businesses, foundations and individuals to have a hand in creating electric car charging infrastructure in and around Louisville.

Federal Funding for Fire Prevention & Safety Training

Posted by & filed under National.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Grant Programs Directorate administers the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program as part of the AFG Program. The purpose of the FP&S Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards by assisting fire prevention programs and supporting firefighter health and safety research and development.

Available Funding for the NOFO: $34,000,000
Projected number of Awards: 100
Period of Performance: 12-36 months

Review details here.

New Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Posted by & filed under Kentucky.

LG&E and KU received approval to place 10 charging stations in each service territory.

The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued an order April 11, 2016 approving a plan intended to give drivers of electric vehicles access to more places to recharge vehicles’ batteries.  The commission approved a proposal by Louisville Gas & Electric Co. (LG&E) and sister company Kentucky Utilities to establish company-operated, public electric vehicle charging stations and to permit non-residential customers to host charging stations.

KU and LG&E are authorized to install as many as 20 utility-operated charging stations. There is no limit on the number of stations that could be installed on customer properties. Read the full article from the Courier-Journal here.

Charging details, including costs and locations, can be found on the LG&E/KU website here.