The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program could encourage more contractors to switch to propane-fueled equipment.
WASHINGTON – A new program in nine states will build propane refueling stations and convert 1,200 vehicles to propane.
The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program, funded with $8.6 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is projected to displace more than 15 million gallons of gasoline over four years. It could be a resource to contractors switching to
propane-fueled equipment.
Virginia Clean Cities, part of the nationwide network of Clean Cities Coalitions working to reduce petroleum consumption, and James Madison University will act as project managers. Alliance AutoGas’ founding partners, Blossman Gas and American Alternative Fuel, and certified conversion partners, will perform the vehicle conversions and provide both public and private fueling infrastructure.
Vehicles in public and private fleets, including taxis, limousines, and vans, will be converted to run on propane. The program will track the results of the conversions, including the number of gasoline gallons displaced and greenhouse gas emissions avoided. A comprehensive public website will be launched later this year to display the details of the project.
Future road shows funded will offer state fleet and transportation managers the chance to test-drive some of these new propane-fueled vehicles.