Please join us in Livingston, MT on Friday, October 19^th!  Plans for the day are developing with a focus on regional transportation fueled with biodiesel.  Stakeholders are invited to participate in moving these regional goals forward and to learn what the Clean Cities program can offer in the effort.  Our coalition board has set program goals that result in establishing alternative fuel stations in at least three communities in the region this coming year.  This will only happen with the ideas and participation from stakeholders--grassroots catalysts are essential to achieve change for the better!

Meanwhile, we are participating with Teton County and the Town of Jackson on developing proposals for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in their fleets.  Both entities are also considering making a commitment to consider purchase of plug-in hybrids when they come to market, via the Plug-In Hybrid Campaign.  It is anticipated they will act on the resolution at a joint meeting on September 10^th.  Let your coordinator know if you think local officials in your community may be interested in this idea.

No, we are not asking you to increase your family size, but rather become a leader in the switch to better ways of fueling.  Consider a hybrid if shopping for a new vehicle.  Or at least a vehicle that gets 35 mpg or more.  Rumor has it that some auto manufacturers are developing diesel hybrids and we know Toyota is working on plug-in hybrids that would get at least 100 mpg of petroleum fuel.  Research and development has been stimulated by market demand created by "early adopters" of hybrid technology, biodiesel fuel, etc.  Benefits have included lower fueling costs to the car owner and lower harmful emissions into our atmosphere. While you are considering early adoption, keep asking your fuel retailers to offer biodiesel and ethanol blends and ask your local bus and truck fleets if they have idling policies.  You will be helping to create the momentum needed for better fueling practices.

County Commissioner Ben Ellis described the new joint effort by the Town of Jackson and Teton County to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon output, from a 2006 baseline, 10% by 2010.  Lively discussion occurred.  Kevin Lee of Conrad and Bischoff brought in samples of the new ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), now federally mandated for 2007 and later diesel vehicles.  Kevin discussed the value of blending biodiesel in ULSD to improve the lubricity of the ULSD.  Lubricity is critical to engine durability and life.

John Kay, fleet supervisor at the Idaho National Lab with an interest in the development of cellulosic ethanol, is a newly elected board member.

It was determined that, for the upcoming year, the Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition will concentrate on promoting a renewable fueling network in the region, beginning with a "green" fueling site in each state in our coalition area.  In addition, coalition stakeholders will continue to advocate for conservation in the transportation sector, including public transportation that utilizes renewable fuels.  Finally, outreach to government and public agencies regarding plug-in hybrids will be encouraged.

Complete minutes from the annual meeting are available on our website  www.yellowstonetetoncleanenergy.org.

Is there anyone out there NOT concerned with fuel mileage these days?  Some folks are taking the concept to extremes.  Check out www.gassavers.org and www.cleanmpg.com for some interesting approaches to wringing the last drop of energy from each gallon. The devotees call themselves "Hypermilers" and they readily share their techniques: don't sit and idle, leave all the extra weight at home, pull through parking so you don't have to back up, etc. etc.  Well worth the read.

New rigs to watch for on the hybrid scene include dual-mode hybrids from GM due out soon. The dual-mode refers to engine technology that allows a six or eight cylinder engine to stop combustion in one or more cylinders when the torque demand drops as in flat, highway driving. The increase in "highway" mileage is considerable and measurably contributes to the overall mileage performance (today's hybrids typically have higher "city" mileages because the electric motor does more of the work in the stop/go, slower speed city driving). Manufacturers hope the dual mode technology will increase the mileage of the large SUVs-Suburban, Yukon, etc.--to the mid-20s.

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) wasn't even in the acronym lexicon two years ago-now everybody wants one.  Nearly 100 Toyota Prius sedans have been converted in the past year to PHEVs by clubs, committees and folks tinkering in their garages.  Range remains constrictive--10 or fewer (mostly fewer) miles in all-electric mode--but that is mainly due to the lead acid battery pack being used to keep costs at approximately $10,000 for the conversion.  Nickel-metal hydride batteries help a bit at greater cost but production vehicles will almost certainly use lithium ion batteries.  GM has set 2010 for production of its Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.  Toyota has several prototype plug-in Prius in various testing stages, including some with V2G technology-Vehicle to Grid.  When the electricity goes out, fire up the Prius and power your home from the garage (be sure to open the door).

Link to the UL E85 Fuel Dispenser Listing on AFDC's website:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/resources/technology_bulletin_0307.html

Financial Opportunities Posts on Clean Cities site:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/solicitations.html

PHEV Demo Notice of Interest:

http://e-center.doe.gov/doebiz.nsf/d76fbc294818822885256d98006c63b6/f7565578f76f71c7852572f8003f32d6?OpenDocument

Contact Coordinator Shuptrine if you would like an informational program, about how to implement improved transportation choices, for your local officials or a civic group.