New EPA Certifications for Propane Vehicle Conversions

Alliance AutoGas, a national clean vehicle and fuel provider, has received new EPA certifications for propane, covering over 50 vehicle platforms. Alliance AutoGas is the U.S.  authorized distributor for PRINS Alternative Fuel Systems, a group company of SHV Energy out of the Netherlands.  

Using PRINS, AutoGas converts petroleum-run vehicles to run on clean propane and also installs public fueling stations. The make and models that received EPA certification for AutoGas’s conversion system for this year are the 2012 and 2013 GM 4.8L and 6.0L, which includes vehicles like the Silverado and Express.

Stuart Weidie, President of Alliance AutoGas believes the new certifications are a “critical step in expanding [AutoGas’s] portfolio to meet the increasing high market demand.”

The new certifications allow Alliance AutoGas to serve more public and private fleets that convert vehicles to run on propane, including government and commercial fleets that rely on light and medium vehicles like vans and trucks. Current AutoGas customers range from national transportation companies, taxi & shuttle fleets to law enforcement fleets are all reducing emissions and fuel costs, and utilizing a domestic made fuel.

For more information on alternative fuel conversions, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm

Tax Credits’ Expiration Dates on Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

The tax credit that covers 30% of the cost of the installation of an electric vehicle charging station is set to expire as of Dec. 31, 2013. The tax credit was renewed for 2013 as part of a Jan. 1 legislation package, and its renewal is uncertain. The credit covers 30% of the station’s cost or $1,000 for personal fueling stations and 30% or up to $30,000 for business use.  

The tax credits for the purchase of an electric vehicle also have expiration dates based upon the production of the vehicles. After the manufacturer produces 200,000 eligible plug-in electric vehicles, the credit begins to phase out for vehicles at the beginning of the second calendar quarter from the date of which it was introduced. The IRS will announce the phase out schedule when a manufacturer exceeds this production.

For more information on Federal Laws and Incentives on electric vehicles, visit: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/laws/US/tech/3270

http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Plug-In-Electric-Vehicle-Credit-(IRC-30-and-IRC-30D)

$4 million in EPA grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from marine and inland water ports.

All Port authorities are eligible to apply; community groups, local governments, terminal operators, shipping carriers and other businesses may partner with port authorities.

Eligible projects may include drayage trucks, marine engines, locomotives, and cargo handling equipment.

Grant funds may be used for retrofit technologies that are verified by EPA or CARB; idle reduction technologies for marine vessels and locomotives that are EPA verified; and early replacement or repower with certified engine configuration.

EPA will collect proposals from December 11, 2013, until February 13, 2014.  There will be an informational webinar on January 9.

For more detailed information about the program requirements, eligible applicants and engines, please visit http://www.epa.gov/otaq/ports/ports-dera-rfp.htm.   

EPA press-release: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/72dd9ceb9f4a003285257c3e0065640a!OpenDocument

As the deadline for receipt of applications for the Louisiana Revolving Loan Fund Program is on Sunday, December 15, 2013, we intend to clarify Section V (page 17) (Application Process) of the Louisiana Revolving Loan Fund Program ---Program Requirements & Guidelines.  The guidelines state in part:

“Applicants must submit two hard copies of the completed application forms  (A through H) included as supporting documents. Applicants must submit one electronic version of all documents by e mail to, larlf@la.gov or by mailing a compact disc (CD) containing the corresponding electronic application to the address provided below.”

The guidelines also state in part:

 “All forms must be received by 3:00 p.m. CST on December 15, 2013.” 

Therefore, it is the position of the Department of Natural Resources that receipt of the completed electronic application forms no later than 3:00 pm CST on December 15, 2013 at the e mail address provided in the Program Requirements and Guidelines larlf@la.gov will suffice as having met the program guideline deadline