October 2024 Newsletter Drive Clean Indiana

A Final Cheers to 25 Years

"A major update to the highly anticipated Annual Technology Conference. The coalition will rebrand the conference to The REACT Expo, Renewable Energy & Advanced Clean Transportation. The new acronym encapsulates the event’s focus on advancements in sustainable energy and the future of clean transportation." -NWI Times

Fuel of the Month

Compressed natural gas is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

CNG is a form of natural gas that has been compressed to reduce its volume for easier storage and transportation. Compressing natural gas reduces its volume significantly, making it more feasible to be used as a fuel for vehicles. CNG is stored at high pressure (typically between 3,000 to 3,600 pounds per square inch) in special cylinders in vehicles designed to use this fuel.

So, while CNG is a type of natural gas, it has undergone compression to make it more practical and efficient for use in vehicles.

Did you know...?

  • CNG produces up to 90% fewer emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter than gasoline and diesel, making it a cleaner fuel choice.
  • CNG costs average 30-50% less than gasoline or diesel, offering substantial savings on fuel costs.
  • CNG burns more cleanly than gasoline or diesel, potentially extending the life of an engine and lowering maintenance costs.

CNG fleet successes from the City of Portage

Member of the Month

"Since 1960, we have built a tradition of excellence in site work. Our experience in delivering top-notch service in excavation, grading, underground utilities, demolition, and more has proven us to be a leading contractor in Indiana and surrounding states. Nearly six decades of experience give us a competitive advantage in understanding the particular needs of your project. With an extensive lineup of equipment and trucks, experienced personnel, and an operation that works year-round, we consistently complete quality projects on time and within budget. From start to finish, we take pride in our commitment to safety, project knowledge, and schedule."

BUILT ON SOLID FOUNDATIONS

Board Member Company Spotlight

Represented by, Rich DeBoer

In Indiana alone, the Ozinga company built partnerships with many organizations and municipalities, allowing these groups to break into the world of CNG or to enhance their overall cost savings through on-site stations.

Ozinga partnered with the City of Hobart to build a slow-fill fuel station and repower two existing diesel trucks with new CNG engines. Hobart currently has three compressed natural gas vehicles the city was driving to Ozinga’s CNG station in Hammond to fuel. Realizing the added cost savings of having a station on site, Hobart decided to build their own fueling station, which not only fuels their current fleet but also serves other vehicles as the city grows its operation.

Welcome to one of our new members!

Sojos Capital philosophy: "Leverage resources to not only grow wealth but to enrich lives and communities worldwide. Join us in building a future where economic growth and social progress unite for the greater good".

Announcing the Clean Ports Program Selections

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion through EPA’s Clean Ports Program for zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, and climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports.

Congratulations to all selectees!

Ports of Indiana receives $500,000 grant from U.S. EPA Clean Ports to study emissions reduction at Jeffersonville, Mount Vernon ports

The agency anticipates making awards once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. Selectees will work with EPA over the coming months to finalize project plans before receiving final awards and moving into the implementation phase. As awards are finalized, EPA will continue to update the Clean Ports Program Selections webpage.

$965 Million in New Funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced up to $965 million in new funding for the Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program. This is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda to transition nearly 500,000 school buses to cleaner technologies, protecting over 25 million students from harmful air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has already allocated nearly $3 billion to replace about 8,700 buses, most of which are electric. The new round of funding prioritizes low-income, rural, and Tribal communities.

Latest funding opportunity under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda builds on nearly $3 billion already invested into clean school buses nationwide - EPA Press Office

Ready to hear from the experts on this new funding opportunity?

Regional Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Program (CFI) Program: MACOG is strategically deploying electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, funded through the Federal Highway Administration's $4.2M CFI award.

The deadline to apply as a site host for Level 2 “destination” electric vehicle charging stations has been extended to November 1, 2024. The brief online application is embedded in the Engage platform hosted by MACOG, or at www.engage.macog.com under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant. More details about the criteria and CFI program can be found in the application.

GOEVIN DRIVES Portage

Education and Ride & Drive

GOEVIN DRIVES Portage

Education and Ride & Drive

GOEVIN DRIVES is set to tour the Hoosier state's Municipal Planning Organizations. At each GOEVIN DRIVES tour stop expect to discover the future of EV transportation within Indiana's MPO's and test drive an array of passenger and fleet EVs that can be fitted to address your municipal needs. There will also be the opportunity to learn from expert-led sessions on funding opportunities available today to help drive cost-effective and sustainable choices.

GOEVIN DRIVES Michigan City

Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Michigan City and all participants who assisted with this project of installing two (2) publicly accessible Level 2 EV chargers. Drive Clean Indiana proudly assists the state with the delegation of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management VW Settlement funding, supporting the projects of stations such as this.

Michigan City is a clean transportation leader within the Northwest Indiana Region and is leading the way by setting an example for communities throughout the entire state of Indiana.

We look forward to more future collaboration efforts with Michigan City!

We envision a clean, affordable, and equitable energy system that directs control and benefits back to local Indiana communities -Solar United Neighbors

Indiana solar supporters across the state, believe that protecting our solar rights is necessary to build a clean, equitable, and affordable energy system. Local solar power benefits all Hoosiers by offering more choice, energy freedom, reduced electricity costs, resiliency, and a healthier environment.

Happy Halloween from the Drive Clean Indiana team

Have a safe and festive day just like our partners at East Chicago Public Works!

East Chicago Public Works displaying out of the “frunk” of their municipal fleet Ford F150 Lightning during the East Chicago Trunk or Treat

Upcoming Events

Propane Presents: Mobile Power Generation + Rental Market

  • October 30, 2024

Indiana Clean School Bus Consortium November Webinar

  • November 12, 2024

Drive Clean Indiana's REACT Expo

  • November 19-20, 2024

EV Test Drive at Tire Rack

  • December 3, 2024

Indiana Clean School Bus Consortium December Webinar

  • December 17, 2024

NTEA Work Truck Week

  • March 4-7, 2025

The Inside Track: Member & Stakeholder Breakfast during Work Truck Week 2025 -March 5, 2025

Want to become a DCI Member?

Credits:

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