Title
Alternative Fuel Program - Approval
History
For many years, the Village Board has pursued green initiatives in an effort to promote sustainability. One of these efforts includes the implementation of renewable energy and efficiency initiatives. With regards to fleet vehicles, the Village Board has consistently approved the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles such as the Ford Focus & Escape which run on regular gasoline. Additionally, the Village purchases bio-diesel to fuel diesel engine vehicles and equipment (bio-diesel is more fuel efficient than gasoline). However, due to the continually rising cost of fuel and the international emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, the Village continues to evaluate various alternative fuels that may enable our fleet to be more efficient while producing lower overall emissions that reduce our negative impact (carbon footprint) on the environment.
Over the past year, staff has evaluated a number of alternative fuel options including propane gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) and it has been determined that propane is the most efficient. Propane gas, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Propane Autogas, has been used worldwide as a vehicle fuel for decades. Interest in propane as an alternative transportation fuel stems mainly from its domestic availability, high-energy density, clean-burning qualities, and relatively low cost. It is the world's third most common transportation fuel and is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Propane is stored onboard a vehicle in a tank that is pressurized to roughly 150 pounds per square inch-about twice the pressure of an inflated truck tire. Under this pressure, propane becomes a liquid with an energy density 270 times greater than the gaseous form. Propane has a higher octane rating than gasoline, which reduces instances of engine knock. However, propane has a lower BTU rating than gasoline, so it takes more propane fuel to drive ...
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