ASTM Approves New Biodiesel Blend Specifications
Following five years of extensive research and testing, ASTM International has approved three biodiesel standards including:
- Changes to the existing B100 biodiesel blend stock specification (ASTM D6751)
- Finished specifications to include up to 5% biodiesel (B5) in the conventional petroleum diesel specification (ASTM D975)
- A new specification for blends of between 6 percent biodiesel (B6) to 20 percent biodiesel (B20) for on- and off-road diesel.
The new and modified specifications will serve the industry in several key ways. Firstly, it will provide automotive and engine manufacturers with a consistent fuel specification to aid the design and optimization of engines to operate on biodiesel blends. Secondly, it will ensure higher quality and more consistent fuel quality for the customer. To date, GM, Chrysler, and others have supported B20 usage only in fleets; the ASTM specification will allow the manufacturers to expand usage of B20 across their diesel vehicle fleets. Link: http://biodiesel.org/resources/pressreleases/gen/20080620_astm%20b20%20spec%20nr.pdf
Clean Cities Heavy-Duty Hybrids Webinar – Thursday July 17, 2008 – 1PM
Clean Cities headquarters hosts a series of webinars to educate coordinators on relevant technical and industry related issues. The next webinar is on Thursday July 17th and will discuss heavy-duty hybrids (including hybrid-hydraulic and hybrid-electric) systems, their application and performance. The webinar is restricted to access for coordinators, but Maryland Clean Cities Coordinator, Chris Rice is inviting stakeholders to sit in on the webinar at the Maryland Energy Administration. If interested contact Chris by 7/16/08. Clean Cities Headquarters holds webcasts monthly on the third Thursday of each month. The schedule of upcoming webinars is available at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/toolbox/webcasts.html. Previous webcast presentations are available at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/toolbox/webcast_presentations.html.
Virginia Clean Cities and Hampton Roads Clean Cities Coalition 2008 Natural Gas Vehicle Workshop
Registration is now open for the Natural Gas Vehicle Workshop entitled, The Compelling Case for Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) - A Fleet Seminar, that will be held on August 14, 2008 at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The website includes a draft agenda, as well as how to register and reserve a room. For more information, visithttp://www.hrccc.org/naturalgas/2008ngvworkshop.html
Farm Bill Déjà Vu
The President vetoed the Farm Bill and the House and Senate voted to override yesterday. This version includes the 34 pages missing from the version that was vetoed prior to the Memorial Day break. USDA has already begun implementing some of the bills programs, but has yet to act on any of the biofuels provisions of the bill. For more information, please see the link below.
Click here for the more information
Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Update
A detailed compilation of relevant alternative fuel, hybrid electric, emissions reduction and other fuel efficiency improvement news in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.
Click here for the detailed list
Stakeholder Accomplishment Stories
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, Maryland Clean Cities wants to highlight the successes and challenges of one of the coalition stakeholder each month. This gives stakeholders an opportunity to gain some recognition for the work they are doing to promote alternative fuels in their fleet and to potentially help fellow stakeholders who may be going through similar struggles.
Stakeholder News Updates
Please forward information to Chris Rice (crice@energy.state.md.us) for your story, accomplishments, or announcements to be included in future newsletters.
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