On Wednesday, November 5, the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership hosted an AFV Day Odyssey event for the New Orleans metropolitan area at Warren Easton Senior High School.  The event featured Blue Bird’s propane powered school bus, biodiesel experts, and an update on current and upcoming AFV.  Local sponsors included Blue Bird, Reed Gas, and CleanFuel USA.

The Clean Fuel Partnership’s Coordinator, Rebecca Otte, presented an overview of the Partnership’s goals and activities and updated audience members on current and upcoming AFVs.  Although developments in General Motors’ technology were highlighted, vehicles from a broad range of makes, models, and fuel technologies were included.   Mr. Stan Salathe, president of local biodiesel distributor Salathe Oil Company, presented the benefits of biodiesel, while Mr. Tim Condon, of CleanFuel USA offered the propane perspective.

In particular, Mr. Condon highlighted the use of propane in the Blue Bird/Ross Bus propane-powered school bus.  The bus is 90% cleaner than traditional school busses, and was on display in front of Warren Easton Senior High School.  Following the presentation, attendees examined the bus, including engine and tailpipe.

A main theme for the event was that alternative fuels are not in competition with each other, but rather are in partnership with each other.  Not only is each fuel type and vehicle technology best suited toward certain needs, but future energy self-sufficiency will require the simultaneous use of many alternative fuels.

CleanFuel Partnership
http://cleanfuelpartnership.org/content/view/43/83/#April%2016.%202009