I mmediately prior to the July 31 Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition meeting, area bus fleet managers and their staff attended a workshop on biodiesel organized by the Coalition with the support and encouragement of Coalition Chairman Marc Lappitt. Lappitt, Director of Transportation for Amphitheater Public Schools, is in his third year of using biodiesel in his school bus fleet. He supported the workshop because of his experiences with biodiesel and felt that local bus fleet managers/operators could use an update on the different fuel blends that are available and how to use them in a fleet that operates in southern Arizona. Dean Humphrey from Student Transportation Solutions sponsored lunch for the event and spoke on his company’s approach to providing special student transportation solutions. Student Transportation Solutions manages passenger transportation by working with local taxi drivers and shuttle services when a very small number of students need to be moved to their destination – saving time for a school bus driver and the fuel it would take to move one student. Student Transportation Solutions uses GPS and real- time vehicle tracking on its Web site to ensure correct service and safety for the students. Rick Hittle, Division Manager for Tucson-based Arizona Petroleum, spoke briefly on the accessibility of the fuel and supply of biodiesel in the region. He also covered a number of technical points related to storage of the fuel, how long it can be stored and whether an above-ground tank can be used. Steve Wallace presented on the importance of biodiesel testing and kits offered by Fleet Biodiesel. School bus fleet managers are able to test biodiesel fuel quality on location and monitor any changes to correct them before a problem occurs. The biodiesel workshop provided information on a variety of concerns school bus fleet managers have on changing fuels in their fleet. By addressing these concerns, the Tucson Regional Coalition is helping to move biodiesel forward and keep local school districts up-to-date on what they can be doing to reduce their dependence on imported oil. Local school bus fleet managers briefed on biodiesel C ourier CLEAN CITIES Issue 7• September 2008 Dean Humphrey, Student Transportation Solutions In the face of the basic fact that fossil fuel reserves are finite, the exact length of time these reserves will last is important in only one respect: the longer they last, the more time do we have, to invent ways of living off renewable or substitute energy sources and to adjust our economy to the vast changes which we can expect from such a shift. “ - Admiral H.G. Rickover, “Energy Resources and our Future,” May 14, 1957 ” Pima Association of Governments 177 N. Church Ave. Suite 405 Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 792-1093 [tel] (520) 620-6981 [fax] www.PAGnet.org A program of Steve Wallace, Fleet Biodiesel Rick Hittle, Arizona Petroleum Marc Lappitt, Amphitheater Public Schools
Transcript
Immediately prior to the July 31 Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition meeting, area bus fleet managers and their staff attended a workshop on biodiesel organized by the Coalition with the support and
encouragement of Coalition Chairman Marc Lappitt. Lappitt, Director of Transportation for Amphitheater Public Schools, is in his third year of using biodiesel in his school bus fleet. He supported the workshop because of his experiences with biodiesel and felt that local bus fleet managers/operators could use an update on the different fuel blends that are available and how to use them in a fleet that operates in southern Arizona.
Dean Humphrey from Student Transportation Solutions sponsored lunch for the event and spoke on his company’s approach to providing special student transportation solutions. Student Transportation Solutions manages passenger transportation by working with local taxi drivers and shuttle services when a very small number of students need to be moved to their destination – saving time for a school bus driver and the fuel it would take to move one student. Student Transportation Solutions uses GPS and real-time vehicle tracking on its Web site to ensure correct service and safety for the students.
Rick Hittle, Division Manager for Tucson-based Arizona Petroleum, spoke briefly on the accessibility of the fuel and supply of biodiesel in the region. He also covered a number of technical points related to storage of the fuel, how long it can be stored and whether an above-ground tank can be used.
Steve Wallace presented on the importance of biodiesel testing and kits offered by Fleet Biodiesel. School bus fleet managers are able to test biodiesel fuel quality on location and monitor any changes to correct them before a problem occurs.
The biodiesel workshop provided information on a variety of concerns school bus fleet managers have on changing fuels in their fleet. By addressing these concerns, the Tucson Regional Coalition is helping to move biodiesel forward and keep local school districts up-to-date on what they can be doing to reduce their dependence on imported oil.
Local school bus fleet managers briefed on biodiesel
CourierClean CitiesIssue 7• September 2008
Dean Humphrey, Student Transportation Solutions
In the face of the basic fact that fossil fuel reserves are finite, the exact length of time these reserves will last is important in only one respect: the longer they last, the more time do we have, to invent ways of living off renewable or substitute energy sources and to adjust our economy to the vast changes which we can expect from such a shift.
“
- Admiral H.G. Rickover, “Energy Resources and our Future,” May 14, 1957”
Pima Association of Governments177 N. Church Ave.Suite 405Tucson, AZ 85701
Rick Hittle, Arizona PetroleumMarc Lappitt, Amphitheater Public Schools
Pima Association of Governments is now accepting applications for exhibitors and sponsors for its Sustainability and Energy EXP0 2009: Building a Better Community, which is scheduled on March 6-7 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The first Alternative Energy EXPO, held in September 2007, drew more than 4,000 participants, 60 booths and 15 alternatively fueled vehicles. PAG’s second expo will be in a larger location and will encompass an even greater scope of green initiatives to respond to an increased demand in southern Arizona for information on going green.
Information about the event may be viewed at www.TucsonAltEnergyExpo.com
Exhibit your sustainable practice or product at PAG’s Sustainability and Energy EXP09
UA Wildcats race solar car 2,400 milesThis summer the University of Arizona Solar Racing Team took on the 2008 North America Solar Challenge. The race, which started on July 13 in Plano, Texas, is a timed, 2,400-mile race to Calgary, Alberta.
The Arizona Solar Racing Team is a student-run organization at the University of Arizona dedicated to the continued effort of designing and building an efficient, solar-powered vehicle. Even after having completed the race this summer, the students are in the process of continued development of Drifter, their latest car, for future development.
The team was established in 1997 with the goals of enhancing engineering education and renewable energy projects at the University of Arizona. Solar racing cars are an excellent platform to develop the technology for a more efficient future. Advances in power management, lightweight materials and efficient solar energy collection are invaluable to meeting the goals of efficient transportation systems. Solar racing is a proving ground not just for
advanced technology, but also for the engineers and leaders making the future a reality.
In the North America Solar Challenge, teams face the longest and most demanding solar race ever. The race lasts 10 days through eight states and three provinces and the students face highways, backcountry roads, city traffic, train tracks, pot holes, wasps, sun, clouds and rain.
The UA team finished 10th out of 15 qualifying teams (24 teams attempted to qualify) on July 22, with a time of 98 hours, 26 minutes and 12 seconds.
For more information, please visit www.solarcar.arizona.edu
Congrats, Wildcats!
A fellow Clean Cities coalition, the Kansas City Regional Coalition, assisted in the grand opening of an alternative fuel station. Kansas City Clean Cities Coordinator Bob Housh attended the July 1 grand opening of the new Green Energy Gateway, opened by Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels and Dresser Wayne, marketer of retail fuel dispensers. Zarco 66 will use the facility to distribute ethanol and biodiesel within a 75-mile radius, and the facility itself will serve as a model to establish standards and guidelines to incorporate green practices.
Dresser Wayne Ovation iX™ fuel dispensers were installed and are being accompanied by iX Media in-dispenser multimedia enabling the station to feature videos educating customers about the benefits of alternative fuels and green initiatives. The Zarco 66 station is the first of its kind in the United States designed as a sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly alternative fuel station.
The station carries a variety of biodiesel and ethanol blends: B2, B5, B10, B20, B99 and E10, E20, E30 and E85. The variety of percentages the regular diesel or unleaded fuel contains of biodiesel or ethanol allows for more use of renewable fuels without a flex-fuel vehicle.
Numerous governmental and non-governmental partners are using Green Energy Gateway as a pilot
demonstration project. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will provide funds to evaluate the energy and pollution reduction benefits of the pilot station and plans to develop a framework for other fuel stations that wish to “go green.”
Kansas City’s coalition members were very involved in getting the station open, particularly Scott Zaremba. “Scott Zaremba is a member of the Coalition,” Coordinator Bob Housh says, “and we have supported him and helped him make contacts, but…he is the hero of the private business side of this public/private collaboration that stuck his neck out and took the risks to get it done.”
Congrats Kansas City on a great push to incorporate alternative fuels that everyone can use.
For more information, please see www.zarco66.com and www.dresserwayne.com
Green Energy Gateway fuel station opens in Lawrence, Kan.
Availability of ethanol increases in central ArizonaIn June, the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition announced the opening of two new E85 stations in central Arizona. Both stations are public and carry an 85 percent blend of ethanol. The two new stations are:
Ludwig Service 510 S. Arizona Blvd., CoolidgePhone: (520) 723-9805Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Apache Sands 7602 E. Main St., Mesa Phone: (480) 984-3101Daily: 5:30 a.m. to10:30 p.m. Apache Sands Service Center, Mesa
We extend a warm welcome to our newest coalition members. Thanks for taking the initiative to reduce Arizona’s dependence on imported petroleum.
saguaro level:
Mrs. Green Goes Mainstream
Quik Mart
Reynolds Logistics
Coronado Resource Conservation Development Area Inc.
New Coalition Members
soundboard
Quik Mart, e85 ethanol10265 E. Irvington Road at South Houghton Road
C & t oil, b99 biodiesel1701 N. Alvernon Way at Pima Street
New Fuel Stations Open
Please mark your calendars for the remaining Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition meetings for 2008:
Wednesday, sept. 24 Topic: Electric Vehicles and Electric Charging Stations. Featured guest speaker: Mike Byers, Director of Fleet Sales, Azure Dynamics, www.azuredynamics.com, and Lisa Heiberg, Aerovironment, www.avinc.com
Wednesday, nov. 19 Topic: Addressing our Energy Future. Featured guest speaker: Dr. Paul Portney, Dean, Eller College of Management, University of Arizona.
All meetings are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in PAG’s main conference room, Suite 501: 177 N. Church Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85701.
Reminder: All past Coalition meeting agendas, minutes and presentations can be found on the PAG Web site www.PAGnet.org under “Clean Fuels/Clean Cities.”
Upcoming Coalition Meetings
Mrs. Green Goes Mainstream is Tucson’s first-ever, all-green talk radio show broadcast every Saturday at 12:05 p.m. PST on 790 AM KNST and can be heard live at www.knst.com. Mrs. Green interviews exciting, fun guests from all over the country and covers every conceivable green topic you can imagine: solar, fashion, food, gardening, school programs, alternative fuel, organic wines, green golf courses, sustainability. Callers from all over the country can call in to talk to Mrs. Green or ask questions of her guests at (520) 880-KNST (5678). Mrs. Green also distributes a regular e-newsletter and a daily blog. She invites you to contact her with your ideas and opinions or possible topics and guests for the show at [email protected].
Mrs. Green Goes Mainstream: What if living green can be fun?
Updates to PAG’s Vanpool ProgramAll residents in southern Arizona are now able to reduce the cost and stress of their daily commute by joining or starting a vanpool, though all riders must work in Pima County. Only five people are needed to start a vanpool and PAG can help subsidize the monthly cost of the van. RideShare’s online match list can provide potential riders, www.884ride.org, where you also can find carpool partners or bike buddies.
Biodiesel, Brewery & BluesThe Arizona Biodiesel Board is throwing a party. On Sunday, Oct. 26, Arizona Biodiesel Board will hold its first “Biodiesel, Brewery & Blues” event at Barrio Brewery, 800 E. 16th St., from noon to 5 p.m. Activities will include a silent auction, three Bluegrass bands and a panel discussion with local experts who can answer questions on the use, manufacture and benefits of biodiesel. For more information, please visit www.azbiodieselboard.org or contact Michael Guymon at (520) 260-3666.
Reynolds logistics
One of the newest members of the Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition is working hard to conserve oil and save money by making the switch to alternative fuels in his fleet.
“Our goal as a company is to do something to show our large-scale competitors that they, too, can do something, and together as an industry we can make a big difference,” said Rick Reynolds, President of Reynolds Logistics. “If our industry shows some real gains in decreasing fuel usage, our hope is that a trigger will go off to cause others to do something as well.”
Reynolds Logistics is a freight company located in south-central Tucson moving airfreight and ground freight for high-volume businesses including automotive, aerospace and electronic manufacturers.
The decision to use alternative fuels came from the employees of Reynolds Logistics with the support of its management. With rising fuel prices, the cost savings to be realized are not insignificant. Reynolds Logistics’ efforts to reduce fuel consumption are a reflection of its commitment to do something to show that alternative fuels are usable in a commercial setting.
As a large freight company, Reynolds Logistics’ fuel costs are high and increasing rapidly as the price of petroleum goes up. In addition to the usual fuel-saving measures – constant vehicle maintenance, driver training to keep slower speeds, using a governor on all vehicles and monitoring all miles to ensure the shortest routes are kept – Reynolds goes beyond the norm by seeking additional methods to save fuel such as using alternatives, installing add-ons to decrease pollution and increase gas mileage, examining the possibility of other fuels such as
hydrogen, buying electric vehicles and seeking solar solutions.
Reynolds Logistics’ biggest step is trying out electric vehicles in its fleet. The company recently purchased two ZAP Xebra trucks that are completely electric. With these two vehicles alone, the company is saving 10 gallons of gas per day, six days a week, replacing two Ford F150s that averaged 15 mpg. The cost to Reynolds to charge
the two ZAP Xebra trucks is $49 per month. Over the course of two months, the vehicles logged 3,016 miles. Replacing two pickups getting 15 mpg, that’s a savings of over $600 per month for two vehicles. To kick it up a notch, Reynolds also is actively exploring what solar options might be available to charge the vehicles.
Biodiesel has recently become a part of Reynolds Logistics’ fuel sources, as well, thanks to assistance from the Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition. Arizona Petroleum is providing Reynolds Logistics with biodiesel for its tractor trailers that stay within a few hundred miles of Tucson. The company intends to carefully measure vehicle performance using biodiesel.
“Our reason for using biodiesel is simple,” Reynolds said. “We will be buying from a soybean farmer located somewhere in the good old USA. Our hope is that our actions help our country to become stronger.”
Reynolds admits he is a long way from being an expert on alternative fuels. But from a Clean Cities perspective, Reynolds Logistics is certainly taking steps in the right direction by saving money, lessening its petroleum use, reducing its emissions and diversifying its fleet.
The Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition helped the Quik Mart station at Irvington and Houghton host a grand opening on June 25 for Quik Mart’s new E85 ethanol pump. For two hours, E85 was available for $1.85, and there was no shortage of buyers in flexible-fuel vehicles that lined up in advance of the grand opening. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) was a co-sponsor of the event and made it possible for E85 to be sold at the lower rate by buying down the cost of the fuel.
In the short time the promotion lasted, 1,053 gallons of E85 were sold between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There was always a line and people were still coming to buy fuel after the promotion ended. Adding to the
festivities, Quik Mart sold lunch for $1.85 and KIIM FM broadcast on location, getting the word out about E85 and the event.
“Bringing a clean fuel alternative like E85 to the Tucson consumer, being a good community partner and being part of building a better tomorrow was important to Quik Mart,” said Troy Little, owner of the Quik Mart store. “It just made sense.”
Colleen Crowninshield, Manager of Pima Association of Governments’ Clean Cities’ program, was encouraged by the opening of the 10th station in the Tucson area. “It gives consumers who have purchased flexible fuel vehicles another place in southern Arizona to fill up.”
Quik Mart celebrates offering ethanol
Quik Mart owner, Troy Little, right, assists coalition member and future E85 provider, Mike Mennenga, in fueling his vehicle with E85 ethanol.
coalition receives update on emerging electric vehicles With the recent escalation of gas prices, the benefits of electric vehicles are becoming evident and they are gaining popularity. At the July 31 Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition meeting, all eyes were on electric vehicles as two Coalition members shared their experiences.
Rush Dougherty from the Tucson Electric Vehicle Association 2 (TEVA2) provided insight into how gasoline-powered vehicles can be converted to electric drive. He also described how his group works to promote electric vehicles in the area. He shared some anecdotes and illustrated a vehicle conversion with props to illustrate his main points.
Rick Reynolds, President of Reynolds Logistics, was another featured speaker. He explained why Reynolds Logistics is making the move to electric vehicles and how he is pursuing that goal. After his remarks, Reynolds offered everyone an opportunity to see his recently purchased ZAP Xebra electric truck. It is now used for the many short back-and-forth trips between Reynolds Logistics’ office and Tucson International Airport. Reynolds explained that the vehicle is making a significant difference as
fuel prices have increased.
Rush Dougherty, TEVA2
Rick Reynolds, Reynolds Logistics
A fellow Clean Cities coalition, the Kansas City Regional Coalition, assisted in the grand opening of an alternative fuel station. Kansas City Clean Cities Coordinator Bob Housh attended the July 1 grand opening of the new Green Energy Gateway, opened by Zarco 66 Earth Friendly Fuels and Dresser Wayne, marketer of retail fuel dispensers. Zarco 66 will use the facility to distribute ethanol and biodiesel within a 75-mile radius, and the facility itself will serve as a model to establish standards and guidelines to incorporate green practices.
Dresser Wayne Ovation iX™ fuel dispensers were installed and are being accompanied by iX Media in-dispenser multimedia enabling the station to feature videos educating customers about the benefits of alternative fuels and green initiatives. The Zarco 66 station is the first of its kind in the United States designed as a sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly alternative fuel station.
The station carries a variety of biodiesel and ethanol blends: B2, B5, B10, B20, B99 and E10, E20, E30 and E85. The variety of percentages the regular diesel or unleaded fuel contains of biodiesel or ethanol allows for more use of renewable fuels without a flex-fuel vehicle.
Numerous governmental and non-governmental partners are using Green Energy Gateway as a pilot
demonstration project. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will provide funds to evaluate the energy and pollution reduction benefits of the pilot station and plans to develop a framework for other fuel stations that wish to “go green.”
Kansas City’s coalition members were very involved in getting the station open, particularly Scott Zaremba. “Scott Zaremba is a member of the Coalition,” Coordinator Bob Housh says, “and we have supported him and helped him make contacts, but…he is the hero of the private business side of this public/private collaboration that stuck his neck out and took the risks to get it done.”
Congrats Kansas City on a great push to incorporate alternative fuels that everyone can use.
For more information, please see www.zarco66.com and www.dresserwayne.com
Green Energy Gateway fuel station opens in Lawrence, Kan.
Availability of ethanol increases in central ArizonaIn June, the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition announced the opening of two new E85 stations in central Arizona. Both stations are public and carry an 85 percent blend of ethanol. The two new stations are:
Ludwig Service 510 S. Arizona Blvd., CoolidgePhone: (520) 723-9805Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Apache Sands 7602 E. Main St., Mesa Phone: (480) 984-3101Daily: 5:30 a.m. to10:30 p.m. Apache Sands Service Center, Mesa
We extend a warm welcome to our newest coalition members. Thanks for taking the initiative to reduce Arizona’s dependence on imported petroleum.
saguaro level:
Mrs. Green Goes Mainstream
Quik Mart
Reynolds Logistics
Coronado Resource Conservation Development Area Inc.
New Coalition Members
soundboard
Quik Mart, e85 ethanol10265 E. Irvington Road at South Houghton Road
C & t oil, b99 biodiesel1701 N. Alvernon Way at Pima Street
New Fuel Stations Open
Please mark your calendars for the remaining Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition meetings for 2008:
Wednesday, sept. 24 Topic: Electric Vehicles and Electric Charging Stations. Featured guest speaker: Mike Byers, Director of Fleet Sales, Azure Dynamics, www.azuredynamics.com, and Lisa Heiberg, Aerovironment, www.avinc.com
Wednesday, nov. 19 Topic: Addressing our Energy Future. Featured guest speaker: Dr. Paul Portney, Dean, Eller College of Management, University of Arizona.
All meetings are from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in PAG’s main conference room, Suite 501: 177 N. Church Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85701.
Reminder: All past Coalition meeting agendas, minutes and presentations can be found on the PAG Web site www.PAGnet.org under “Clean Fuels/Clean Cities.”
Upcoming Coalition Meetings
Mrs. Green Goes Mainstream is Tucson’s first-ever, all-green talk radio show broadcast every Saturday at 12:05 p.m. PST on 790 AM KNST and can be heard live at www.knst.com. Mrs. Green interviews exciting, fun guests from all over the country and covers every conceivable green topic you can imagine: solar, fashion, food, gardening, school programs, alternative fuel, organic wines, green golf courses, sustainability. Callers from all over the country can call in to talk to Mrs. Green or ask questions of her guests at (520) 880-KNST (5678). Mrs. Green also distributes a regular e-newsletter and a daily blog. She invites you to contact her with your ideas and opinions or possible topics and guests for the show at [email protected].
Mrs. Green Goes Mainstream: What if living green can be fun?
Updates to PAG’s Vanpool ProgramAll residents in southern Arizona are now able to reduce the cost and stress of their daily commute by joining or starting a vanpool, though all riders must work in Pima County. Only five people are needed to start a vanpool and PAG can help subsidize the monthly cost of the van. RideShare’s online match list can provide potential riders, www.884ride.org, where you also can find carpool partners or bike buddies.
Biodiesel, Brewery & BluesThe Arizona Biodiesel Board is throwing a party. On Sunday, Oct. 26, Arizona Biodiesel Board will hold its first “Biodiesel, Brewery & Blues” event at Barrio Brewery, 800 E. 16th St., from noon to 5 p.m. Activities will include a silent auction, three Bluegrass bands and a panel discussion with local experts who can answer questions on the use, manufacture and benefits of biodiesel. For more information, please visit www.azbiodieselboard.org or contact Michael Guymon at (520) 260-3666.
Immediately prior to the July 31 Tucson Regional Clean Cities Coalition meeting, area bus fleet managers and their staff attended a workshop on biodiesel organized by the Coalition with the support and
encouragement of Coalition Chairman Marc Lappitt. Lappitt, Director of Transportation for Amphitheater Public Schools, is in his third year of using biodiesel in his school bus fleet. He supported the workshop because of his experiences with biodiesel and felt that local bus fleet managers/operators could use an update on the different fuel blends that are available and how to use them in a fleet that operates in southern Arizona.
Dean Humphrey from Student Transportation Solutions sponsored lunch for the event and spoke on his company’s approach to providing special student transportation solutions. Student Transportation Solutions manages passenger transportation by working with local taxi drivers and shuttle services when a very small number of students need to be moved to their destination – saving time for a school bus driver and the fuel it would take to move one student. Student Transportation Solutions uses GPS and real-time vehicle tracking on its Web site to ensure correct service and safety for the students.
Rick Hittle, Division Manager for Tucson-based Arizona Petroleum, spoke briefly on the accessibility of the fuel and supply of biodiesel in the region. He also covered a number of technical points related to storage of the fuel, how long it can be stored and whether an above-ground tank can be used.
Steve Wallace presented on the importance of biodiesel testing and kits offered by Fleet Biodiesel. School bus fleet managers are able to test biodiesel fuel quality on location and monitor any changes to correct them before a problem occurs.
The biodiesel workshop provided information on a variety of concerns school bus fleet managers have on changing fuels in their fleet. By addressing these concerns, the Tucson Regional Coalition is helping to move biodiesel forward and keep local school districts up-to-date on what they can be doing to reduce their dependence on imported oil.
Local school bus fleet managers briefed on biodiesel
CourierClean CitiesIssue 7• September 2008
Dean Humphrey, Student Transportation Solutions
In the face of the basic fact that fossil fuel reserves are finite, the exact length of time these reserves will last is important in only one respect: the longer they last, the more time do we have, to invent ways of living off renewable or substitute energy sources and to adjust our economy to the vast changes which we can expect from such a shift.
“
- Admiral H.G. Rickover, “Energy Resources and our Future,” May 14, 1957”
Pima Association of Governments177 N. Church Ave.Suite 405Tucson, AZ 85701
Rick Hittle, Arizona PetroleumMarc Lappitt, Amphitheater Public Schools
Pima Association of Governments is now accepting applications for exhibitors and sponsors for its Sustainability and Energy EXP0 2009: Building a Better Community, which is scheduled on March 6-7 at the Tucson Convention Center.
The first Alternative Energy EXPO, held in September 2007, drew more than 4,000 participants, 60 booths and 15 alternatively fueled vehicles. PAG’s second expo will be in a larger location and will encompass an even greater scope of green initiatives to respond to an increased demand in southern Arizona for information on going green.
Information about the event may be viewed at www.TucsonAltEnergyExpo.com
Exhibit your sustainable practice or product at PAG’s Sustainability and Energy EXP09
UA Wildcats race solar car 2,400 milesThis summer the University of Arizona Solar Racing Team took on the 2008 North America Solar Challenge. The race, which started on July 13 in Plano, Texas, is a timed, 2,400-mile race to Calgary, Alberta.
The Arizona Solar Racing Team is a student-run organization at the University of Arizona dedicated to the continued effort of designing and building an efficient, solar-powered vehicle. Even after having completed the race this summer, the students are in the process of continued development of Drifter, their latest car, for future development.
The team was established in 1997 with the goals of enhancing engineering education and renewable energy projects at the University of Arizona. Solar racing cars are an excellent platform to develop the technology for a more efficient future. Advances in power management, lightweight materials and efficient solar energy collection are invaluable to meeting the goals of efficient transportation systems. Solar racing is a proving ground not just for
advanced technology, but also for the engineers and leaders making the future a reality.
In the North America Solar Challenge, teams face the longest and most demanding solar race ever. The race lasts 10 days through eight states and three provinces and the students face highways, backcountry roads, city traffic, train tracks, pot holes, wasps, sun, clouds and rain.
The UA team finished 10th out of 15 qualifying teams (24 teams attempted to qualify) on July 22, with a time of 98 hours, 26 minutes and 12 seconds.
For more information, please visit www.solarcar.arizona.edu
