Alternate Fuel Refuse and Recycling Trucks.

Leading the Way to Energy Independence and a Cleaner Environment

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- There are more than 6,000 refuse trucks serving New Jersey's cities and towns. These trucks are among the heaviest diesel fuel users and most concentrated sources of air pollution in the state's urban centers. While diesel trucks can reduce their emissions by addition of pollution control devices, when it is time to replace them, buying new trucks powered by alternative fuels - particularly natural gas -- offers a major opportunity to reduce New Jersey's risky dependence on foreign oil, to reduce its greenhouse gases and to help bring healthier air to millions of New Jersey residents.

A one-day seminar at Rutgers on January 24, co-sponsored by the Rutgers Eco-Complex and the national environmental organization, Energy Vision, will provide policymakers, municipal officials, refuse and recycling fleet operators and others with information on the environmental and economic benefits of the alternative fuel technology available today.

Some of the highlights of the session will include:

* A look at the first community on the East Coast to take the groundbreaking step of mandating 100% natural gas refuse truck service for the town - Smithtown, Long Island -- and the performance of its 22 new trucks that are more than 50% quieter than diesel trucks and are forecast to eliminate the need for more than a million gallons of costly diesel fuel, and to slash air emissions by almost 500 tons! (Russell K Barnett, Director, Water and Environment Programs, Smithtown)

* A description of the growing network of natural gas refueling stations being built in the U.S. for interested communities. Partnerships of community leaders, fleet operators and fuel and truck providers are making a move to natural gas trucks. (Ray Burke, Vice President, Clean Energy)

* A look at the California policies that have made this state the leader in use of alternative fuels. (Dean Saito, Manager, South Coast Air Quality Management District, California)

* An overview by a leading international expert of "biomethane," a renewable form of natural gas in European bus and truck fleets (Peter Boison, Chairman, European Natural Gas Vehicle Association)

* A perspective by the CEO whose company designed the world's cleanest heavy duty engine - the Cummins Westport ISLG engine, and the swelling market he is seeing for this technology in industrializing Asia. (David R. Demers, CEO, Westport Innovations)

* Demonstration of a natural gas refuse truck so attendees can see this new technology for themselves.

"The Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station is dedicated to finding environmental solutions that are also economical, and will help the state meet its goals for renewable energy utilization and greenhouse gas reduction," said Mark Robson, director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. "This seminar will inform municipalities about what they need to do now to begin reducing greenhouse gasses in their own communities."

According to Joanna Underwood, President of Energy Vision, the use of natural gas refuse trucks - the predominant alternative fuel technology for this sector - doubled between 2002 and 2005 from 750 to more than 1,500 as did the number of communities using them (27 to 56). EV's research found natural gas trucks, used mostly on the west coast until recently, to be not only less polluting but also much quieter, a benefit to communities and to the workers who operate them. They produce 11 to 23% fewer greenhouse gases - an important asset for a world increasingly concerned about climate change. And being free from petroleum-based diesel fuel, haulers and communities get a break from the soaring price of diesel fuel.

Underwood added, "We are pleased to co-sponsor this event with the Rutgers Eco-Complex, giving New Jerseyans a look at a new technology that will enable them to move forward toward a sustainable future."

The seminar will be held 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rutgers University Busch Campus Center in Piscataway, New Jersey.

EDITOR'S NOTE: David Specca, acting director of the Rutgers EcoComplex, may be contacted at [phone] ext. 226, 609-841-2080 (cell) or [e-mail]. Joanna D. Underwood, president of Energy Vision, 212-228-0225 or 646-469-1864 (cell), email [e-mail], or visit us on the web at http://www.energy-vision.org.