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Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition Talks
Autogas & Propane Power Generation on Capitol Hill

he 2024 Energy Independence Summit (EIS)
was recently held in Washington, D.C. This
event hosts members of the Transportation
TEnergy Partners, Clean Cities Coalitions from
around the U.S., and their stakeholders. The National
Propane Gas Association and the Propane Education
and Research Council were among this year's sponsors.
EIS features discussions about clean energy opportuni-
ties, programs, grants, and speakers from the clean en-
ergy industry. PERC President and CEO, Tucker Perkins
was a keynote speaker. The main event for EIS is Hill
Day, where state coalitions and their stakeholders visit
with their representatives to advocate for clean energy. Pictured (from left): Payton Cato, Mark Bentley, Congressional Representa-
tive Gary Palmer (R-6), Freddy Padilla, and Laural Bunn
Alabama's delegation included Alabama Clean
Fuels Coalition Executive Director, Mark Bentley, APGA hicles (including forklifts), is set to expire on December
Executive Director, Laural Bunn, and Alabama Power's 31, 2024. An extension of alternative fuel tax credits
Electric Transportation Specialist, Payton Cato, and Fed- is essential to the growth of propane as an alternative
eral Affairs Manager, Freddy Padilla. The group visited fuel. By passing a long-term extension of the Alterna-
with all nine representative's offices on Capitol Hill to tive Fuel Tax Credit, Congress can provide consumers
advocate for initiatives favoring clean energy options with the certainty and incentive necessary to convert
and to show support of ACFC and their work helping to alternative fuel technologies like propane vehicles.
governmental entities, transit authorities, school sys- Additional extensions should be considered until
tems, and citizens receive information to assist them EVs in the medium- and heavy-duty market address
in choosing the best alternatives to lower emissions. existing performance issues and become affordable
APGA was present to represent autogas, propane pow- for all consumers and businesses. Extending these tax
er generation, and to educate Alabama's representa- credits would be great news for the environment, the
tives about how propane can work together with other economy, and consumers.
clean technologies to help Alabama reduce emissions Funding Parity for Clean School Bus Program (EPA)
in transportation. Since many people are unaware of The propane industry already knows the
propane's benefits, its potential for reducing emissions, valuable role propane can play in reducing school
or how it can reinforce America's energy security, this bus emissions without sacrificing affordability, con-
was the perfect opportunity to not only share the venience, or safety. In 2023 the EPA revealed its
positive story of propane but to strengthen Alabama's intention to provide only $35,000 maximum per
propane industry by encouraging our congressional propane replacement vehicle versus the $395,000
representatives to support two key policy issues.
per electric school bus replacement rebate provided.
Extending Alternative Fuel Tax Incentives A propane bus is one third the cost of an electric bus.
Favorable tax provisions encourage consum- The math on the benefits of choosing propane over
ers to adopt alternative fuels like propane and aid electric buses isn't difficult. With funding allocation
in the continued investment in these clean vehicles. parity, grant recipients could purchase more propane
Alternative Fuel Tax Credits have incentivized alterna- buses than electric buses, substantially decreasing
tive fuel use, increased consumers' buying power, and their overall emissions. Congress needs to work with
created a clean, domestic, and economical alternative the EPA to promote parity in grant fund allocations
to gasoline and diesel. Public and private vehicles that for propane school buses. By recognizing the role
run on propane are gaining increased acceptance with alternative fuels, like propane, can play in reducing
fleet businesses and local governments. The Alterna- emissions and achieving parity amongst technologies
tive Fuel Tax Credit, which provides a 37 cent per gallon for funding amounts we can improve air quality in a
credit on the sale of propane when used in motor ve- cost-effective manner.■

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