Autogas for America Stakeholders Rally on the Hill to Advocate for Affordable Propane Autogas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 21, 2011 – Autogas for America stakeholders were a notable presence at the National Propane Gas Association’s annual “Propane Days” rally. Held on Capitol Hill June 13-15, Propane Days is a time for the propane industry to inform legislators about important issues affecting America’s energy future. Stuart Weidie, Alliance AutoGas president, Autogas for America founder, and NPGA Governmental Affairs Committee chairman, was a featured speaker and encouraged industry stakeholders to bring the benefits of autogas to the attention of U.S. lawmakers.

Autogas is the world's most widely used alternative fuel: it's clean-burning, cost-effective and the U.S. supply is 90 percent made-in-America. With the recent introduction of the Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act of 2011 (Propane GAS Act), the industry is hopeful that autogas is finally achieving parity with other alternative fuels as a part of a balanced American energy equation.

“Propane Days has been a valuable opportunity to reach lawmakers interested in addressing America’s energy challenges,” said Weidie. “Autogas for America doesn’t promote legislative favoritism for any particular fuel. However, we believe autogas should have equal opportunity to succeed in the marketplace alongside other alternative fuels already receiving attention in Washington D.C. The environmental and cost benefits of autogas will take it from there.”

Autogas for America stakeholders in attendance at Propane Days included representatives from Alliance AutoGas partners Blossman Gas and Blue Star Gas, AmeriGas, Ferrellgas, the Propane Education and Research Council and ROUSH CleanTech. Stakeholders were active on social media during the three-day summit, spreading the word about the autogas industry’s efforts to get America’s fleets running on green, affordable propane autogas.

“Utilizing clean, American-made fuels like autogas for our nation’s vehicle fleets ultimately reduces our dependence on foreign oil,” said George Koloroutis, president of Ferrellgas North America and senior vice president of Ferrellgas. “America has been lagging behind the rest of the world in using this environmentally friendly, economical fuel, and it’s time we started investing in U.S. energy security with autogas.”

Autogas-powered vehicles substantially reduce harmful emissions, while drivers save more $1 per gallon compared to gasoline. The cost of running on autogas—including infrastructure, vehicle conversions and/or the purchase of OEM vehicles—is much less than for other alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas.

About Autogas for America

Comprised of autogas experts, public and private fleets and environmental advocates, Autogas for America is the unified voice of the U.S. Autogas market. To learn more about Autogas for America and to help enhance American energy security, visit www.autogasforamerica.org.