Blue Star Gas and Seattle Clean Tech Leaders Host Alt Fuel Luncheon and Propane Autogas Test Drive

SEATTLE – December 1, 2011 – Seattle business leaders yesterday heard Jeff Stewart, president of Blue Star Gas, present an analysis of how to choose an alternative fuel, in conjunction with an opportunity to test drive four typical fleet vehicles powered by clean-burning propane autogas. Held at the McKinstry Innovation Center, the event covered important fuel choice criteria such as emissions, fuel cost savings, fuel infrastructure cost, range, payload and vehicle conversion.

Fleet managers and local media drove the high-performance, bi-fuel autogas vehicles, which included a Dodge Charger, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-150 truck and a Ford Expedition. Autogas is the most widely used the fuel in the world, powering more than 17 million vehicles globally. Blue Star Gas is the flagship West Coast fueling provider of the Alliance AutoGas complete alternative fuel program and supplies fleets in the Puget Sound region with affordable, American-made autogas.

Stewart’s presentation, titled “Choosing an Alternative Fuel — Frequently Un-Asked Questions and the Answers You Need to Know,” delivered a clear call to action for the adoption of alternative fuels. His background as past chairman of the NPGA Benchmarking Council allowed him to provide valuable insight on the viability of current clean fuel options.

“If we didn’t already have access to American-made fuels that are ideal for fleets, that would be a different matter,” said Stewart. “But I am sharing the answers that are here today, not just those we can wait for.  Autogas is the smartest alternative fuel for light- to medium-duty fleets because it’s clean-burning, affordable and made in America. Seattle businesses are leaders in green innovation, so we’re pleased to help them experience these autogas vehicles firsthand. This really is the most readily available, cost-effective clean fuel solution for U.S. fleets.”

Propane autogas is the third most widely used fuel in the world, right after gasoline and diesel.  Vehicles running on autogas save fleets money and produce fewer emissions, without sacrificing performance. Autogas costs about $1.25 less per gallon than gasoline, and because autogas is also a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline, fleets typically save on maintenance too. Autogas fueling stations are also significantly less expensive compared other alternative fuel infrastructure.

The Washington Clean Technology Alliance is a trade association of clean tech businesses and supporters in Washington State that facilitates the creation and growth of clean tech companies, jobs and products. enterpriseSeattle is a long-standing public-private economic development partnership providing free, confidential consulting services to businesses seeking to establish, expand or relocate to King County, Washington.

Alliance AutoGas is the nation’s only complete program to shift fleets to autogas. It provides vehicle conversion, fueling stations, autogas fueling, ongoing safety training and technical support.

About Blue Star Gas

Blue Star Gas is a full-service propane distribution company committed to delivering the highest level of customer care across 60,000 square miles and 13 unique Washington, Oregon and California markets.  With 74 years in the propane industry, Blue Star is a family-owned company that brings the advantages of the Alliance AutoGas complete program to the West Coast.  Visit www.bluestargas.com for more information.