Domestic Fuel Alternatives

Energy

Conservation

Reduced Dependence on Imported Oil

Reduced Emissions

Biodiesel

Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition (TC4)

FlexFuel Blends

Biodiesel is a homegrown, renewable fuel that reduces particulate

matter and ozone forming emissions. It is recognized by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency as an “Advanced” biofuel because it

reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50% or more. Biodiesel also

provides more than 5,000 jobs in Minnesota according to the

Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

In 2014, Minnesota led the nation with a first-of-its-kind 10% biodiesel

requirement in virtually all of the state’s diesel fuel sold during the

warm weather months. In addition, several retailers make even higher

biodiesel blends available and fleets like Metro Transit and City of

Minneapolis use higher biodiesel blends in their diesel vehicles.

TC4 serves on the state’s Biodiesel Task Force and is helping the

transition to higher biodiesel blends with events such as the B Ready

for B10 workshops series. TC4 also educates the next generation of

drivers via the Biodiesel Essay Contest Scholarship.

Minnesota is a long time leader in FlexFuels. In 2014 an estimated

16 million gallons of E85 were sold while the state’s ethanol

industry produced over 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol and added

over $2.5 billion to the state’s GDP.

By using FlexFuel blends drivers are able to reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide

emissions, ozone forming pollutants, and other air toxins. In 2014 Minnesota’s

FlexFuel use prevented an estimated 50,000 tons of lifecycle carbon dioxide

emissions.

Finding FlexFuel blends in Minnesota is easy for the 400,000 flex fuel vehicles

driving Minnesota roads. More than 280 stations currently sell E85 and 20 or

more new locations are expected to open in 2015. Along with E85, more than

75 stations sell blends like E20, E30, or E50.

The Minnesota E85 Team partners have invested more than $17 million to

create the nation’s largest FlexFuel fueling network.

Propane Autogas

Electric Vehicles

Natural Gas

With approximately 200 public charging stations and 9 DC fast chargers

Minnesota has a larger electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure than any

neighboring state. This expansive infrastructure is thanks to the great

network of organizations pushing for electric vehicles.

TC4 is working with stakeholders like the National Park Service to

install 12 charging stations along the Mississippi River Corridor. Other

stakeholders include the Minnesota Plug-in Electric Vehicle Owners

Circle, a grassroots organization that helps new EV owners adjust to

EVs and provides testimonials for potential EV owners.

Drive Electric Minnesota and TC4 hold events and workshops such as

first responder trainings and auto dealership staff education.

Compared with gasoline vehicles, propane vehicles produce

significantly lower carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon,

particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions. In Minnesota there are

more than 30 propane autogas stations throughout the state.

School and shuttle bus fleets are great candidates for propane. Eastern

Carver County School district continues to grow its propane bus fleet along

with Saint Paul, Red Wing, and Orono. *Look for the GREEN Blue Bird logo*.

Minnesota based Schwan’s also uses propane autogas in their fleet to keep

costs and emissions low.

TC4 is helping bring cleaner burning propane autogas to Minnesota by

connecting fleets with technical assistance and grant funding.

Natural gas vehicles can produce significantly lower amounts of toxic

and carcinogenic pollutants compared to conventional gasoline and diesel.

About 90% of natural gas is produced domestically, which helps lessen

Minnesota’s dependence on imported oil.

Minnesota now has 20+ natural gas refueling sites and a mix of heavy and light

duty CNG vehicles are available for a variety of uses. Some CNG vehicles are

even produced in Minnesota and TC4 stakeholder 3M produces a lightweight

CNG fuel tank.

TC4 helps advance natural gas as a vehicle fuel via coordination of the

Minnesota Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition and by providing workshops and

presentations for fleets, first responders and decision makers.