Propane autogas is the term used when it is discussed as an alternate vehicle fuel. Autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world and has proven time and again to be safe and reliable. Although tax incentives are a plus, even without them, the price historically averages $1 less per gallon than gasoline. Environmentally speaking, autogas vehicles emit significantly less harmful greenhouse gas emissions, reducing emissions by about 20 percent compared to gasoline vehicles. As mentioned earlier, propane is a non-toxic and nonpoisonous fuel meaning that it dissipates into the atmosphere with no harm to the environment. If a fleet operator wants to convert existing vehicles to autogas, it is significantly cheaper than purchasing new alternative fuel vehicles. Although, there is not a significant difference in the performance of propane vehicles and gasoline vehicles, some have reported that their autogas vehicles have a quieter, smoother ride. Basically, its domestic availability, safety, and clean burning qualities are just a few in the long list of benefits from using propane vehicles.

Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program
The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program is a large-scale alternative fuel project. This project is especially aimed at building propane autogas infrastructure in the Southeast United States. It focuses on encouraging public and private fleets in the region to adopt propane autogas. This program will be able to convert more than 30 propane autogas fueling stations along high-traffic routes. It will also launch a wide-reaching communications campaign to increase awareness and usage of propane autogas in the Southeast. This program will be extremely beneficial. More than 1,200 vehicles are expected to stop using almost four million gallons of gasoline, and eliminate more than 4,000 tons of airborne pollutants annually. Other benefits to this program will be an increase in the number of clean tech jobs in the Southeast; reduced fuel and maintenance cost, which will save money for local businesses and municipalities alike; and hopefully a reinvestment in the economy because of savings on fuel.

Examples
Here are several examples of communities that have chosen this beneficial alternative fuel. In western Michigan, the Zeeland Public School District is using propane autogas in its school bus fleet. This district transports 9,000 students daily, and its buses travel approximately 750,000 miles in a given year. The district has been able to cut costs (roughly 30 percent) as well as emissions by adding nine buses fueled by propane autogas.

Across the country in Washington, the Department of Transportation for King County has added diverse on-site refueling methods for fleet vehicles fueled by propane autogas. This has enabled it to ensure high-quality service with confidence in refueling abilities. This fleet has 16 vehicles fueled by propane autogas. In Indiana, the Department of Transportation has converted nearly 600 of its light-duty vehicles to a bi-fuel system using both gasoline and propane autogas. The INDOT has installed refueling dispensers at 115 of its facilities across the state. Both departments of transportation have realized the huge savings from installing these infrastructures.

The Muscogee County Police Department in Columbus, Ga., recently converted 31 of its police vehicles to propane. The propane conversion offered the department the ability to improve air quality, reduce carbon dioxide and fluorocarbons in the air, and save money. Muscogee County projects about a $35,000 to $40,000 in savings with 31 vehicles during the year. Because propane is a cleaner and more efficient fuel, it creates less wear and tear on engines and helps them last longer.

Using a federal stimulus grant Cobb County, Ga., fitted propane tanks in the trunks of patrol cars. This cost $5,800 to convert each patrol car. The county will have about 100 patrol cars running primarily on propane gas. Propane has many advantages. The county estimates it will save anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000 a year in fuel costs, depending on what gas prices are.

Conclusion
Propane is an affordable alternate fuel choice, and is environmentally friendly. Cities and communities that have already made the transition to using propane autogas for vehicles have noticed savings, and voice that it is a smart alternative. If more people learn about the benefits of switching to propane, and act on it, pollution levels may decrease and monetary savings could help the economy. To learn more about propane as a transportation fuel, visit the AFDC’s Propane Fuels and Vehicles sections (www.afdc.energy.gov), contact your local Clean Cities coordinator (www.cleancities.energy.gov), or visit the Propane Education and Research Council (www.propanecouncil.org), and the National Propane Gas Association (www.npga.org) websites.

References Cited
"Propane Exceptional Energy." Zeeland Public School District's Sustainable Solution. Propane Education and Research Council. Web. 13 Dec 2012.

"Propane Exceptional Energy." Government Fleets Realize Cost Savings With Propane Autogas. Propane Education and Research Council. Web. 13 Dec 2012.

"Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program." Overview. N.p.. Web. 13 Dec 2012. http://www.usepropaneautogas.com

"U.S. Department of Energy." Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Clean Cities, n.d. Web. 13 Dec 2012. http://www.cleancities.energy.gov