Wisconsin Clean Cities Event Explores Funding, Market Opportunities

APPLETON,  WI –  Wisconsin Clean Cities (WCC) Annual Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable was held at the CMD CNG Energy Solutions facility at 3000 E. Pershing Street in Appleton on November 9.
More than 60 attendees from throughout the natural gas industry heard presentations from government officials and industry experts on trends and new technologies. Funding opportunities such as the Interstate 94 Michigan to Montana project and the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement mitigation trust were also discussed, with a special emphasis on their use for implementing compressed, liquefied and renewable (biogas) natural gas in a variety of transportation sectors.

“Many transportation leaders understand the environmental benefits of natural gas as a vehicle fuel, but fear the vehicles can’t meet performance or budgetary expectations, “ Wisconsin Clean Cities Executive Director Lorrie Lisek said.  “That’s why events such as these are so important.  Participants can learn from their peers in the industry how natural gas can improve efficiency, save money and provide exceptional performance.”

Maria Redmond, Wisconsin Office of Energy Information, fuels her Honda Civic from the CMD Compact CNG Fueling Station. Jeff Shefchick, President, Paper Transport, presents as part of the Technology Trends Panel. More than 60 attended the annual WCC Natural Gas for Transportation roundtable, hosted by CMD CNG Energy Solutions, Appleton.

Along with presentations on funding offered by Maria Redmond, Director, Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation, presentation topics included Trash to Treasure – Renewable Natural Gas by Brian Nudelbacher, U.S. GAIN; and Natural Gas Facility Upgrades and Maintenance, presented by Steve Arnold of ET Environmental. “What’s Next for Natural Gas – Technology Tends Panel” included fleet managers and specialists: Jeff Shefchick, Paper Transport; John Welch, Dane County Public Works; Carl Suhr, Kwik Trip, and Steve Larsen, Ruan Transportation Management Systems.

A variety of natural gas vehicles were on display, including: 2018 Kenworth Tractor from Contract Transport; a 2016 Ford F250 Regular Cab from Dane County Public Works; a 2012 Honda Civic GX owned by Maria Redmond, and a 2015 Chevrolet Impala from Kwik Trip.

Attendees viewed live fueling demonstrations utilizing the CMD  Compact CNG Fueling Station, developed to offer portability and flexibility for users new to CNG, or for those that need to move fueling from site to site.

About Wisconsin Clean Cities

The U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities coalitions are nonprofit organizations designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector by advancing the use of alternative fuels and vehicles, idle reduction technologies, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel blends and fuel economy. Wisconsin Clean Cities is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1994 serving the entire state of Wisconsin with the goal of improving air quality, strengthening the economy and reducing dependence on foreign oil.

About CMD

CMD is a technology-driven innovator of industrial production equipment including CNG fueling station equipment. CMD CNG Energy Solutions offers wrap-around serviced support, including rapid-response service across North America; 24/7 station monitoring and readily accessible parts. CMD is a privately-owned firm founded in 1980 with 185+ employees.  Equipment is designed and manufactured at the CMD 126,000 sq. ft. campus in Appleton, WI, USA.