"Fueling the Future in a Green Economy" Seminar on May 13th to Kickoff Congressional Luncheon Series by Diesel Technology Forum

Federal, Industry & Environmental Officials to Explore How To Make Transportation & Goods Movement Leaner, Cleaner & Greener Using Renewable Fuels & Advanced Diesel Technologies to Reduce Petroleum Consumption

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A three-part Congressional luncheon series of seminars focusing on making the U.S. transportation and goods movement more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly will be hosted by the Diesel Technology Forum in May, June and July.

Because 94 percent of global trade is powered by diesel engines when measured in kilometers per ton, the current and future improvements in clean diesel technology has worldwide significance.  And while a modest 3.6 percent of cars and light trucks in the U.S. are diesel powered (compared to almost 50 percent in Europe), many auto analysts project significant increases in diesel car sales in the U.S. in the next decade.

The three-part Capitol Hill luncheon series will examine how commercial availability of renewable diesel fuel and further fuel economy enhancements such as those currently underway in the U.S. Department of Energy's vehicle technologies program make diesel technology a smart, high-value, low-cost investment for reducing America's dependence on petroleum.

May 13th – "Fueling the Future in a Green Economy"
Noon to 1:30 p.m., 122 Cannon House Office Building
The first seminar entitled "Fueling the Future in a Green Economy" will be held on Friday, May 13th, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in room 122 of the Cannon House Office Building.  Over the last several years, petroleum diesel fuel has become increasingly cleaner as sulfur levels were reduced, similar to taking the lead out of gasoline. It is also becoming more expensive, making the switch to renewable fuels one which will provide both environmental and economic benefits.

The May 13th seminar will examine:

• Diesel fuel demand and prices
• The growing use of biodiesel along the I-75 corridor running from Michigan to Florida
• And the development of next generation, commercially available, drop-in renewable diesel fuel

Participants
Moderator and Opening Remarks:  Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director, Diesel Technology Forum
Panelists:  Terrence Higgins, Executive Director, Refining & Special Studies, Hart Energy Consulting
Charise Stephens, Executive Director, Middle Georgia Clean Cities Coalition
Joel Velasco, Senior Vice President, Amyris

June 17th – "Reducing Petroleum Use on the Road and at the Jobsite"
Noon to 1:30pm, B-338 Rayburn House Office Building
Today's heavy-duty trucks are 98 percent cleaner than those made 10 years ago and this same technology is being phased in across all diesel applications - and more is being done. Industry is working with the Department of Energy's Supertruck program to increase heavy-duty vehicle efficiency through improved aerodynamics and a suite of engine technology improvements.

High fuel economy gains are driving demand for diesel hybrid buses, making them the technology of choice for many of the country's top transit districts. Even many work trucks found in communities across the country are integrating hybrid technologies to reduce fuel consumption. The speakers will explain how today's R&D investments are bringing even greater efficiencies to reduce fuel use.

July 18th – "Driving Home the Point: Reducing Consumer Petroleum Use With Diesel Vehicles"
Noon to 1:30pm, B-338 Rayburn House Office Building
Monthly diesel car sales doubled in 2010. Growth in diesel car sales are expected to continue in the years ahead as consumers look for ways to cut down on fuel use without sacrificing performance or convenience. As the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration establish new fuel economy standards for passenger cars in 2017-2025, a greater number of diesel vehicles are expected to become available to meet the challenge.

This session will examine the prospects for greater diesel penetration in the U.S. and how growing use of renewable diesel fuel can bring fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions on a par with other advanced technology vehicles.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided at all three seminars.

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems.  For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Allen Schaeffer
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=100525

Contact:
Steve Hansen
[email protected]
301-668-7230 (o)
202-355-3664 (c)

SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum