Increasing numbers of transit agencies across North America are making the choice to convert their bus fleets to compressed natural gas (CNG), and even more are seriously considering it. Natural gas buses now account for at least 20{percent} of all new bus orders. However, it becomes difficult for fleet operators to fairly evaluate the potential benefits of an alternative fuel program if they are confronted with misinformation or poor comparisons based on false assumptions. This fact sheet addresses some of the most common misconceptions that seem to work their way into anecdotal stories, media reports, and even some poorly researched white papers and feasibility studies. It is an expanded version of information that was presented on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy at the South Coast Air Basin Alternative Fuel and Electric Transit Bus Workshop in Diamond Bar, California, on March 15, 2000.

An essential part of the environmental assessments is the characterization of the subsurface hydrogeology. Hydrogeological characterization involves establishing the hydrologic and geologic conditions and incorporating this information into groundwater flow and contaminant transport models.

Technology roadmap describing technology vision, barriers, and RD and D goals and strategies compiled by window industry stakeholders and government agencies.

Designated a Clean City in 1995, Dallas-Fort Worth now includes 140 coalition members and interested parties who operate more than 5,800 alternative fuel vehicles. Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities is administered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the metropolitan planning organization for the region, which represents hundreds of municipal and local government agencies.

In November 1994, the Portland Clean Cities Coalition became the 28th Clean City. And Number 28 took off and quickly picked up speed. By the end of 1999, the group had grown so much that it sought re-designation under a new name, the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, to better reflect the much larger geographical area it had come to represent. The coalition now represents two states, encompassing much of southwest Washington and most of Oregon. Several municipal agencies, along with many private companies, are participating in Vancouver, Washington; and in Portland, Eugene, and Salem, Oregon. With this geographical expansion came an increase in stakeholders, and in 1999 the coalition added a record number of 65 stakeholders, including three local transit districts, two utility districts, three cities, two counties, five alternative fuel original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and numerous other local businesses.

This fact sheet summarizes the accomplishments of the programs of the Clean Cities that won awards for 1999.

This issue of Alternative Fuel News contains information on the upcoming Clean Cities Conference to be held May 7--10, 2000 in San Diego, California. Highlighted in this issue is the success of the Clean Cities Program in creating clean corridors that permit fleets that serve multiple cities to purchase AFVs with confidence, knowing that fueling convenience and supply will not be a problem. Also look for articles on electric vehicles, transit buses; state and fuel provider enforcement; the Salt Lake and Greater Long Island Clean Cities coalitions, HEVs and fuel cells are a big hit at auto shows; DOE awards alternative fuel grants to 33 National Parks; and the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Section 506 report.

This Wind Powering America brochure provides the perspectives on the benefits of wind power from 10 U.S. citizens from different sectors of society, including ranching, utility commissioner, parent, Native American, farmer/county commissioner, business owner, and independent turbine operator. It also provides basic facts about wind power, contacts for information about wind power, and a brief description of the Wind Powering America Initiative, its goals and its benefits.