One of the meeting’s highlights was the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition’s (NGVC) Rich Kolodziej’s and Gil Sperling’s review of recently passed federal Energy and Highway bills, how NGVC plans to work with regulatory agencies and the U.S. Treasury concerning promulgation of rules and guidelines, and the next steps needed at the state level to leverage these measures. After a briefing from Canadian NGV Alliance Vice Chairman Gerry MacDonald about their recent success in getting government support for NGV conversions/upfits and other LDV market inititatives, Mike Eaves provided insights on the California market, recent legislative and court action and the possible implications for the rest of the country.

A.G.A Chris McGill’s informative presentation on America’s natural gas supply picture explained factors contributing to recent spikes in natural gas prices and the generally positive outlook for natural gas vis-à-vis other fuels in the coming years. Mario Pirraglia, CVEF Market Advisory Committee (MAC) Chairman and Stephe Yborra (MAC Staff Executive) gave a quick assessment of the current NGV market, providing a snapshot of market data, segment trends and available equipment. TIAX Senior Transportation Director Mike Jackson’s presentation about his firm’s comparison of 2010-compliant natural gas-powered and diesel-powered heavy duty vehicles confirmed that NGVs are well positioned to garner an even greater share of the HD NGV market.

As the luncheon featured speaker, European NGV Association Executive Director Jeff Seisler once again provided an information-packed and engaging presentation on international NGV trends and steps NGV industry stakeholders worldwide can take to integrate their efforts for greater success. The first day’s afternoon session featured two panel discussions, the first looking at the role of government policy in promoting alternative fuel vehicle deployment and, the second, addressing how we can be more effective in bringing new NGV platforms to market faster and cheaper. WestStart-CALSTART’s John Boesel briefed conference attendees on the progress being made in development of natural gas hybrid heavy-duty vehicles, including gas-hydraulic demonstration programs, and suggested that NGV industry participants embrace the heavy-duty hybrid concept. South Coast AQMD’s Naveen Berry wrapped up the afternoon with a brief and informative review of the latest RDD&D efforts with hydrogen-natural gas engine and vehicle technology. The first day’s program was a success, as indicated by the “buzz” at the evening reception atop the Hotel Nikko overlooking the city’s famous skyline.

After a hot buffet breakfast, day two started with NGVC’s Rich Kolodziej and CVEF’s Doug Horne, who talked about how the two organizations plan to realign responsibilities and personnel to make the most of the opportunities at hand. Next, the Green Group’s Elizabeth Munger shared her success in emphasizing the NGV value proposition in addition to mandates and incentives to prompt prospects into taking action. Following her were four short presentations from FuelMaker’s Tim Sanford, Clean Energy’s Doug Cameron, Cummins Westport’s Gord Exel and American Honda’s Steve Ellis, each whom made their best case for NGVs in a specific niche segment.

Following this foursome, Sweden’s Minister of the Environment Lena Sommestad was kind enough to stop in while on other business to speak about her country’s success in using biogas to develop their NGV fueling infrastructure while addressing national goals of waste management and greenhouse gas reduction. The National NGV Achievement Awards that followed gave praise to eight people and organizations that have made a difference, including the US DOE’s Clean Cities program and a number of their coalitions. Last, but certainly not least, PG&E VP Bob Howard, who has been a leader in helping the utility industry navigate turbulent waters following deregulation, expressed his enthusiasm for the NGV market potential and encouraged attendees to make the most of the opportunities before them.

For more information on the 23rd NGV Conference, contact Stephe Yborra at syborra@cleanvehicle.org.