Ulster County Legislature Chairman John Parete has not given up on promoting propane as a cleaner, greener vehicle fuel than gasoline. On October 28th a number of Ulster County Town Supervisors, Board Members and Highway Superintendents, as well as school district representatives and private business owners joined Chairman Parete at the Best Western in Kingston to hear about available funding for propane pilot programs in Ulster County.
Legislator Parete first mentioned the idea of using propane as an alternative to gasoline in his State of the County Address in March 2014. A resolution establishing a pilot program using Sheriff’s vehicles passed the Legislature but was vetoed by the Executive. “I cannot fault individuals who are passionate in their advocacy for certain technologies. However, passion is no excuse for tunnel vision or to offer false information about other viable options for cost savings and environmental conservation. Whether or not the County Executive and his so called environmental ‘expert’ want to admit it, propane is federally designated clean fuel that can save money” Parete stated.
He continued, “I invited industry professionals from the NY Propane Gas Association (NYPGA), the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and local fuel Provider Paraco to come chat about the benefits of using propane instead of gasoline in their fleets and to dispel some of the myths and misinformation that was thrown around by so called county ‘experts.’ It was their idea to offer incentives for a few pilot programs in Ulster County,” Parete said.
Rick Cummings from NYPGA stated, “We are looking forward to partnering with local leaders and business owners in Ulster County to show them the financial, environmental and vehicle maintenance benefits of using propane. That is why we are happy to offer funding for pilot programs.”
According to the US Department of Energy, “Using propane as a vehicle fuel increases energy security, provides convenience and performance benefits, and improves public health and the environment.”
Anyone who would like to hear more about funding available to outfit vehicles with propane fuel systems should contact Andy Mirchin, Paraco Gas at (914) 420-2936. Funding is limited and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
