(Notícia em Inglês)
With a quick glance, there is nothing unusual about Gloucester County's newest gas station.
There are pumps, squeegees, even a bell that rings when motorists drive in. What's being sold is another matter.
The station, opened Friday by Phillips Energy Inc., is the second in the state to offer three alternative fuels: ethanol, biodiesel and propane.
The alternative fuel market in Hampton Roads has been largely confined to military bases. That's changing because government agencies and businesses are increasingly seeing it as a way to save money and be better environmental stewards.
Gloucester County Public Schools partnered two years ago with environmental group Virginia Clean Cities and the state to buy five propane-powered buses.
Known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, propane generates 10 to 20 percent less energy than gasoline. But it burns cleaner, reduces the need for oil, and, depending on subsidies, and can be less expensive than gas.
"We've had really good success with those propane buses," Schools Superintendant Ben Kiser said.
dailypress.com»
With a quick glance, there is nothing unusual about Gloucester County's newest gas station.
There are pumps, squeegees, even a bell that rings when motorists drive in. What's being sold is another matter.
The station, opened Friday by Phillips Energy Inc., is the second in the state to offer three alternative fuels: ethanol, biodiesel and propane.
The alternative fuel market in Hampton Roads has been largely confined to military bases. That's changing because government agencies and businesses are increasingly seeing it as a way to save money and be better environmental stewards.
Gloucester County Public Schools partnered two years ago with environmental group Virginia Clean Cities and the state to buy five propane-powered buses.
Known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, propane generates 10 to 20 percent less energy than gasoline. But it burns cleaner, reduces the need for oil, and, depending on subsidies, and can be less expensive than gas.
"We've had really good success with those propane buses," Schools Superintendant Ben Kiser said.
dailypress.com»