Clean Rivers Opportunities with Clean Fuels: Natural Gas MARAD Towboat Conversion Project Highlight

ACS (American Chemical Society) Seminar Announcement
23 March 2016

Speaker: Dr. Lutitia Clipper, CEO of Clipper Enterprises

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instituted new air emissions requirements for marine vessels operating in the United States.  Owners of our nation’s aging, inland waterway fleets must now make the financial decision to retrofit, convert, or retire their diesel-powered vessels to meet the new EPA guidelines.

In response, the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC), a non-profit organization, developed Clean Fuels/Clean Rivers, a non-profit consortium initiative focused on building an innovative natural gas marine corridor that extends from the Morgantown, West Virginia area, through Pennsylvania, and down the Ohio River.

Through a cooperative agreement, in October 2015 the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) provided a $730,000 matching funds grant to Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) to convert a towboat engine from diesel to LNG. Results from this demonstration project will help expand the development and availability of natural gas conversion technology for smaller scale tug, tow, and harbor vessels.

This presentation will discuss the attributes and characteristics illustrating the proven viability of natural gas as an alternative transportation fuel. The presentation will also highlight objectives of this Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) project for marine operators. This is the first inland waterway MARAD funded project.

Dr. Clipper is an engineer with over 25 years of experience in the natural gas industry and has been a leader in Utica / Marcellus shale field, who is in favor of the widespread implementation of natural gas powered vehicles.  She will be serving as the LNG Marine Demonstration Project Manager in the near future.  As a Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) expert, she continually finds new ways to power NGVs on the road, off road, and on rails and waterways.   Dr. Clipper has a passion for the use of Natural Gas for transportation because as technology advances, it opens new doors for uses in these areas.  Besides running her own company, Dr. Clipper serves on the faculty of Geneva College, on the Engineering Advisory Board at the college, and on the Energy and Public Policy Advisory Group at Carnegie Mellon University.

Spaghetti Warehouse, 26th & Smallman Streets, Strip District, Pittsburgh, PA
Free parking behind the restaurant 
Social Hour 6:00 pm, Dinner 6:30 pm, Talk 7:30 pm. 
For reservations, please contact Elliott Bergman at elliott.acstechnology@gmail.com by 7:00 P.M. on Apr. 10, 2016.  Walk-ins are welcome.  Our meetings are open to all.  Menu choices consist of spaghetti & meatballs, lasagna, fettucccini alfredo, four cheese manicotti, grilled chicken caesar salad, and chicken parmigiana. The meal includes a soft drink or iced tea.  Alcoholic drinks cost extra.

The cost of the dinner is $22 including tax and gratuity. Cash is accepted or make check payable to: Energy Tech Pgh Section ACS.