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.