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Boomtown III focuses
on Renewable Fuels & Green Industries
From Diane Delaplane
Darke County Commissioner
Photo credits: Left to right: Bob Allen, Wright Path Alternative Fuel,
Wright Patterson AFB; Rob Lykins, President, Union City Community
Economic Development Committee, and Impco Automotive; and Dale Arnold,
Director of Energy Services for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; plus two
vehicles capable of running on conventional and alternative fuels.
Participants in the twin cities of Union City Ohio and Union City
Indiana’s third annual Boomtown event learned about alternative
renewable fuels for vehicles and sharing solutions for high energy
costs and energy conservation in home and office environments.
Boomtown III was recently held at the Union City Community School,
Union City, Ind. This year’s Boomtown was presented by Union City
Community Economic Development Committee (UCCEDC), which is comprised
of private business representatives and public officials from the Union
City area of both Darke County, Ohio and Randolph County, Ind., Clean
Fuels Ohio and Greater Indiana Clean Cities Alliance.
Participants were able to ride in and drive a Chevy Silverado duel fuel
option truck and also a Chevy Volt car that can run by electricity or
by using gas and electricity.
Other vehicles were available to look at the conversion packages and
units that help them run more cost effectively and efficiently. The
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) currently has 530 vehicles
converted to propane, which has saved them money in fuel costs.
Union City Community High School students did a live demonstration of
their solar project. Vendors and presenters shared ideas of current and
future technologies and how they will affect and enhance our lives.
Travis Murphy of Johnson Melloh Solutions talked about solar. He said
that electricity has risen 450% in cost since 1970. Ohio
Utilities are mandated to do a percentage of solar. He also
stated that all utilities are subsidized.
Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Services for Ohio Farm Bureau
Federation, reminded the audience of Senate Bill 221, which has similar
legislation in 24 other states, was written to control energy costs by
using 25% alternative sources by the year 2025. Arnold stated that much
of the newer electric will come from farm generation. Many of the
current operating electric-type facilities are beyond their capacity
and are aging with many needing upgrades and repairs. Communities need
to discuss collaboration and incorporate updates and new infrastructure.
Bob Allan of Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), talked about
hydra treated renewable fuels for jets. He said that WPAFB is testing
many alternatives and talking with several local companies.
Gary Friend of Ohio Valley Gas talked about energy conservation tips
for the home. If your house roof shows clear spots and your
neighbor has a white color from snow or frost, you may have a heat
leakage problem. Friend said that you need to “build tight and renovate
it right.” However, remember there is a certain amount of airflow
needed in homes.
These are just a few of the tips and knowledge obtained from this great
Boomtown III event. If you would like further information, you
may contact one of the 24 UCCEDC members or go through the website: www.myunioncity.com.
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