        |
Valley Sky-Lines eNewsletter - February 2011
February 2011 - In This Edition
Introducing Rebel Oil Company, Inc.
By Gregg Benson
Rebel Oil Company, Inc. started with one retail location in 1952 and has grown with Las Vegas to operate almost 60 convenience stores, three bulk plants and a terminal facility.Rebel has built its business on strong customer relationships and providing superior products at competitive prices.
Rebel continues to grow with the Las Vegas community and will always look for new ways to improve the quality of the products and services provided. One of the ways that Rebel will continue to grow is by keeping the southern Nevada and Las Vegas Area a beautiful place to live. Joining the Las Vegas Regional Clean Cities Coalition and looking for ways to serve the community with alternative fuel is a vital part of the future of Las Vegas.
The Rebel terminal has a storage capacity of over 3.7 million gallons of unleaded, premium, diesel, ethanol and bio fuels. This storage capacity is used exclusively by Rebel and its customers and is separate from the Kinder Morgan common storage facility, in which Rebel also stores additional fuel. This exclusive storage gives Rebel the ability to provide fuels to Rebel stores and customers from its Rebel fleet of trucks and tank wagons.
Rebel has electronically-controlled biodiesel blending at its terminal rack. The future appears to be moving towards cleaner burning fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. Rebel offers E85 and biodiesel and will continue to stay ahead of this “green” movement and continue to provide services and fuels for all types of vehicles.
Rebel convenience stores are located throughout southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Tonopah, Beatty, Pahrump, Searchlight and Mesquite. Every store offers a variety of popular name-brand products in a clean and friendly environment. The Rebel Rewards customer loyalty program gives cents off at the pump for purchasing certain products inside the store. In addition to all major credit cards, Rebel also accepts Pacific Pride fleet cards at all locations.
Rebel Lubricants are known for high quality and value to go along with superior service. Partnering with 76 Lubricants and the ConocoPhillips family of brands (76, Conoco, Phillips 66 and Kendall) gives Rebel access to groundbreaking product lines from the fourth largest lubricants supplier in the U.S. These four premier brands reach across every key lubricants market, including automotive, trucking, agriculture, aviation, power generation, mining and construction. The Rebel product line includes oils and greases for all types of applications, transmission fluids, gear lubricants, hydraulic oils, turbine oils, anti-freeze and coolants.
Rebel’s warehouse has over 12,000 square feet of storage space for drums, pails, cases and quarter drums. This facility allows Rebel to repackage and store special order products. The Rebel bulk oil facility has a storage capacity of over 120,000 gallons. This storage is split between motor oils, hydraulic oils, transmission fluids, gear oils and industrial oils and allows Rebel to maintain these products for prompt delivery at a lower cost to our customers.
While the world still operates on oil, coal and other natural resource products, Rebel will be part of the future as newer, more efficient, and cleaner burning fuels enter the marketplace. The partnership of local businesses in the LVRCCC will be an integral part of the future of clean fuels and Rebel is proud to be part of it.
What Happens in Vegas is Sustainable in Vegas
By Kasia McBride
In recent years, corporations have placed increasing focus on sustainability. From small to large, even multinational organizations have recognized the need to identify and implement strategies that will allow them to more effectively respond to not only economic pressures, but also to environmental concerns as well. Fostered in no small part through traditional media, but also including social networks on the internet, there is growing acceptance that the implementation of sustainability strategies will create a significant competitive advantage (and higher profits) for organizations willing to change their corporate mindset. It has become almost commonplace that a shift in corporate culture to “go green” or to “do the right thing” for the environment makes good business sense. Sustainability strategies have a positive impact on a company’s reputation in social media, and can enhance their image by demonstrating that the company is taking responsibility for its actions.
Growing pressure from existing and potential customers—now more easily organized via the internet—as well as company employees, citizens of municipalities in which production facilities are located, investor groups, and other stakeholders, have, for companies across many industries, forced attention upon the effects these firms may have upon the environment. By incorporating sustainability principles into their business strategies, many firms have taken important steps to improve operations, reduce their carbon footprint, reduce their energy costs, and redefine performance metrics for processes and operations, at all levels. Throughout the United States a growing number of managers seek to reduce the carbon footprint of their fleets and they seek to use alternative fuels as part of their sustainable initiatives.
According to a recent survey conducted by NAFA Fleet Management Association, and published by Fleet Solutions Magazine, there has been a significant increase in the number of corporate fleets with sustainability initiatives within just the past 12 months. The Association interviewed some 200 of its members who also are fleet managers. According to the survey, more than 80% of all fleets have implemented sustainability programs. In spite of an economic recession, a majority of fleet managers sees the importance of sustainability in the future. (For more information about NAFA’s survey click here.)
In Las Vegas, several organizations have built successful sustainability strategies. When local businesses became more environmentally conscious, they made changes in the way they operated and they facilitated environmental sustainability initiatives directed towards fleet services, building green, climate protection, and energy saving. “Las Vegas is striving to build a more sustainable community by investing in strategies to conserve energy and increase efficiencies,” said Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman in an article published by CNBC.com in July 2010.
Las Vegas organizations including local governments, hotel/resorts, convention centers, transportation companies, wedding planners, and several other local businesses are supporting green strategies and making substantial changes in the way they operate. Below are just a few of the many examples of sustainability initiatives implemented by Las Vegas businesses recently.
The City of Las Vegas has a number of sustainability programs including various "green" efforts such as constructing new buildings to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, water conservation, increased recycling and improved energy efficiency. The City has already taken some action towards greater energy efficiency, including the conversion of 97 percent of its vehicle fleet to alternative fuels and the installation of solar panels on city-owned parking garages. On August 4, 2010, City staff presented to the City Council the Sustainable Energy Strategy Annual Report which listed objectives for energy conservation and renewable energy as well as the City’s accomplishments in the area of sustainability.
Las Vegas Springs Preserve, a 180-acre cultural institution owned by Las Vegas Valley Water District, educates the public about the environment. Springs Preserve combines museums, exhibits, and botanical gardens, as well as trails, and environmentally friendly buildings. Springs Preserve also promotes energy efficient technologies by engaging the public with interactive exhibits that explore alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, solar panels, wind power, and advanced alternative technologies.
The MGM Mirage’s City Center complex opened in December 2009 has already achieved Gold LEED certification for its several environmental innovations, including a dedicated water conservation technology that saves approximately 40 percent of water within its buildings, and 60 percent on outdoor landscaping, and operates the first fleet of stretch limos powered by clean-burning compressed natural gas, as well as a large-scale recycling operation that enabled the re-use of more than 260,000 tons of construction waste.
Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada promotes cleaner, greener methods for getting to work, by encouraging the use of mass transit, carpooling, walking, and bicycling rather than driving alone. As a result, 4.7 million fewer miles have been driven on Southern Nevada roadways since 2009. Also, the RTC operates one of the newest fleets of buses in the nation, which includes compressed natural gas-fueled vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.
In October 2010, The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority published a press release about local organizations and their efforts towards sustainability. (To read more, click here.)
There is no question that the use of sustainability principles is increasing among organizations. It is also apparent that despite the weakened economy, fleet managers see the value of implementing strategies that may be fiscally challenging at first to implement. But there are several reasons why organizations should implement sustainability. First, it offers excellent marketing opportunities (“going green” is news that also advertises). Second, sustainability is becoming the goal both at the local and federal levels of government. Third, improving environmental performance often improves financial and economic performance, by lowering costs, increasing customer loyalty, and eventually increasing market-share. Finally, there is a growing public sentiment that an environmentally friendly organization is better than its competition. Fickle though the public may sometimes be, companies cannot afford to ignore public opinion.
Because of locally-implemented initiatives in fleet services, climate protection, water reclamation, and recycling, new standards for sustainability have been set in the Las Vegas region. Las Vegas is indeed quickly becoming known for advancing environmental strategies.
Introducing Auto Safety House (ASH)
By Cory Merry
Auto Safety House (ASH) is a Total Fleet Solutions company. We specialize in maintenance and repair of fleets ranging from limos to medium duty box and utility trucks and trailers. From the drive train to brakes, suspension, paint and body repair, and custom fabrication and installation, ASH is a one stop shop for all your Fleet repair needs. Started in 1941, we have represented both major school bus suppliers over the years and today represent Thomas Bus in Arizona and Nevada. We also represent Dexter Axle, Knapheide Body, Kinedyne, and TommyGate and Maxon lift gates.
As an active member of the LVRCCC, we are among the leaders in alternative fuel installation and support for many municipalities and privately held companies in Las Vegas. We continue to work closely with many manufactures who are working on exciting new technologies. ASH is committed to doing our part to assist any company looking for ways to save fuel, reduce emissions and help maintain our environment. We are well versed in state and federal funding programs to assist our customers as well. Finding LVRCCC and joining the group was a natural step for Auto Safety House as both have similar desires to help others maximize their abilities to conform to Federal and State standards, support others in the process of cleaning our environment and just plain ole’ doing what is right. We applaud LVRCCC for the work they have done in the past and look forward to being an endurable part of their future growth.
Auto Safety House is well positioned to help your organization benefit from the rebounding economy and draw on its 70 years of experience. For more information contact Cory Merry or Michael Schmidt at 702-221-9915. Auto Safety House is located at 1601 Palm Street in Las Vegas. We are between Boulder Highway off St. Louis and just south of Charleston on Palm St.
LVRCCC Annual Meeting
By Debi Kinney
The Las Vegas Regional Clean Cities Coalition Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2011. This meeting will be held at The Rio All-Suite Hotel in Las Vegas.The Annual Meeting will begin with a hosted lunch, which will be followed by the election of Board members. The meeting will conclude with roundtable discussions.
If you are interested in attending this event please contact admin@lasvegascleancities.org for more information. An RSVP is required to attend the event as seating is limited.
The LVRCCC annual meeting is a time for members to come together to network with each other and contribute to the course of the Coalition for the year to come. Mark your calendar for this important event.
Information About Advanced Vehicle Fuel Economy Labels
By Clean Cities Technical Response Service
Answer: Nissan and General Motors recently released the EPA fuel economy ratings for their new advanced vehicle models, the Nissan LEAF EV and Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle (EREV*). These announcements were made while EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) are finalizing regulations that would change the information currently included on fuel economy labels for all vehicles, including EVs and PHEVs.Proposed Advanced Vehicle Fuel Economy Ratings and Labels
On September 23, 2010, EPA and NHTSA released a proposed rule to change the fuel economy labels that appear on the windows of new vehicles for sale. The goal of this new label is to provide consumers with simple, straightforward comparisons across all vehicle types. The proposed rule includes additional information that would be available for advanced vehicles, including:
- Driving Range: The label would identify how many miles EVs and PHEVs can drive before needing to recharge and/or refuel.
- Different Modes: For vehicles that can operate using more than one fuel or technology (e.g., all-electric and gasoline only modes for PHEVs), the label would provide fuel economy information for each distinct operating mode.
- Energy Consumption: For EVs, the label would show energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles, as well as miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). For PHEVs, the label would show only MPGe for all-electric mode. The MPGe rating is an important metric for comparing advanced vehicles to conventional vehicle models that are rated in miles per gallon (mpg). In the proposed rule, EPA and NHSTA included the following calculation to compare electricity as it is conventionally measured on a utility bill to gallons of gasoline: 33.7 kWh = 1 MPGe.
The final rule is scheduled to be released by the end of January 2011, and the proposed changes to fuel economy labels will likely take effect starting with Model Year (MY) 2012 vehicles. However, for those advanced vehicles that will be introduced to the market prior to MY 2012, EPA is working with individual manufacturers on a case-by-case basis to develop interim labels under EPA's current regulations that can be used prior to MY 2012 and that are consistent with the proposed labels for advanced vehicles (see Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt announcement information below). For more information on the EPA and NHSTA rulemaking, please visit the following EPA Web site: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/regulations.htm.
Recent Announcements
The information included in the recent Nissan and General Motors announcements related to fuel economy for their advanced vehicle models follows very closely with the proposed fuel economy label changes outlined above. Most notably, the all-electric fuel economy for these vehicles is measured in MPGe, based on the assumption that 33.7 kWh of electricity is equivalent to one gallon of gasoline.According to Nissan, EPA estimates that the 2011 LEAF has a combined city/highway fuel economy of 99 MPGe, or 106 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway. For more information on the Nissan announcement, including a picture of the actual label, please click here.
As described above, according to General Motors, EPA split the 2011 Chevrolet Volt PHEV fuel economy values into separate ratings, one representing the vehicle’s fuel economy while it is operating in all-electric mode (93 MPGe) and one representing the fuel economy in gas only mode (37 mpg). For more information on the General Motors announcement, including a picture of the actual label, please sclick
Though EPA has yet to formally announce these ratings, Oak Ridge National Laboratory expects the LEAF and Volt ratings to be available on the fueleconomy.gov Web site soon. Additional advanced vehicle fuel economy ratings will also be posted to fueleconomy.gov as they become available.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
LVRCCC Board of Directors Meeting
Annual Stakeholders Meeting
Thursday, June 2, 2011
LVRCCC Board of Directors MeetingThursday, September 1, 2011
LVRCCC Board of Directors Meeting
HOME | ABOUT LVRCCC | ALT. FUELS & VEHICLES | MEETINGS & EVENTS | PUBLICATIONS | MEMBERSHIP | CONTACT
All images and content are copyright © 2009 Las Vegas Regional Clean Cities Coalition