![\"A](\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/work-truck-online\/content\/news\/events\/gtse\/2019-gtse\/gtse-expo-floor-lauren-fletcher-__-720x480-a.jpg\")
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A number of alternative-fuel vehicles were available for GTSE attendees to check out. Photo by Lauren Fletcher<\/p>\n
Held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center May 21-23, 2019, in Tacoma, Wash., the Green Transportation Summit & Expo (GTSE)<\/a> welcomed close to 400 attendees to its three-day event.<\/p>\n Focusing on green transportation, the overall theme for the event was renewability. Paul Menig, CEO for Tech-I-M, LLC, opened the conference, welcoming attendees to the 2019 event, kicking off the official start of the conference and Expo Hall.<\/p>\n Alberto Ayala, executive director\/air pollution control officer for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District opened the conference with a keynote.<\/p>\n Ayala discussed the future of mobility and the transformation. He touched on global warming and its impact on the transportation sector. He noted that in 31 years, we will see significant impact on the global mean temperature of the planet, which will get to unmanageable levels. We have crossed over to higher levels of greenhouse gas concentrations than ever before.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are at the cusp of something big. Things are going to change in the transportation sector in the next few decades more than they have changed in the past 100 years. We have to be sure we are guiding this transportation. It\u2019s not just about better transportation, but better mobility,\u201d Ayala commented to attendees. \u201cIt\u2019s the use of fossil fuels that have got us here.\u201d<\/p>\n The internal combustion engine (ICE) is the center point of a lot of today\u2019s issues. There are still issues related to the diesel emissions scandal (although it was quite good for pushing vehicle electrification). According to Ayala, it\u2019s time to rethink how we are doing things.<\/p>\n Ayala\u2019s top advice: \u201cWe have to be better about not trusting without verifying data,\u201d when discussing current issues with diesel emissions.<\/p>\n What\u2019s next for renewables? This is a topic on the mind of many. A moderated session with five renewable fuel specialists moderated by Rick Wallace, senior policy analyst for the Oregon Department of Energy, covered the topic in depth. The panel\u2019s consensus: We need to push together as an industry for cleaner, more renewable fuel and energy source.<\/p>\n In addition to the 19 breakout sessions, attendees were provided plenty of time to visit the expo hall featuring 48 green transportation-related vendors. From equipment to vehicles, attendees were given time to speak with experts one-on-one, ask questions, and see products first-hand.<\/p>\n After the opening keynote and plenary session, the conference broke out into a total of 19 simultaneous breakout sessions throughout the remainder of the two days.<\/p>\n Women took center stage in the session \u201cWomen Driving the Future of Transportation.\u201d We took a tour with several advanced female transportation leaders. Simultaneously, \u201cThe Impact of Near-Zero Natural Gas Technology, Now and in the Future\u201d informed fleet managers about the state of natural gas technology<\/a> currently and the future we can expect. Additionally, \u201cFire, Flood, Earthquake, Derailment: The Move to Low\/Zero-Emissions and Emergency Preparedness\u201d helped fleet managers understand what they need to do to help continue to reduce emissions and prepare for possible emergencies.<\/p>\n The next group of breakout sessions covered multiple topics. Some fleets have valid concerns related to infrastructure, especially in underserved areas. \u201cInnovative Partnerships to Deploy Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Underserved Areas\u201d helped address those concerns. At the same time, attendees were able to learn abut \u201cTools for Planning Reductions in a Fleet\u2019s GHG Emissions, Fuel Efficiency Strategies, and Telematics\u201d or the \u201cWinning Combination: Renewable Diesel & Biodiesel.\u201d<\/p>\n After a short break, attendees broke again for the final sessions for the first day. \u201cGeneral Practices for Sustainable Fleet Management\u201d helped fleet managers understand actions they can take to become more sustainable. Propane Autogas continues to be a popular renewable fuel for fleets, especially work truck fleets. \u201cPropane Autogas Innovations & Fleet Experiences: How to Move Forward Successfully with Autogas for Your Fleet\u201d provided information for fleets looking to create or grow their propane Autogas fleet. Finally, a focus on renewable natural gas (RNG) with the session \u201cCatalyzing RNG Production and Utilization\u201d featured a roundtable type-session that covered issues market saturation.<\/p>\n The second full day of sessions started off right away with a series of breakout sessions focused on electrification. Women once again took center stage in the first group of three with \u201cCharging Ahead: The Powerful Role of Women in the EV Industry.\u201d At the same time, attendees were able to choose from a session on \u201cMedium- & Heavy-Duty Truck Electrification Opportunities & Challenges\u201d or \u201cThe Roles of Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in Transportation and a Decarbonized Economy.\u201d<\/p>\n Next, attendees were given the choice of three more sessions focused on electrification and fuel cell\/hydrogen vehicles. \u201cPort Community EV Blueprint: The Plan for Electrifying a Major Seaport\u201d talked with the Port of Long Beach, Calif., and the Port of Seattle about their experiences. Additionally, bus fleets weren\u2019t left out with a session on \u201cElectrifying Transit: The Bus Depot of the Future, 2020 and Beyond.\u201d Heavy-duty fleet managers checked out the session on \u201cFuel Cell and Hydrogen: A Compelling Value Proposition for Zero Emission Heavy-Duty Transportation.\u201d<\/p>\n The final portion of the event provided attendees with a choice of two breakout sessions. After lunch, attendees broke out to learn about \u201cThe Electrification Checklist: Making the Right ZEV Decisions for Your Fleet,\u201d or \u201cMicrobility: Mode or Menace,\u201d which was an interactive workshop to reinvent the right-of-way for more than just cars, bikes, and pedestrians.<\/p>\n The event ended with two final sessions covering \u201cDealership Engagement Can Transform the EV Market\u201d and \u201cKeys to Driving 100% Renewable Economy Forward: Solar EV Charging & Community Choice Energy.\u201d<\/p>\n by Lauren Fletcher<\/a><\/p>\n Source:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.automotive-fleet.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Alberto](\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/work-truck-online\/content\/news\/events\/gtse\/2019-gtse\/gtse-ayala-lauren-fletcher-__-720x480-a.jpg\")
Focused Breakout Sessions<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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