As part of the Texas Railroad Commission's (TRC) initiatives to curb engine emissions, the group has imparted a substantial grant to a dealer in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to install propane engines in 17 trucks.

Dan Mowrey, forklift grant coordinator for the TRC, explains that his department was granted $1 million to assist forklift owners in replacing their old internal combustion engines with the new EPA certified, propane units. Remaining dollars in the grant are available to other companies interested in using propane trucks to reduce emissions.

"Replacing the engines is already greatly reducing NOX (nitrogen oxide) emissions," he says. Thus far, grants in other counties have averaged nearly $7,500 per truck, "about one-third of the cost to purchase a lift truck," Mowrey states.

Mowrey explains that as an added incentive for lift truck owners, the propane engines installed are 10% to 20% more energy efficient than their predecessors. And gas powered engines aren't the only systems getting a close look. Propane engines built prior to 2004 have also been replaced, according to Mowrey. His department is awaiting the results of trials for a retrofit kit that would convert older propane engines into low emission models. He adds, "The TRC is very sincere about trying to get more propane-fired vehicles in the marketplace."

To qualify for the grant, end users must agree to specific terms. The truck must stay in its specified work area for five years and incur 9,000 hours of operation. In addition, each unit must be inspected by a railroad-certified engine technician to ensure proper function.

"We are trying to not only get the air clean right now, but keep it clean," he says.