Propane: A Solution to Reach Dayton’s Climate Goals

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Dayton Mayor and Council Commissioners learned how propane is helping to clean up the local environment. Dayton resident Brian Buschur showed how propane can play a bigger role in the region’s environmental plans. Learn more: cleanohiopropane.com/dayton-city-commission-meeting/

Data from The U.S. Energy’s Argonne National Labs shows propane’s environmental and financial potential when applied to Dayton’s bus fleet.

Dayton, Ohio, has declared a Climate Emergency and committed to achieving 100% clean, renewable electrical energy by 2050. This link leads to the Miami  Calley Priority Climate Action Plan covering Green, Miami, and Montgomery counties. The plan outlines how the Greater Dayton region will reach its environmental goals.

The plan includes transitioning The Flyer, Dayton’s downtown bus system currently operating on diesel buses, to run on an all-electric route. 


Miami Valley Priority Climate Action Plan cover dated February 15, 2024

However, comparative data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory shows that over a 15-year lifespan, electric buses would cost over $6 million more than propane buses, amounting to a 300% higher cost.

Cost chart comparing 15-year ownership costs for Dayton transit buses using propane, gasoline, diesel, and electric

Cost Source: Federal Department of Transportation, Bus Lifecycle Cost Model for Federal Land Management

Bar chart showing life-cycle savings from switching Dayton para-transit buses to propane versus other fuels

Additionally, electric buses would produce 709 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, compared to 581 metric tons from propane buses.

This shows propane’s potential as a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel choice for Dayton, Ohio’s sustainability objectives. It offers substantial emissions reductions and economic advantages over electric buses.

Bar chart comparing annual emissions from 45 Dayton para-transit buses: propane, diesel, and EV electricity

Cost Source: Federal Department of Transportation, Bus Lifecycle Cost Model for Federal Land Manageme

Sources:
The U.S Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, U.S Department of Transportation’s Fleet Data, Ohio’s Propane Clean Energy, Ohio Fleet Operator Testimonials, Dayton City Council Meeting


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