Mammoth Cave reducing energy, fueling park with propane

Park sets model, advances National Park Service Green Parks Plan

(July 14, 2014) — With the donation of propane-powered off-road and stationary equipment from the Propane Education & Research Council, Mammoth Cave National Park has taken important steps to reduce energy consumption at the park and to serve as a model for other national parks across the country.

PERC’s donation of propane-powered equipment totals more than $62,000 and includes three John Deere zero-turn mowers, two Generac portable generators, and a CleanFuel USA propane dispenser featuring eConnect, a fuel network management system for electronic dispensers.

Roy Willis, PERC president and CEO said, “PERC is thrilled to continue advancing Mammoth Cave’s and the National Park Service’s efforts to go green and adopt clean, American fuel. Propane-powered mowers and propane autogas vehicles reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, while at the same time significantly lowering operating costs.”

In addition to PERC’s recent donation of propane-powered infrastructure and equipment, MCNP operates eight propane autogas Bluebird school buses and two propane autogas Roush CleanTech Ford F250 pick-up trucks. From shuttling patrons through the park to heating water and mowing grounds, MCNP provides a green experience for park employees and visitors.