Rep. Case touts propane autogas usage

HARTFORD – When Torrington Public Schools announced it was pouncing on propane autogas school buses, State Rep. Jay Case looked to the administration’s decision as informed — one of reducing emissions and cutting costs in economically challenging times.

Rep. Case, R-63, is a former businessman in the propane industry, a current consumer of the product, and a member of four legislative commissions which intersect with the propane autogas trade. The federally-recognized clean alternative energy is up to 30 percent less harmful than gasoline and averages about $1.50 less per gallon than gasoline.

“As a proponent of fuel choices, including propane, I’m enthused to be joining with members of the propane industry to encourage its use,” Rep. Case said Wednesday during a press conference on the State Capitol complex grounds. “Torrington, which is one of the four towns I’m humbled to represent, will be making giant strides forward, both economically and environmentally, by switching to propane autogas. Other towns and school districts can follow Torrington’s lead – and not just in school buses, but also with trucks, vans and lawn mowers.”

Torrington is reportedly looking to purchase 20 to 30 new school buses equipped with propane autogas.

According to the Propane Gas Association of New England, propane autogas, a safe, non-toxic fuel, burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel fuels that nearly 17 million people use worldwide. In the United States, the propane industry is slowly catching on.

“We need to encourage better economic and environmental choices, and that includes alternative fuel like propane,” Rep. Case said.