Several alternative-fuel experts have joined forces to form the Alternative Fuel Training Network, which launched in June on the new website AFVtraining.net.

Professional alternative-fuel fleet training has become necessary since the rise in alternative-fuel vehicles and biofuel vehicles on America’s roadways. And, the federal government predicts U.S. energy production will continue to boom in the coming decades, according to TSN Communications, a full-service consulting company specializing in alternative-fuels communications.

All trainers are nationally recognized experts in their fields, according to Greg Zilberfarb, CEO and president of TSN Communications.

Trainers include:

• Rob Adams who is a licensed professional engineer and certified management accountant. Since 1984, Adams has been involved with the design and installation of nearly 200 compressed natural gas stations.

• Franz Hofmann who has worked in the transportation industry for more than four decades in capacities including diagnostics and repair, training, service and fleet management, and alternative fuels.

• Bill McGlinchey who has more than 30 years of technical automotive experience with the last 20 years dedicated to alternative fuels. He specializes in alternative fuels training, curriculum development, and project management. McGlinchey authored the test that is used in the natural gas cylinder inspection certification.

• Richard Nelson who has more than 24 years of expertise in the biodiesel and bioenergy field and has served as a consultant to Monsanto, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the National Biodiesel Board, among others.

• Jenna Higgins Rose who will lead media training for fleets wanting to maximize their alternative fuel exposure. A former television journalist, she served as director of communications for the National Biodiesel Board for almost 10 years, during which time awareness of biodiesel among consumers rose from 27 percent to 86 percent.

The consortium makes training available for mechanics, drivers, and station operators, allowing fleets to find quality training on the primary alternative fuels in one place, at a reasonable cost, Zilberfarb said.

The new AFVtraining.net website compliments AFVresale.com, a free alternative fuel vehicle website that connects sellers and buyers.