ear Clean Cities Stakeholder:

This summer has become a whirlwind of smiles, laughs, and a few sad good-byes. There was 

President Clinton’s declaration of National Alternative Fuels Week, then Secretary Peña’s address at the

Clean Cities Conference and the “alternative” McLaughlin Group, Cleanest Across America, the National

Partner and Clean Cities Coalition award winners, Capitol Hill sessions, and more than 700 of our closest

friends/supporters that all made for a fantastic Fourth National Clean Cities Conference. We had a great

time as your hosts and are looking forward to a bigger and better conference next year. You’ll find all the

excitement from that first week in June captured in this special conference issue. So please take a look.

After taking a couple of days to recover from the conference “crazies,” my friend and colleague, Jeff Hardy,

Director of the National Clean Cities Program, announced his resignation. I had the pleasure of working

with Jeff for 3 1/2 years. I saw firsthand his vision and commitment to creating a viable alternative fuels 

market through an active and growing Clean Cities network. His work and leadership have helped make

the Clean Cities Program a quality government/industry partnership—one with which I am proud to be

associated (and I’m sure you’d agree). We have many thanks to bestow upon Monsieur Hardy (Jeff will be

moving to France) and we wish him much success.

I do want to assure you that the National Clean Cities Program is in good hands! We have an excellent

team of DOE Regional Support Office Clean Cities staff, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the

staff here at Headquarters. Our priorities will remain the same as those outlined in our Clean Cities Game

Plan 1998/99, including the preferred fleet database for each and every Clean City, the finishing touches on

the AFV Buyer’s Guide, and the Advancing the Choice workshop series, not to mention the formation of

the National Clean Cities nonprofit organization. The remaining months will no doubt be challenging, but

with your support and continued dedication, we can make the Game Plan 1998/99 a winner.

I look forward to celebrating this year’s successes at next year’s National Clean Cities Conference.

Sincerely,

2

Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing 

at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste 

BR-540-25020

July 1998

D

CONTENTS

Marcy A. Rood — 

Deputy Director

National Clean Cities Program 

Peña and Reicher Address Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

National Alternative Fuels Week Proclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Clean Cities Talk Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Clean Cities Table Talks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Five Inducted into the Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Coalition Award Winners Announced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

“Cleanest Across America” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

“Sideshows” Address Issues In-Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Bulletin Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Table Talk Detail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Upcoming Conferences and Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Fourth National Clean Cities Conference Takes the Nation’s Capital by Storm . . . . . . 3

Highlights from the National Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

On the cover - An artistic interpretation

of the events surrounding the Fourth

National Clean Cities Conference held

in Washington, D.C. during the week of

May 31-June 6, 1998. Vehicle and 

luncheon photos courtesy of Don Jones,

ICF Kaiser.

Marcy Rood Jeff Hardy

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06351

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06352
3

The Clean Cities Program answered the President’s call with an action-packed

week of unforgettable ceremonies and activities. From special sessions on

Capitol Hill to a fireworks show and parade down Pennsylvania Avenue,

the Fourth National Clean Cities Conference and Expo took Washington, D.C.,

by storm. The impressive new Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade

Center (one of the largest federal buildings in the country, second only to the

Pentagon) served as the center of the “AFV Village.” Seven hundred conference

participants gathered to share success stories and plan future strategies for building alternative fuel vehicle (AFV)

markets. This year’s conference featured the first personal visit from the former Secretary of Energy, as Federico Peña

addressed the conference in a special “State of the Industry” plenary session.

Special events included a Department of Defense workshop designed to bring its fleet managers up to speed on ways

to continue integrating alternative fuels into federal fleets and how the Clean Cities Program can help. The Natural Gas

Vehicle Coalition sponsored a State Roundtable Meeting to discuss the current issues facing state and local government

advocates of natural gas vehicles. The Electric Transportation Coalition held its Fourth National Electric Vehicle (EV)-Ready

Market Launch Stakeholder meeting to celebrate the past year’s successes in the nation’s EV-ready communities and

strategize for the future. Outside the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Forrestal Building, crowds cheered in the

streets as the 14 university teams competing in the Ethanol Vehicle Challenge raced across the finish line, completing

their 2-day, 600-mile trek from Detroit. And some conference participants enjoyed a “ride and drive” at Bolling Air Force Base,

where they had an opportunity to truly test these vehicles from behind the wheel. All in all, this year’s conference was

one to remember. We’ve captured some of the week’s highlights in the following “top ten” list.

The Fourth National 

Clean Cities Conference 

and Expo Takes the 

Nation’s Capital 

by Storm

“NOW, THEREFORE I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the

United States of America, do hereby proclaim [May 31 through June 6],

1998 as Alternative Fuels Week. I call upon all Americans to observe

this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

- Presidential Proclamation, May 29, 1998

Many conference events were held

in the Ronald Reagan Building,

shown here.

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06270
4

It’s a pretty safe bet that no one in the audience expected to see

National Clean Cities Program Director, Jeff Hardy, dressed in a

flowery bathrobe during the conference’s opening video. But there

he was, smiling and waving a cheerful “Hello” to the video’s narrator,

Tom Gross, DOE’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Technologies, as he brought his recycling bin to the

front of his house, just as he does every week. It was no fashion show, but it clearly illustrated a very important point:

most Americans are willing to make responsible energy choices, even if it means dragging a big plastic bin to the curb in

your bathrobe.

In this lighthearted kickoff to Monday morning’s plenary session, Gross, along with celebrity pals Barney Fife, 

Dr. Spock, Jack Webb, and the Addams Family (from familiar television programs many of us grew up with), used the

recycling movement to illustrate how people are willing to make a little extra effort and even spend a few extra dollars

to save energy and clean the environment. In a walk down memory lane, Gross traced the history of recycling from the

earlier days of the “throw-away lifestyle” through the first government regulations for recycling, all the way up to the

present nationwide network of curbside recycling programs. The similarities between the history of recycling and the

experiences of AFV advocates thus far were evident. “The proponents of recycling faced barriers, just like we have with

alternative fuels,” said Gross. He continued to describe how, similar to those first involved in the recycling movement,

Clean Cities and alternative fuel industry stakeholders are finding working solutions that result in more AFVs on the road

and the construction of more refueling stations. It’s likely to be a while before the decision to purchase an AFV is as

automatic as separating newspapers, bottles, and cans, but recycling has proven that public/private partnerships DO work.

Ford’s Corporate Manager for AFVs, 

William Royle (right), led the presentations.

Stating that Ford is in a leadership position

within the alternative fuel vehicle industry,

Royle gave an overview of Ford’s present and

upcoming models. Ford has increased its AFV

product line from 4 to 11 models; it also offers

more technician training programs. Royle

added that Ford offers many financial 

incentives, which range from $1,500–$5,000.

Forrest Jehlick (pictured above), a student

at the University of California at Riverside,

shared his personal experiences participating in the Ethanol Vehicle Challenge

sponsored by General Motors and DOE.

The 17 universities that competed in the

vehicle challenge were each given one

Chevy Malibu and two engines to rebuild

for dedicated ethanol vehicles. Jehlick’s

heartfelt presentation revealed how he and

his team worked diligently on the vehicle

competition and other vehicle projects

throughout college. As Jehlick prepares

to graduate, his hard work and experience

with the Ethanol Vehicle Challenge have

positioned him to attend one of several

top graduate programs to which he’s

been accepted.

1Lights... Camera...

Recycling... Bathrobes?

2 State of the AFV Industry

In a unique departure from the traditional keynote speech format, 

this year’s conference featured “Academy Awards” style industry 

presentations. In the “State of the Industry” presentations, players from 

inside Washington, D.C., and around the country, from government and 

from industry, each gave updates on their AFV progress and experiences. 

Each reiterated the importance of fulfilling the promise of AFVs, and 

asked for continued support of the alternative fuels industry.

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06265
5

American Honda’s Robert Bienenfeld,

Manager of Market Development—dubbed

“Mr. Clean” in reference to the company‘s

advertising campaign—spoke of the many

surprises that have occurred within the AFV

industry. Bienenfeld described the infrastructure

accomplishments demonstrated by the coastto-coast drive, “Cleanest Across America,” in

the new Honda Compressed Natural Gas

(CNG) Civic GX. He also talked about policy,

public image, competition, and technology. 

“lean, green, fighting machines”

Sherri Goodman, Deputy Under

Secretary of Defense for Environmental

Security, quoted Secretary of Defense William Cohen, who called

AFVs “lean, green, fighting machines.” Goodman explained that the

Department of Defense recognizes how AFVs benefit the environment,

energy security, and the economy. The military has a unique interest in

petroleum logistics and efficiency needs. By 2010, the military hopes to

deploy forces with reduced logistical needs—forces that go further and

faster with less fuel. Given the requirements for greater fuel efficiency

and “stealth” (powerful, with less heat and noise) abilities, AFVs will

continue to loom large on the military’s radar screen. 

Chairman of the White House

Task Force on Climate Change

Dirk Forrister reiterated that the

President and Vice President want

to mirror the Clean Cities approach

in their efforts to reduce the 

transportation industry’s negative

impact on global climate change.

He relayed that the President hopes

to utilize partnerships with key

players to deploy energy-efficient

vehicles in the marketplace, and

challenge industry to reduce

emissions and barriers to new

technologies. Forrister noted that

the President recognizes global

warming as the biggest issue of

the next 20–25 years, and hopes

to retool existing partnerships to

bring solutions to the 2008–2012

climate change reduction goals.

Dick Moreau, Director of Natural

Gas Programs for General Motors

(GM), presented a solid business 

perspective to the audience. Moreau

discussed the importance of 

customer interest, which is needed

to boost the economic, environmental,

and local energy needs. He stressed

the need for customer acceptance

of the vehicles, which in turn would

create more product demand, and

drive down the cost. He concluded

by reiterating GM’s strong commitment to increase production of

AFVs, both in terms of different

models and more vehicles. 

Jane Beseda, Toyota Motors’

Corporate Manager for Strategic

Planning, explained the need to

foster a competitive market for

alternative propulsion systems.

Beseda outlined the different

options available and announced

Toyota’s intention to introduce

the natural gas Camry to the

U.S. market. She also expressed

her belief that hybrids would be

the most probable next step before

fuel cell EVs are ready for the road

in 2004–2006. Beseda emphasized

the importance of a successful

transition from conventional fuels

to alternative fuels to fuel cells. 

“Honda’s CNG Civic GX has set a benchmark as the

cleanest [internal combustion] car on earth, with elegance, 

simplicity, and cost-effectiveness.” —Robert Bienenfeld

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06309

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06308
6

In a first-time personal appearance at a Clean

Cities conference by the former Secretary of

Energy, Federico Peña delivered a special

message from President Clinton declaring the

week as “National Alternative Fuels Week”

(see next page). Secretary Peña stressed the

importance of a comprehensive energy security

strategy for the country by “learning the geology

before the earthquake” of an oil crisis, which

could come at any time. Peña expressed the

need to expand future energy choices because

we are at 3% of our 10% Energy Policy Act of 1992 goal set for 2000.

“We are on a mission to achieve fundamental changes in transportation,”

he said, and continued by introducing two new programs to target these efforts,

the EV loaner program and the E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) Action

Plan. The Secretary’s final words emphasized the need to carry on the

message that alternative fuels are a part of our national energy strategy. 

The Director of Natural

Gas Engine Development for

John Deere, Tom Cummings,

announced a new engine—

the 6.8-liter natural gas engine

with diesel-like fuel economy

and extended oil maintenance

intervals. The new engine is

ideal for school buses, shuttle

buses, and Class 6 and 7 pick-up

trucks. In addition to meeting

the Clean Fuel Fleet and

EPAct standards, the new

engine operates below 

emissions levels required in

California. John Deere is still

working on infrastructure

development and funding

availability. Cummings

expressed the hope that 

government/industry 

partnerships will help this

market take off.

Richard Wilson, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Assistant Administrator

for Air and Radiation, told the audience that 45 urban areas still do not meet air quality standards.

Wilson shared that in an effort to reduce emissions by 50%, EPA is considering tightening emissions

and fuel standards for 2004. He expressed the need to hasten the use of alternative fuel technologies,

and also stressed that the transportation sector must play an important role.

DOE’s Assistant Secretary Dan Reicher was the final speaker to address

the state of the industry. He spoke of the critical need for action and results,

specifically from the public. DOE’s challenges are getting more AFVs on the

road and ensuring more fuels are available to support them. Reicher said, 

“It is the time to raise the profile of alternative fuels in state capitals and in

Congress. We need to define a vision that Clean Cities can accomplish in the

next decade.” 

“My challenge to you is to create

100% niche market penetration 

in each of the Clean Cities. Let’s 

each identify a market, set a target, 

and go for it. And, as an incentive, 

we will orient the 1999 State Energy

Program to reward this challenge. 

This is our long-term challenge. 

I invite each of you to participate. 

I invite each of you to have a hand 

in designing an Energy Department 

program that meets your needs.”

—Dan Reicher

“Clean Cities is the most

important thing for Detroit,”

said Corporate Manager for

Alternative Fuels at the Chrysler

Corporation Mike Clement.

Because there will be 150,000

Chrysler minivan flexible-fuel

vehicles on the road this year,

and because E85 vehicles will

pull ahead in the market to be #1

in production volume, more

ethanol pumps are needed at

retail gas stations. Clement challenged the audience by 

closing with a well-received

question: “if Honda can get a

vehicle across the country, can’t

you get your customers to drive

one across town?”

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06254

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06350
3 Clean Cities Receives Presidential Recognition

During his “State of the Industry” keynote presentation, former Secretary Peña announced

that on the eve of May 29, President Clinton signed a proclamation officially declaring the 

week of May 31–June 6 (the week of the Clean Cities Conference), National Alternative Fuels Week.

The Presidential Proclamation calls for the increased use of AFVs, and recognizes the efforts of

Clean Cities stakeholders across the country who are working to build a “transportation system

for our Nation that meets the energy, economic, and environmental needs of Americans today 

and of generations yet to come.” In addition to supporting the use of alternative fuels, this

announcement sends a signal to Clean Cities stakeholders everywhere that their work 

is not going unnoticed. The Clean Cities message is reaching more and more people across the 

country, and has captured the attention of the President of the United States.

7
8

The Clean Cities Talk Show, or “alternative McLaughlinGroup,” gave the audience a unique opportunity to

learn the inside story on alternative fuels from the Clinton

Administration, private industry, and the United States

Congress. In his opening remarks, McLaughlin said he had

accepted the assignment to participate in the conference

because he wanted an issue that was “from a world view

and from a policy view, very important, very contentious,

and very complex.” Issue number one was just that:

“Alternative Fuels...Economy Buster or Oil Bluster?” The

four panelists delved into issues that surround the finite

supply of oil, the energy security of the United States, and

the potential of a war for oil. “Oil is a one time windfall,”

said Reicher, DOE’s Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency

and Renewable Energy. Congressman Nussle expanded on

Reicher’s remark, saying the inevitable depletion of oil is

like a fight over who needs it and who has it. “The next

series of wars is going to be largely economic. It’s not going

to be territorial...it won’t be a land grab,” said Nussle. The

group agreed that national security is directly connected to

oil, but with the price of gasoline at an unprecedented low,

a rallying cry is needed to alert the nation to its decreasing

oil supply and to boost alternative fuels as a commercially

viable option.

McLaughlin directed the next question, “Issue NumberTwo: Clean Air or Environmental Scare?” to Margo

Oge, director of EPA’s Office of Mobile Sources. Oge stated

that she believes clean air

issues are a major driver

for alternative fuels, and

EPA’s intention is to be a

leader in the development of the alternative fuels market.

The discussion then turned to the viability of each alternative

fuel, and whether there is a single best prospect. Potts, Vice

President of Environment, for PEPCO, discussed the benefits

of electric vehicles. Nussle expressed his belief that non-fossilbased renewable alternatives such as ethanol show the most

promise. McLaughlin shared his satisfaction with a CNG

vehicle, relating his experience with the Honda CNG Civic

GX, which he drove on loan during the week prior to the

conference. Reicher offered the more fuel-neutral standpoint

that different niche markets warrant different fuels, and that

there may not be one “best” alternative fuel to meet the 

country’s diverse needs. Oge agreed, adding that using any

alternative fuel is better than sticking with conventional fuels

and choosing no alternative at all.

The floor then opened for questions, and the discussiongrew even livelier. A debate over legislation for all

alternative fuels and the “exoticness” of fuel cells and 

other advanced technology vehicles proved thought provoking as well as entertaining. Watch out, Cliff and

Kondracke, the “alternative McLaughlin Group” may be

ready for prime time!

4 ISSUE NUMBER ONE...

The crowd fell silent, as one of television’s best-known and boldest political talk show hosts walked

across the stage and settled into his chair. But this time, instead of his regular group, Eleanor Cliff

and Morton Kondracke, John McLaughlin was joined by DOE’s Dan Reicher, EPA’s Margo Oge,

Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA), and Jim Potts of Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO). 

And then, as if his entrance had not already grabbed the audience’s attention, McLaughlin’s wellknown, booming voice called the session to order, “ISSUE NUMBER ONE...”

CLEAN CITIES TABLE TALKS

John McLaughlin hosted the

unique “Clean Cities Talk Show.”

The national conference has always been a hallmark of the

Clean Cities Program, and in just 4 short years it has evolved

to become a premier event for the alternative fuels industry.

Each year you can expect something new—an approach more

different and innovative than the typical “talking head” format. In Atlanta, it was the “Carson-esque” talk show. In

Long Beach, it was the training workshop focus. This year,

the word was “table talk.”

The basic premise of the table talk format is to allow

conference participants to learn about what’s important to

them. By providing an opportunity to pick and choose

from a host of topics and to do it in a way that maximizes

networking time and fosters more focused, intimate 

discussions, the results will carry over into working 

relationships and productive partnerships back at the office.

Clean Cities table talk sessions were held all 3 days of the

conference in multiple, half-hour time frames. Attendees

5

could migrate from table to table and engage experts in

one-on-one personal discussions on topics including niche

markets for AFVs, air quality data, training, EPAct and the

federal fleet requirements, products from the automakers, and

two new Clean Cities products—the Customer Identification

Database and AFV Fleet Buyer’s Guide. (See page 13 for a

complete list of table talk sessions and contact information.)

Although no one knew what to expect with this nontraditional format, participants seemed to enjoy planning

their own agendas and discussing the issues with table

talk presenters on a more personal level. 

For more information on table talk presentations and

for conference proceedings, check out the Clean Cities

Web site at www.ccities.doe.gov or call the National

Alternative Fuels Hotline at 800-423-1DOE.

For more detailed information about the table talk presentations, go to page 13.

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06307
7Meetings on the Hill

6 Five New National Partners

Enter the Clean Cities Hall of Fame

On Tuesday, conference participants loaded onto CNG buses (provided

by Deere Power Systems/BlueBird, Virginia Power/Advanced Vehicle

Systems, Inc., and Montgomery County, Maryland) and cruised through

downtown Washington, D.C., toward Capitol Hill. Once seated in the

auditorium of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, we heard from

Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT),

National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Director Admiral

Richard Truly, and Brian Castelli, DOE’s Chief of Staff for Energy

Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Congressman Boehlert spoke of his personal connection to the Clean Cities Program—his Congressional District is

home to Assistant Secretary of Energy Dan Reicher as well as Orion Bus Manufacturing, one of the leading alternative

fuel bus manufacturers. “I guess I am just once again proving the adage that all politics is local,” he said. Boehlert continued

by briefing the audience on the passage of the transportation bill TEA-21, which, according to Boehlert, is called “Green

Tea” because “we actually managed to craft an environmentally friendly transportation bill.” He mentioned that under

TEA-21, funds and grants are provided for municipalities to maintain and purchase alternative fuel, low emissions 

transit buses, and refueling facilities. The Congressman concluded by saying that TEA-21 will continue funding for alternative

fuel projects for the next 6 years, and that this time must be used to deepen the support for alternative fuel programs.

Senator Dodd proudly spoke of the five Clean Cities in his Connecticut district and the connection he feels with the

Clean Cities Program. He was quick to stress that “the environment is ultimately a local issue. We can talk about the 

environment all we want in Washington or Kyoto, but if people in cities and towns across the country aren’t putting

these ideas into practice, all the talk and good ideas in the world will be rendered meaningless.” He complimented the

Clean Cities Program for prompting people to think differently about our “sources of energy and about the way that public

and private sectors work together.”

Truly said that our “world is more fragile today with our current situation regarding dependence on foreign oil.” He

continued by giving his local perspective. Denver, Colorado, currently has several thousand AFVs and more than 150 refueling

stations; they hope to dramatically increase those numbers in the next 3 years. Truly highlighted NREL’s willingness to do

more to support the Clean Cities Program and alternative fuels through its research and development efforts, hotline,

Web sites, and Clean Cities efforts.

Hall of

Fame

Once a year the Clean Cities Program inducts “National Partners” into its Hall of

Fame. The prestigious National Partner Awards are given to praise the outstanding

alternative fuel and vehicle contributions made by companies, cities, and states.

Brian Castelli, DOE’s Chief of Staff for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,

presented the awards honoring those Clean Cities Partners that stepped up to build

new alternative fuel markets using the Clean Cities Partnership approach to help 

create a legacy for the alternative fuel vehicle industry. Here are this year’s winners:

General Motors for efforts in the alternative vehicle markets: EV1, S10 pickup, bifuel

CNG Chevy Cavalier, bifuel CNG pickup. Also for re-entering the CNG market and for

sponsoring the Ethanol Vehicle Challenge.

Governors’ Ethanol Coalition for supporting expansion of ethanol (E85) refueling infrastructure.

American Honda for the Mr. Clean advertisements, and the first mass-produced dedicated AFV with 200–260 mile

range, 1/10th the emission levels of the Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle standard, no evaporative emissions, and superior

fuel economy—the CNG Civic GX.

New York City Clean Taxi Program for putting 600 CNG taxis on the streets of New York by the year 2000.

State of California for 12 Clean Cities Coalitions, the California Energy Commission’s leadership, the Department of

General Services’ efforts in promoting electric vehicles, CNG, and M85, the Sacramento EV Pilot Project, and the air 

district’s support of the local Clean Cities Coalitions. 

Congressman Boehlert (left) and Senator Dodd

(right) address the audience during a session

at the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

9

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06312Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06315
10

8 Clean Cities Coalition 

Award Winners

Announced at 

Postal Square Hall

On Tuesday evening, announcements of

the 1998 Clean Cities Coalition award winners

resonated throughout the marble hallways of

the Historic Lobby at Postal Square Hall—

graciously provided by U.S. Postal Service.

DOE’s Deputy Assistant Secretary Tom Gross

presented 11 Clean Cities Coordinators with

the coveted trophy as interested onlookers

feasted on gourmet finger food, courtesy of

Toyota Motors. The Clean Cities Coalition

awards recognize achievements made in

1997. The awardees were chosen through the

reporting interviews conducted with each

Clean Cities Coordinator earlier this year.

(See box at right for winners.)

9Cleanest Across America

After being the first person to solo across the

country in a natural gas vehicle using only

publicly accessible refueling stations, Bill

Fairbairn was enthusiastic about joining us at

his final destination—the National Clean Cities

Conference in Washington, D.C. Fairbairn drove

the new Honda CNG Civic GX from Sacramento,

California, to Washington, D.C., in 7 days with

very few bumps in the road. In preparation for

the trip, Fairbairn researched the refueling sites

he’d use along the way. He also relied on the

detailed maps of the CNG refueling sites

compiled by DOE’s National Renewable Energy

Laboratory, saying they were “a must for planning a trip with an AFV.” After the

journey, Fairbairn said, “I forgot I

was driving an alternative-fueled 

vehicle.” At the luncheon on Monday

(sponsored by Honda), Fairbairn

was welcomed and congratulated

by David Rodgers, Director of

DOE’s Office of Technology

Utilization (OTU). 

Fairbairn also logged his travels

along the way to let everyone know

how his journey was progressing.

You can find his travel log on the

Clean Cities Web site at 

www.ccities.doe.gov/cleanest.html

or contact him at his office, the

California Natural Gas Vehicle

Coalition (NGVC), at 916-448-5036.

1998 Clean Cities Coalition Award Winners

• Chicago Area Clean Cities Program—Empire Award for adding the most

stakeholders/building an empire. In 1997, Chicago Clean Cities added 

40 new stakeholders to its coalition.

• Salt Lake Clean Cities—A Few Good Fleets Award for adding the largest

number of private “few good” fleets to the coalition. Of the 26 new 

stakeholders added to the Salt Lake City coalition in 1997, 21 were private

entities.

• Albuquerque Clean Cities Program—Fleet Finder Award for the best fleet

identification system. Albuquerque developed a program to access data

from the State Motor Vehicle Department that includes data in 15 different

fields, including fuel type, vehicle weight, and type of vehicle.

• Delaware Clean State Program—Gold Star Award for the coalition with

the greatest percentage increase in the number of AFV refueling sites.

In 1997, Delaware went from 10 to 24 AFV refueling sites, a 140% increase.

• Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition and Clean Communities of

Central New York—Legal Eagle Award for supporting AFV legislation in

1997. The Long Island and Central New York Coordinators were particularly

active on a Business Task Force that educated Albany lawmakers about

the need for a New York State AFV tax incentive package. This legislation

has put in place a 60% credit on the incremental cost of AFV acquisition

and a 50% credit for an EV, for a maximum of $5,000. The legislation also

provides for a 50% tax credit on the construction of an alternative fuel

station.

• Coachella Valley Clean Region and Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities

Program—Madison Avenue Award for outstanding public outreach 

programs. Coachella Valley’s efforts include a color newsletter that is

also published as a full-page ad in the local newspaper, an Earth Day

event with celebrity participation, a prestigious annual awards ceremony

for local AFV standout organizations (awards are presented by prominent

local celebrities and the winners are featured on television), press coverage,

and tours and events for local officials. Greater Philadelphia outreach

efforts include a newsletter, Web site, workshops, press coverage, 

displays at conferences, Earth Day awards, and a legislative conference.

The coalition also won the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental

Excellence because of its active communications campaign.

• Clean Cities Atlanta—Movers & Shakers Award for the coalition with

the largest increase in alternative fuel vehicles. In 1997, Atlanta stakeholders added 1,109 AFVs to their fleets and 36 new AFV refueling sites.

• Paso del Norte Clean Cities Coalition—Rainmaker Award for leveraging

the most funds from outside sources. In 1997, the Paso del Norte coalition

increased its budget from $90,000 to $620,000, including grants, money for

AFV projects, and in-kind contributions. It also manages the distribution of

$1,000,000 in CMAQ funding for AFV projects.

• Red River Valley Clean Cities—Triumph over Adversity Award for triumph

over seemingly insurmountable odds. In 1997, the Grand Forks, North Dakota,

area survived blizzards in the winter, and floods and fires in the spring

and summer. Despite natural disasters, the Red River Valley Clean Cities

Coalition is still supporting AFVs as part of its efforts to rebuild the 

community.

Bill Fairbairn (right) is congratulated by

David Rodgers for his successful trip across

America driving a CNG-fueled vehicle.

“...3,648 miles, 22 refueling stops, 15 different

states, 9 Clean Cities regions or cities, and

a whole lot of appreciation for the cleanest

trip ever across America.”

—Bill Fairbairn

Don Jones, ICF Kaiser/PIX 06311
11

Many attendees extended their stay in the nation’s capital

after the Clean Cities Conference to participate in the final

public hearing for the local government and private fleet rule

(see Alternative Fuel News, Vol. 2, No. 2). The hearing room at

DOE was packed with familiar faces—Clean Cities coordinators

and stakeholders, including school district, utility, and state energy

office representatives, and fleet managers—people recognized

as alternative fuel industry leaders in their Clean Cities and

their states.

Tom Gross, DOE’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Technologies, served as the hearing’s primary official.

Joining him from DOE were David Rodgers, Director, Office

of Technology Utilization; Ken Katz, Program Manager for

EPAct Compliance and Rulemaking; Paul McArdle, Program

Manager for EPAct Implementation and Analytical Support;

and Vivian Lewis, Attorney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel.

In general, speakers seemed concerned about the broad

scope of public issues associated with transportation fuels;

they were not there simply to defend or promote their own

self-interests. “I’m here to let DOE know that there are some

success stories out there,” said Larry Rodriguez, from the CNG/

Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Alternative Fuels Technician

Training Program for Tulsa Public Schools. “We see the cost

savings. We have a duty and a responsibility to get the cleanest

technology and to ensure cost savings, reduced maintenance

costs, and driver acceptance,” he said.

Most speakers felt that mandates would result in greater

petroleum displacement and succeed in increasing the number

of AFVs on the road only if accompanied by financial

incentives, and only if compliance is strongly enforced.

Many of them also support voluntary alternative fuel use

in private, but felt encouragement by way of a strong package

of incentives would be helpful. However, speakers overwhelmingly believed government fleets at all levels, including

municipal, should be required by law to acquire AFVs.

Mandates for transit bus and commercial urban vehicles, such

as delivery trucks, were also suggested. AFV credits were

also mentioned as a way to ensure alternative fuel use. In

the proposed system, dedicated vehicle owners would receive

more credits than flexible-fuel vehicle owners and the

credit system would be based on fuel consumption rather

than vehicle acquisition. 

The public comment period closed on July 16. DOE now

has until May 1, 1999, to review the comments, decide

whether or not to move forward with a rulemaking, and

publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) —a draft

rule that would outline the specifics of any proposed 

regulatory program. The final rulemaking deadline is

January 1, 2000. Stay tuned to upcoming issues of 

Alternative Fuel News for details.

10 Sideshows

Bulletin Board

Look for more information on other relevant topics in upcoming issues of AFN...

memo: Familiar Faces Speak Their Minds

At the same time the table talks were being held, the

“sideshows” were taking place. The sideshows were more

in-depth presentations discussing issues that affect the

AFV industry. The different shows (see box at right) covered

several issues, including “Ethanol Infrastructure for the

Next Millennium—Implementing the E85 Action Plan.”

Nebraska’s Governor E. Benjamin Nelson spoke on the

ethanol panel that was hosted by David Rodgers, Director of

DOE’s Office of Technology Utilization. Nelson gave a

wonderful speech about the history and ongoing efforts of

the ethanol industry. “The future belongs to those who

prepare for it today,” he stated. He continued to explain

that although the benefits of ethanol for each state differ

among clean air, environmental compliance, and jobs,

ethanol is the common solution. He strongly supports the

jointly developed E85 Action Plan to expand the number of

ethanol refueling stations, and suggested that the market

base for E85 vehicles must expand beyond government use.

Another exciting sideshow featured “Clean Cities

Coordinators—Best Practices,” which highlighted how 

coalitions succeeded in getting more AFVs on the road,

expanding infrastructure, and building coalition strength and

political support. It was a great opportunity to hear from

the Clean Cities Coordinators—Carlon Bennett, Kent Igleheart,

Melissa Howell, George Nichols, Tracy Daly, and David

Byerman—regarding their experiences with many innovative

programs they’ve implemented.

For more information on the sideshow presentations, go

to the Clean Cities Web site at www.ccities.doe.gov.

SIDESHOWS

How to Acquire AFVs from the General Services

Administration

•

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Issues

•

Clean Cities Coordinators—Best Practices

•

Creating EV-Ready Communities

•

Ethanol Infrastructure for the Next Millennium—

Implementing the E85 Action Plan

•

Advanced Technology Vehicles for the 21st Century

•

Renewables Research and Development/E85

•

International Panel
12

If you were asked why fleet managers are reluctant to

acquire electric vehicles, what would you say? The cost is

too high? Yes, it is high, but that’s not what stops most fleet

managers from using EVs. The range is too short? Yes,

compared to most conventional vehicles, that’s true, but in

many cases it’s adequate to fulfill fleet vehicle missions. If

you answered that it’s because EVs are an unfamiliar 

technology, you would be right.

Fleet managers don’t want to compromise their fleet’s ability

to fulfill its mission by acquiring a vehicle with which they have

little experience and little or no knowledge about, especially

if it costs more than a conventional vehicle. That’s why DOE,

PEPCO, and Ford Motor Company have teamed up to 

establish an EV Loaner Program for federal fleets in the

Washington, D.C., area.

This EV Loaner Program will allow federal fleets, which

have an interest in EVs and have duty cycles that may suit

EVs, to try an electric Ford Ranger pickup for 30 days with

no obligation. After this loaner period, the fleet will then have

an opportunity to sign a 3-year lease for electric Rangers.

Incentives from Ford and DOE will bring the lease rate for

an electric Ranger down to below $450/month and PEPCO

will install as much as $2,000 of infrastructure per EV leased,

at no charge to the leasing fleet.

The program was officially kicked off with a formal signing

ceremony on May 21, 1998. The event featured former

Secretary of Energy Peña, PEPCO CEO John Derrick, and

Ford AFV Program Manager John Wallace. The first loaner

vehicles are expected in early July and fleets are already being

signed up for the program. If you are interested in enrolling

in the program, or just want more information, contact

Bonnie Grazianno of PEPCO at 202-872-2973. And federal

fleet managers, remember that each EV acquired by a federal

fleet counts as two AFV credits under Executive Order 13031.

DOE is working to replicate this program nationwide, so

stay tuned for news of EV loaners in your area.

If you’d like to get the most up-to-date facts on incentives

for and laws governing alternative fuels, the online Guide

to Alternative Fuel Incentives and Laws is your best bet. The

Guide is updated frequently, and changes are incorporated

almost as soon as they occur. We are currently updating the

hard-copy document and plan to publish a limited quantity.

To access the Web site, go to www.fleets.doe.gov. If you’d

like a free hard copy of your state’s laws and incentives, or

the most current federal facts, please call 800-CCITIES, or

send e-mail to ccities@nrel.gov.

If you find incorrect or missing information in the online

version or the hard copy of the Guide, please contact the

National Conference of State Legislatures at 303-830-2200 

x 253, or e-mail afv_inlaws@afdc.nrel.gov.

Bulletin Board continued

memo: EV Loaner Program 

memo: Fleet Buyer’s Guide 

memo: Incentives and Laws 

In case you haven't already discovered this valuable tool

...the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Buyer's Guide Web site

(www.fleets.doe.gov) offers lots of information on current

incentives and laws that help to take the guesswork out 

of acquiring alternative fuel vehicles. Federal and state

regulations and laws may be requiring more public agencies

and private companies to add alternative fuel vehicles to

their fleets. To help you meet those requirements, we've

developed this site to give you all the information you

need, right at your fingertips.

You can use it to:

• Learn what regulations and incentives apply to you

• See specifications on available alternative fuel vehicles

• View dealer information

• Make vehicle purchase decisions

• See refueling site locations

and much more!

Bookmark this Web site! www.fleets.doe.gov.
TABLE TALK DETAIL

13

Table 1: Training - Using Clean

Cities Customer Identification

Systems (CIS)

Discussion Leader: Mike Laughlin,

Engineer, QSS Group Inc.

Clean Cities Customer ID System: what

it is, what it contains, and what it can do

for Clean Cities Coordinators. A

demonstration of CIS will be included.

Table 2: Influence the AFV Choice-

"AFV Fleet Buyer's Guide"

Discussion Leader: Cynthia Riley,

Manager, Alternative Fuels Data

Center, NREL

A web-based guide to help take the

guesswork out of acquiring AFVs.

Learn about regulations, incentives,

specifics on available AFVs, how to

find refueling sites, and more.

Table 3: Natural Gas

Discussion Leader: Rich Kolodziej,

President, Natural Gas Vehicle

Coalition (NGVC)

Natural gas vehicle availability,

upcoming technological improvements, the role of natural gas in

hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, incentives and initiatives, marketing targets and public awareness.

Table 4: E-85 (Infrastructure Plans)

Discussion Leader: Philip Lampert,

Project Coordinator, NEVC

A discussion focusing on the strategic plans for increasing E85 use.

Plans include developing and applying E85 efforts for a "Model Cities"

program-the first three cities include

Minneapolis, Chicago, and Denver.

Table 5: Propane

Discussion Leader: Joe Colaneri,

Executive Director, Propane Vehicle

Council, and Bob Myers, Technical

Consultant, Propane Vehicle Council

Current goals of the Propane Vehicle

Council in the areas of development,

demonstration and marketing, and legislative plans for future impact on developing propane motor fuel markets.

Table 6: M-85

Discussion Leader: Gregory A.

Dolan, Director of Communications,

American Methanol Institute

Methanol as an alternative fuel, an

additive in cleaner-burning gasolines,

and the hydrogen carrier of choice

for fuel-cell vehicles.

Table 7: Biodiesel

Discussion Leader: Russell Teall,

Director of Legislative Affairs,

Biodiesel Development Corporation

Table 8: EPAct - Fuel Provider -

State Compliance/ANOPR

Discussion Leader: Kenneth Katz,

Project Manager, EPAct Rulemaking

and Compliance Assurance, 

U.S. DOE

An update on the Alternative Fuel

Transportation Program with a status

report on compliance by fuel providers

and state fleets and other relevant

issues.

Table 9: EPAct - Section 506

Report

Discussion Leader: Richard

Bechtold, Senior Project Manager,

QSS Group Inc.

An explanation of the EPAct 506

report, its background, findings, key

issues, and perspectives.

Table 10: OTU 1998 Program/

Budget

Discussion Leader: David Rodgers,

Director, Office of Technology

Utilization, U.S. DOE

Table 11: Clean Cities Success

Story: Using GIS/ArcView to

Increase AFVs on Road

Discussion Leader: Lynn Richards,

Environmental Planner, Metropolitan

Washington Alternative Fuels

Partnership

With the New York Avenue corridor

as a pilot region, this project details

routes traveled by private fleets,

which are then overlaid with existing

AFV infrastructure to show ease of

using AFVs for private fleets.

Table 12: Urban Consortium 

Discussion Leader: Larry

Blackstead, author, Greening the

Fleet, A Local Government Guide to

Alternative Fuels & Vehicles

Alternative Fuel Vehicles, local experience, review of research from urban

consortium energy task force grants.

Table 13: Market Sector - Taxi

Discussion Leader: Mark Simon,

Alternative Fuels Program,

Department of Transportation, NY

Table 14: Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Discussion Leader: Thomas E.

Cummings, Business Manager, OnHighway Natural Gas Engine, Deere

Power Systems Group 

Table 15: Marine Corps Success

Stories/Army Success Stories

Discussion Leaders: Charlie Smith,

Senior Program Management

Analyst, Marine Corps

Gary W. Funk, Department Head,

Base Motor Transport, Marine Corps

Dave Fuchs, Traffic Management

Specialist, Army

An explanation of what the department is, a situation analysis, the

strategic approach, the status of the

AFV fleet, a success story, and the

AFV procurement plan.

Table 16: Advanced Diesel

Technologies

Discussion Leader: John Fairbanks,

Program Manager, Light Truck

Diesel Engines, U.S. DOE

Diesel engine emissions have been

reduced by 90% over past 10 years.

Advantages of diesel vs. gasoline

engines, including lower CO2 emissions.

Table 17: Liquid Biomass-Based

Fuels

Discussion Leader: Rick Andlinger,

President, Pure Energy

Can liquid biomass-based alternative

motor fuels be engineered and produced in a cost-competitive fashion?

A case study of Pure Energy's 

P-series non-petroleum alternative

fuel.

Table 18: EPA's Clean Fuel Vehicle

Program 

Discussion Leader: Sally Newstead,

Environmental Protection Specialist,

U.S. EPA

Useful information for fleet operators

and other interested parties covered

by the federal Clean Fuel Vehicle

Program that will be implemented

September 1, 1998, along with contact

information for each covered area.

Table 19: Environmental Benefits

(Air Quality Data)

Discussion Leader: Alex Farrell,

Ph.D., Principal, Energy &

Environmental Research Association

The current emission profiles of

AFVs and the status of relevant air

quality regulations in the U.S.

Table 20: Model Procurement

Plan, Purchasing of AFVs 

Discussion Leader: Susan Ghertner,

Director, Alternative Fuels Division,

Texas General Land Office

A model plan to acquire AFVs based on

Houston's strategic planning process,

which includes the procurement process,

incentives, and recruitment.

Table 21: Fleet Resources &

Services

Discussion Leader: Nivedita

Agnihotri, Fleet Consultant, CALSTART & Mark Kragen, Program

Associate, CALSTART

How fleets can use existing database information on clean fuel vehicles and related infrastructure to successfully deploy clean fuel vehicles.

Table 22: Electric Station Cars

Discussion Leader: Marty Bernard,

Executive Director, National Station

Car Association

The status of current demonstrations

and the expected evolution of the

electric station car.

Table 23: Benefits of AFV Emissions

Reductions: Regulated & Real

Discussion Leaders: Dan Santini,

Section Manager, Argonne National

Laboratory/Steve Howards, President,

Environmental Strategies CPP Inc.

The value of emissions reductions

achieved by AFVs is discussed,

along with a summary on how emissions reductions are credited and

valued through the existing and

evolving regulatory structure.

Table 24: Ford Motor Company/

Hitting the Bull’s-Eye with Events 

Discussion Leader: Natalie Weimer,

AFV Strategic Event Palnner, Ford

Motor Company

How Ford Dealers and Clean Cities

Coordinators can work together.

Table 25: MEMO - 1A

Discussion Leader: Richard

Ackerman, Senior Environmental

Engineer, U.S. EPA

The evolution of EPA's tampering

enforcement policy for alternative fuel

after-market conversion systems.

Table 26: Training - Land Use

Planning

Discussion Leader: Ward Huffman,

Senior Financial Specialist, Center

for Sustainable Development

Table 27: Marketing Clean

Vehicles

Discussion Leader: Martin Thomas,

ACEEE

Monday - June 1, 1998*

*Please Note: Some Table Talks 

were not held.
14

TABLE TALK DETAIL

Tuesday - June 2, 1998*

Table 1: Clean Cities Success

Story: D.C. Gas and Utility Fleet 

Discussion Leader: Ron Flowers,

Fleet Manager, District of Columbia

Discussion of methods found successful in funding alternative fuel

mandates for the District of Columbia

government.

Table 2: AFVs to Help Mitigate Air

Pollution and Congestion

Discussion Leader: Jill Kruse,

Research Coordinator, Surface

Transportation Policy Project

The partnership between AFVs and

the Intermodal Surface Transportation

Efficiency Act (ISTEA), what funding

exists for AFVs and what programs

in ISTEA mitigate air pollution.

Table 3: Market Sector - School Bus

Discussion Leader: Joe Kiefer,

Southern Indiana Gas & Electric 

Evansville-Vanderbergh School's

conversion to natural gas buses, why

it doesn't work in every location, the

financing, and how to keep on the

program.

Table 4: Market Sector - School Bus

Discussion Leader: Doug Lowell,

Technical Director, EA Engineering,

Science, and Technology

An overview of alternative fuel school

bus activities around the U.S. Issues

addressed include technology status,

commercial availability, choice of

fuels, funding support, air quality

impact, and more.

Table 5: Market Sector - Airport

Discussion Leader: Steve Howards,

President, Environmental Strategies

CPP Inc.

Examining the role airports play in

expanding AFV use, reducing air pollution, and expanding regional fueling infrastructure.

Table 6: Market Sector - Airport

Discussion Leader: Doug Wheaton,

Project Manager, Transportation,

Massachusetts Port Authority

Table 7: EPAct - Federal Fleet

Status

Discussion Leader: Lee Slezak,

Program Manager, U.S. DOE

How federal agencies' AFV requirements and compliance with EPAct

and Executive Order 13031 are

determined. In addition, a summary

of AFV acquisitions by the federal

fleet and projections of future federal

AFV acquisitions will be provided.

Table 8: Market Sector - USPS 

Discussion Leader: Ron Robbins,

Environmental Compliance

Coordinator, National Programs,

United States Postal Service

Table 9: Electric Charger Project

for the Pentagon

Discussion Leader: Ted Reed,

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Action

Officer, U.S. Air Force

Table 10: Training - Obtaining

Nonprofit Status

Discussion Leader: Peter C. Wolk,

Esquire, Center for Nonprofit Law

How to become a nonprofit organization, obtain charitable funding, and

make coalitions attractive to potential

donors.

Table 11: Training - Fundraising

Discussion Leader: Carlon R. Bennett,

Clean Cities Coordinator, Paso Del

Norte Clean Cities Coalition

Table 12: AFVs and Sustainability

Discussion Leader: George L.

Nichols, Metropolitan Washington

Clean Cities Coordinator

Exploring the linkage between sustainable community development

and AFVs and ways to capitalize on

both emerging issues.

Table 13: Training - Ways to Partner

with your State Energy Office

Discussion Leader: Ruth Horton,

Program Manager, NY State Energy

Research & Development Authority

A discussion of the role a state energy

office can play in facilitating the success of Clean Cities programs, using

the example of NYSERDA's work with

New York State Clean Cities.

Table 14: Training - Joining Clean

Cities

Discussion Leader: Christy Ficker,

National Clean Cities Program, U.S DOE

How to join Clean Cities, the process

of program plan development, and the

designation and approval process.

Table 15: Training - Grant Writing

for Private Foundation Funds

Discussion Leader: Warren B.

Clayton, Development Counsel

The techniques of donor research,

effectively involving program personnel in proposal development, drafting

the basic elements of the proposal,

and appropriate follow-up with the

donor.

Table 16: Training - Media Relations

Discussion Leader: Scott Rayburn,

Principal, Synthesis Business

Communication Services

The tools, techniques, and strategies

that enable Clean Cities advocates to

work with the news media to achieve

communication and publicity goals.

Table 17: Educating in Schools

Discussion Leader: Dave Goldstein,

AFV Program Manager, Booz-Allen

and Hamilton

Table 18: Educating in Schools

Discussion Leader: Jim Lester,

Ph.D., Director, Environmental

Institute of Houston

Table 19: Educating in Schools

Discussion Leader: Jerry Katz,

President, National Energy

Education Development Project

Table 20: Training - Grass Roots

Coalition Building

Discussion Leader: Tommy Foltz,

President, Clean Fuels Strategies

Come learn about the power of

grass roots activism. Clean Cities

can learn how to make a favorable

impact on policy at the state and

local levels.

Table 21: Training - "Let's Talk AFVs"

Discussion Leader: David Byerman,

Executive Director, Greater

Philadelphia Clean Cities, Inc.

An introduction to the general concepts behind successful speechwriting and delivery, applied to the specific challenge of speaking about AFVs

Table 22: Barwood Cab Focus Fleet 

Discussion Leader: Peg Whalen,

Senior Engineer, NREL

The real-world experience of CNG

vehicles in the Barwood Cab fleet,

including a review of project results

through the midway point of the study.

Table 23: Training - Alternative

Fuel Technicians

Discussion Leader: Don Dew,

ASE/NATEF

The availability of training to prepare

technicians to work on AFVs, the

national certification of AFV training,

and scholarships to pay for such

training.

Table 24: Training - EV Technician

Training

Discussion Leader: Sandra Stephens,

Business & Industry Director, Mid-Del

Lewis Eubanks AVTS

A survey of the overall philosophy

and core curriculum for training technicians in electric vehicles.

Table 25: Market Sector-Transit Bus 

Discussion Leader: Tracy Daly,

Deputy General Manager, SunLine

Transit Agency

Compressed natural gas...is it really

cost effective compared to diesel?

The answer is yes, and there are

some public relation benefits too.

Table 26: Training - PORTS

Discussion Leader: John Lear, Ruby

Mountain Inc.

Table 27: Ford Motor Company/How

to Look Four Color on a Black &

White Budget

Discussion Leader: Rachel

Dickerson, AFV, Marketing Group

Leader, Ford Motor Company

Maximize your marketing dollar

through printing strategies and other

clever cost-cutting methods.

Table 28: Heavy-Duty Engines

Discussion Leader: Jim Branner,

Technical Specialist - Alternative

Fuels Projects, Cummins Engine Co.

Dedicated heavy-duty gaseous fuel

engines, overview of Cummins natural and propane gas spark ignition

offerings with U.S. EPA, ultra-lowemission vehicle (ULEV) and/or lowemission-vehicle (LEV) certification

for urban truck and bus applications.

Table 29: Training-Alternative

Fuels Technicians

Discussion Leader: William H. (Bill)

McGlinchey, Facility Manager,

National Alternative Fuels Training

Program, West Virginia University

The NAFTP Consortium offers technician-level courses, workshops, and

seminars of particular interest to

Clean Cities stakeholders at over 

20 community and junior colleges

across the country.

*Please Note: Some Table Talks

were not held.
15

TABLE TALK DETAIL

Wednesday - June 3, 1998*

Table 1: Training - Clean Cities

Customer Identification Systems

Discussion Leader: Mike Laughlin,,

Engineer, QSS Group Inc.

Clean Cities Customer ID System:

what it is, what it contains, and what

it can do for Clean Cities

Coordinators. A demonstration of

CIS will be included.

Table 2: Influence the AFV Choice

“AFV Fleet Buyer’s Guide”

Discussion Leader: Cynthia Riley,

Manager, Alternative Fuels Data

Center, NREL

A web-based guide to help take out

guesswork in acquiring AFVs. Learn

about regulations, incentives,

specifics on available AFVs, find

refueling sites, and more.

Table 3: Clean Cities Success

Story: Electric Bikes

Discussion Leader: Doron Amiran,

ZAP Power Systems

Electric-bicycle success stories from

around the country. A discussion of

the latest technology, fleet applications, and funding opportunities.

Table 4: Clean Cities Success

Story: Tulsa Public Schools

Discussion Leader: Larry Rodriguez,

Alternative Fuels Program

Table 5: Clean Cities Success

Story: California Natural Gas

Vehicle Coalition

Discussion Leader: Bill Fairbairn,

California Natural Gas Vehicle

Coalition

A look at the history of natural gas

vehicles in California, including infrastructure, legislation, and a look to

the future. 

Table 6: Market Sector - National

Parks and other Interior Bureaus

Discussion Leader: Bob Jarcho,

Alternative Fuels Coordinator, U.S.

Department of Interior

Discussing the Department of the

Interior's efforts to increase use and

promotion of AFVs in the national

parks, refuges, and other

Department facilities.

Table 7: Navy Success

Stories/Defense Logistics Agency

(DLA) Success Stories

Discussion Leaders: Bob Gill,

Transportation Director Public Works

Center Washington, U.S. Navy

Colleen (Kelly) Morris, Chief, Natural

Gas Division, Defense Energy

Support Center, DLA

Penny Casey, Public Utilities

Specialist, Defense Energy Support

Center, DLA

A brief history of the AFV program's

start, where it is today, and tales of

the rough road to success.

Table 8: Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Discussion Leader: Paul Norton,

Senior Engineer, NREL

Heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicle

technology being developed and

issues related to the use of alternative fuels for heavy duty-vehicles.

Table 9: Market Sector - Police

Discussion Leader: Chuck Dougherty,

Alternative Fuels Vehicle Program

Manager, Puget Sound Energy

Pros and cons of AFVs in police service, a police agency case study

from the Northwest, as well as information from two other police agencies using natural gas vehicles.

Table 10: Market Sector - Rental

Discussion Leader: Jeffrey Pink, EV

Rental Cars, LCC

Electric vehicles in the rental car market and how they are used, what types

are used, and what type of maps are

given to locate recharging locations.

Table 11: EV Fleets

Discussion Leader: Dana O'Hara,

Program Manager, U.S. DOE

The current EV vehicle testing program, what vehicles are out there,

and how they are performing.

Table 12: Environmental Benefits

(Air Quality Data)

Discussion Leader: Bill Dougherty,

Senior Scientist, Tellus Institute

Table 13: The Road to Hydrogen

Fuel-Cell Hypercars—Fueling the

Future: Can We Pick a Winner? 

Discussion Leader: Brett Williams,

Senior Research Associate, Rocky

Mountain Institute

The future of hydrogen fuel, "hypercars," ultralight hybrid-electric fuelcell vehicles, and other uses of the

hydrogen fuel cell.

Table 14: Corridor Development

Discussion Leader: Clifford E.

Gladstein, President, Gladstein &

Associates, Director, Interstate Clean

Transportation Corridor

A discussion about the Interstate

Clean Transportation Corridor (ICTC)

and how the ICTC model can be replicated in other parts of the country. 

Table 15: National Efforts - USPS 

Discussion Leader: Ron Robbins,

Environmental Compliance

Coordinator, National Programs, USPS

A brief update on the current national

AFV initiatives in the Postal Service.

Topics covered include fuel availability, calculating real economic and environmental benefits, and the importance of Clean Cities partnerships.

Table 16: Voluntary Measures

Discussion Leader: Mike Ball,

Program Manager, U.S. EPA

State implementation plan credit for

voluntary mobile source emission

programs and how third parties can

partner with state and local government to get air quality credit.

Table 17: Market Sector - Police

Discussion Leader: Paul Nelson,

Vice President, Marketing, Natural

Fuels Corporation

Information on police departments'

use of AFVs for both pursuit and

non- pursuit vehicles.

Table 18: Ford Motor Company/

Hitting the Bull’s-Eye with Events

Discussion Leader: Natalie Weimer,

AFV Strategic Event Planner, Ford

Motor Company

How Ford Dealers and Clean Cities

Coordinators can work together.

Table 19: Chrysler Corporation

Discussion Leader: Mike Clement,

Manager, Alternative Fuel and

Vehicle Sales and Marketing, Chrysler 

Table 20: General Motors

Corporation

Discussion Leader: Joseph P.

D’Antonio, Sales/Marketing Manager,

GM Advanced Technology Vehicles

1998/1999 GM Advanced

Technology Vehicles product offering,

describe products available, order timing, build schedule, GM support for

alternate fuel vehicle sales, product

training, product development/new

product offering, and key contacts for

GM AFV support.

Table 21: Toyota Motor Sales, USA,

Inc.

Discussion Leader: Ed LaRocque,

EV Fleet Manager, Toyota Motor

Sales, USA, Inc.

Toyota's role in the transition to clean

technologies.

Table 22: American Honda

Discussion Leader: Stephen Ellis,

AFV Business Manager, American

Honda Motor Company

Table 23: Solectria Corporation:

Practical electric vehicles on the

road today

Discussion Leader: Karl Thidemann,

Director of Marketing, Solectria

Corporation

An introduction to Solectria and their

EV sedans such as the Force Sedan

and CitiVan, background on the

company, and some applications of

existing vehicles.

Table 24: Market Sector - Taxi

Discussion Leader: Kent Igleheart,

Executive Director, Clean Cities -

Atlanta

Experiences with incorporating AFVs

into taxicab operations.

Table 25: Training - Media Relations

Discussion Leader: Scott Rayburn,

Principal, Synthesis Business

Communication Services

The tools, techniques, and strategies

that enable Clean Cities advocates

to work with the news media to

achieve communication and publicity

goals.

Table 26: Ford’s Marketing

Handbook

Discussion Leader: Lisa Olmsted,

Marketing Coordinator, Ford Motor

Company

*Please Note: Some Table Talks

were not held.
16

National Alternative Fuels and 

Clean Cities Hotline

NREL

1617 Cole Blvd. MS/1633

Golden, CO 80401

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Upcoming

Conferences 

and Events

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? 

Call the National Alternative Fuels Hotline at 800-423-1DOE or the Clean Cities Hotline at 800-CCITIES.

Check out the Alternative Fuels Data Center Web site at www.afdc.doe.gov or the Clean Cities Web site at www.ccities.doe.gov.

16th Natural Gas Vehicle Conference and Expo

September 13-15, 1998

Providence, Rhode Island

Contact: Kelly Batte, Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition,

at 703-527-3022 

17th Congress of the World Energy Council and Expo

September 13-18, 1998

Houston, Texas

Contact: Susan Nelson, U.S. Energy Association, at 202-331-0415

Web site: www.wec98congress.org

14th Annual Mobile Sources/Clean Air Conference

September 15-17, 1998

Breckenridge, Colorado

Contact: Birgit Wolff, Colorado State University, at 970-491-0542

Web site: www.colostate.edu/depts/NCVECS/ncvecs1.html

SAE’s Design of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

September 21-23, 1998

Troy, Michigan

Contact: Marianne Kuenzig at 724-772-7148

Texas Auto Show

September 25-October 18, 1998

Dallas, Texas

Contact: Kelly Pound at 214-421-8728

Clean Cities 

Conference Notes Available on the

Web site at 

www.ccities.doe.gov/conference.html.

If you missed out on this year’s Clean

Cities Conference...don’t fret! We are

making available as much detailed information as possible 

by obtaining the speakers’ notes 

and presentation materials.

As we receive this information, we are

posting it on the 

Clean Cities Web site listed above.

You can also call the Alternative Fuels

Hotline at 800-423-1DOE.

National Conference of State Fleet

Administrators

September 30-October 4, 1998

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Contact: Gaye Horton at 606-873-2981

For more information on these events, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center Web site at www.afdc.doe.gov.