Ypsilanti, Mich., March 21, 2011 – The National Association of Fleet Administrators Michigan chapter, in partnership with the Clean Energy Coalition, will hold its inaugural Alternative Fuel Conference, March 24, at the Roush Automotive Collection, located at 11851 Market St., Livonia, Mich., 48150, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The conference is an extension of the Clean Energy Coalition’s Michigan Green Fleets initiative, a program that plans to place 270 alternative-fueled vehicles on the road, build 13 alternative fueling stations and train those associated with each project.
Fleet managers in attendance will learn about the various tax incentives and grants available to help pay for, and maintain, a more sustainable fleet. They will also have the opportunity to discuss clean energy issues and trends in an open forum with key industry leaders and Michigan Clean Cities Coalitions experts.
“Becoming more sustainable is a top priority of the Michigan fleet,” said Chris Kowalski, NAFA Michigan chair. “Fleet leaders are committed to advancing technology, becoming less petroleum dependent and reducing harmful emissions. Our creation of the Alternative Energy Conference is tangible proof of our dedication to becoming a national leader in clean energy implementation.”
Although the U.S. transportation sector has steadily decreased its carbon dioxide emissions the past three years, it still produces more greenhouse gases than any other segment due largely to dependence on petroleum, which provides 94 percent of its energy. Currently, 72 percent of the nation’s total petroleum supply is used for transportation, a number the Clean Energy Coalition is aiming to decrease by providing education and resources to fleet leadership through initiatives such as Michigan Green Fleets.
The following technologies and vehicles will be presented during the conference:
- Azure Dynamics hybrid electric buses and EV Transit Connect
- Chevrolet Volt
- DTE/MichCon compressed natural gas vehicles
- Parker Hannifin hydraulic hybrid technology
- Roush CleanTech propane technology
- Volkswagen TDI
“Our partnership with the NAFA Michigan chapter, and the development of this conference, pave the way for industry leaders and fleet managers to more quickly build an infrastructure that will serve as a national model,” said Sean Reed, Clean Energy Coalition executive director. “Together, we will continue to provide leadership and resources that put Michigan ahead of the curve in fleet clean energy use and innovation.”
The CEC and Clean Energy Mobility
Clean Energy Mobility is an initiative of The Clean Energy Coalition, which is dedicated to promoting clean energy technologies and innovations as a way to create healthier, energy independent communities. Since 2007, the CEC has implemented, managed and evaluated cost effective, market transformation projects and programs in the building and transportation sectors valued at more than $47 million. For more information, visit cec-mi.org.
About NAFA Fleet Management Association
NAFA is the world’s premier non-profit association for professionals who manage fleets of sedans, public safety vehicles, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for organizations across the globe. NAFA is the association for the diverse vehicle fleet management profession regardless of organizational type, geographic location or fleet composition. NAFA’s Full and Associate Members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance and repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 3.5 million vehicles including in excess of 1.1 million trucks of which 350 thousand are medium- and heavy-duty trucks. For more information visit http://www.nafa.org
