Road to Energy Independence: New York City’s Alternative Transportation Future

Date: Thursday, Oct. 12

Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Gould Memorial Library, Bronx Community College, West 181st Street and University Avenue, Bronx

Agenda (PDF)

Website

Description: The Second Annual "Road to Energy Independence: New York City's Alternative Transportation Future" conference, hosted by Bronx Community College's Center for Sustainable Energy, will be held at the College on Thursday, October 12, from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is also the only New York City area event that is part of Alternate Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day, a nationally organized activity occurring simultaneously at 59 sites across the country.

How the latest innovations in alternative fuel vehicle technologies impact on critical issues such as environmental security and the economic and health effects of over-use of fossil fuels, is the central theme of the conference.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Christopher Paine, screenwriter and director of the award winning documentary, "Who Killed the Electric Car," a film called by The New York Times' A. O. Scott "a prosecutorial examination of the role of oil companies, the automobile industry and the Bush administration in stymieing the development of emission-free electric vehicles."

Four thought provoking panels feature leaders from industry, government and non-profit groups exploring such issues as the latest fuel developments, cutting edge technologies, policy challenges, incentives and business opportunities. In addition, a vendor display and vehicle exposition will feature the latest in energy-efficient vehicles that will appeal to fleet managers, business representatives, educators, students, and the general public.

"We have an exceptional program lined up," said Jim Quigley, the Center's Operations Director. "Our region and our nation are at a critical crossroads where energy costs, energy security and environmental challenges collide. We need sensible solutions and some of them will be both on display and under discussion at this event."

"I am proud that the conference here joins with over fifty other locations from around the nation to raise awareness of our need for alternatives to the oil addiction that plagues the country," said Carolyn G. Williams, President of Bronx Community College.

"I believe that the alternative fuel technologies on display and under discussions at the conference are a key to prosperity and enhanced quality of life," stated Jośe E. Serrano, Member of Congress in whose Congressional district the College resides. The Center was established three years ago with a federal appropriation sponsored by Congressman Serrano.

Noted Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión, "I am especially pleased that through our Bronx Initiative for Energy and the Environment (BIEE) we are introducing this Fall the Bronx Clean Air Transportation (CAT) Program utilizing electric hybrid buses." The BIEE is one of the conference sponsors and its director, Kate Shackford, will address the conference about the electric hybrid bus program being advanced by the Borough President.

Other sponsors of the conference include the New York City Department of Transportation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Manhattan Beer Distributors (a user of alt-fuel powered trucks), Clean Energy, Inc., Fuel:Bio Holdings LLC, and Emission Solutions, Inc. Participating organizations include the New York City Apollo Alliance and the New York City Clean Cities Coalition.

The day will conclude with a brief ceremony for the Annual Center for Sustainable Energy’s Sustainable Energy Pioneer Awards. The awards are given in the categories of private citizen, public entity, and private business. This year’s recipients are environmentalist and founder of the not-for-profit organization INFORM, Joanna Underwood; the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; and a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of hybrid vehicle systems, Azure Dynamics, Inc. which has provided electric hybrid buses currently in use in the Bronx. Sustainable Energy Pioneers are recognized for their commitment and contributions to a sustainable energy future.

The National Alternate Fuel Vehicle Odyssey takes place every two years. It is a project of the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium located at the University of West Virginia. The objective of the Odyssey is to increase awareness of AFVs and advanced technology vehicles, and demonstrate that they are a part of the solution to America’s environmental and energy needs. In 2004, the last time the Odyssey took place, nearly 25,000 people traveled to one of 54 Odyssey events, conducted nationwide in 34 states and two Canadian provinces.

For more information, call Center for Sustainable Energy @ 718-289-5332.

To register: log on to http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/InstitutionalDevelopment/CSE/events.cfm?page=159