Clean Fuels for Clean Cities: Forum Showcases Alternative Fuels

Alternate Fuels Fact Sheet

PHOENIX (April 19, 2000) — Want to help clean up the Valley's "Brown Cloud?" How about driving an electric Porsche to work? That's just one of the alternatives to healthier air being promoted through an alternative fuels forum on Tuesday.

On April 25, 2000, the Maricopa Association of Governments will host "Arizona Alternatives: Clean Fuels for Clean Cities" from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Mesa Community and Conference Center, 201 N. Center Street, Mesa. Public activities will be open between 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

The first-ever statewide forum is designed to promote, celebrate and showcase alternative fuel programs. The forum will recognize the achievements of stakeholders in supporting and encouraging the use of alternative fuels. It will also provide a chance for citizens to learn more about the benefits of driving an alternative fuel vehicle.

"Clean air is consistently rated as one of the highest priorities for Valley residents," said Clean Cities Planner Anne MacCracken. "A MAG study found that a significant percentage of the grime in the Valley's Brown Cloud comes from tailpipe emissions. Alternative fuels can be an effective weapon in reducing dirty emissions and cleaning up the Brown Cloud."

The conference portion of the forum will feature events and discussions aimed at alternative fuel providers, fleet managers, Clean Cities stakeholders and other decision makers. Information booths and displays designed to teach the motoring public more about alternative fuels and how they can be used will be open to the public between 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

"One display will feature a ‘ride and drive' where participants can drive or be driven in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles," said MacCracken. "Vehicles range from an electric Porsche to passenger cars to pickup trucks. We want to show people that there is nothing mystical or complicated about owning an alternative fuel vehicle. There's no difference in appearance, handling or performance. The difference comes only in what's happening to the environment," she said. The ride and drives will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Jeff Groscost, Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives — who himself drives an alternative fuel vehicle — will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers and guests available for interviews include Thomas J. Gross, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy; James Bourey, Executive Director for the Maricopa Association of Governments; Thomas Swanson, Executive Director for the Pima Association of Governments; Mayor Van Talley, City of Safford (which is in the process of being designated a Clean City by the Dept. of Energy); and Amanda Ormond, Director of the Arizona Dept. of Commerce Energy Office.

Also on hand will be Michael Golden, an instructor from Shadow Mountain High School who oversees a program in which students build, operate, maintain and race electric and solar vehicles.

Types of alternative fuels showcased will include natural gas, propane, electric, hydrogen and solar. Registration is $50 for the day-long conference. Public activities are free of charge. Sponsors to date include Honda Cars of Mesa and Showcase Honda; Pioneer Ford; Arizona Public Service Co.; Intel Corp.; Lou Grubb Ford; Mel Clayton Ford; Salt River Project; Southwest Gas Corp.; U.S. Dept. of Energy; and the U.S. Postal Service.

For more information about the forum or to arrange coverage, please contact Kelly Taft at (602) 452-5020.