According to a White House fact sheet, the U.S. Postal Service has the “largest alternative fuel vehicle fleet in the world. Almost 13 percent of the 289,000 vehicle fleet are alternative fuel vehicles such as hybrids, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.”

UPS operates the largest private alternative fuel fleet in its industry, using more than 1,500 compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid vehicles. Fed-Ex and the Washington Metro are using or investing in hybrid-electric diesel trucks and buses.

They note that large fleet operators like these are participating in the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program, which works through a network of more than 80 volunteer coalitions to promote alternative fuels and vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction.

Meanwhile, an Associated Press report criticized the president for “talking, for two days in a row, about converting switchgrass and wood chips into ethanol,” instead of focusing on the congressional standoffs over Iraq and controversy over the firings of US attorney generals.

TEP is the new name of the former National Clean Cities, Inc. Gross says that the mission of the TEP is to support the work of Clean Cities Coalitions nationally, primarily by obtaining new funding. Learn more about TEP by listening to his comments here: Tom Gross Comments (4 min MP3)

Before leaving the stage at the Clean Cities Congress Tom received several new memberships for TEP including a corporate one from the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute. If you’re interested to learn more you can give Tom a call at 703-273-0631. The organization address is: P. O. Box 70, Fairfax, VA 22038-0070.

Jonathan describes what the award means to him in a short interview I did just before he had to head back home. Jonathan is a full time Coordinator who’s very passionate about what he does. You can listen to my interview with Jonathan here: Jonathan Overly Interview (4 min MP3)

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Ray has worked closely with his area Clean Cities coordinator to develop the use of alternative fuels like propane in their industrial mowing program. It’s a big campus and there’s lots of mowing that needs to be done, most of which is by students. In my interview with Ray he explains the program and how propane has helped in ways you might not think of.

You can hear my interview with him here: Ray Cockrell Interview (6 min MP3)

By the way, since we’re podcasters we always like to point out others who are using this new form of internet-delivered content and one of them is PERC with their PropaneCast. Check it out!

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Annalloyd says it was the best Congress ever with over 17 hundred people participating. She had only positive comments and I would say this positions next year’s event in Los Angeles very well.

You can hear my interview with her here: Annalloyd Thomason Summary Interview (7 min MP3)

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The office is being packed up around me and I think it’s time I do the same.

Our closing session featured ecological humor from Lori Weiss. She is a very funny person and she’s passionate about the environment.

To get to know more about her and hear a little bit of her humor listen to my interview: Lori Weiss Interview (6 min MP3)

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Jenna gave some wonderful tips and advice about having a clear and concise interview with the media. Here are some of the key tips you should remember when you are doing an interview.

The Media is the best way to get your message out about alternative fuels.
Remember to relate your message to your audience, you have to make an impact on them. You should always be prepared before an interview. Make a couple notes to yourself on the questions you might need to answer and always have 3-4 strong sound bites. Communicate with your body not just words. But most importantly, relax and don’t forget to breathe! When completing an interview, remember to answer in complete sentences and relate it to your audience. Be enthusiastic and correct a reporter if a question is based on incorrect information.

I learned a lot in this wonderful media training workshop and hopefully after reading this, you did too.

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It might be hard to tell from the picture but we had some masked characters from the city in question.

They all have something to do with “Tinseltown.”

Which means that next year we’ll be in Los Angeles. Closing Reception Announcement (5 min MP3)

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Over the coming days I’ll try to bring you segments of it.

To get started here’s a selection which includes each participant answering the question of what he thinks is most important piece of legislation and why.

Here’s their response: Energy Bill Roundtable (12 min MP3)

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Before getting into the discussion he gave an overview of energy legislation.

You can hear his introduction here: Andrew Littlefair Introductory Remarks (5 min MP3)

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We heard from her on stage earlier this week and to get to know her better and learn a little more about AFVI I sat down with her for a short interview.

Annalloyd explains how she and her husband Leo, started their own company and had the opportunity to take over the production of the Clean Cities Congress a couple of years ago.

You can listen to my interview with Annalloyd here: Annalloyd Thomason Interview (6 min MP3)

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Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:

It’s being moderated by Andrew Littlefair, Clean Energy. Andrew has a challenge considering the panel has some very outspoken industry representatives but he’s handling it very well.

The panel consists of (l-r) Phil Lampert, NEVC, Scott Gerke, American Honda, Rich Kolodziej, NGVA, Joe Jobe, NBB and Brian Feehan, PERC.

I’m recording the complete session and will post a portion of it when complete. Then I think I’ll post pieces of it later as time permits.

While the session is going on the exhibit hall is still open. I’ve got some pics from it to post for you too.

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The band, Still Cruisin, had the crowd on the dance floor to some great rock and roll.

Just to give you a taste here’s a short video clip: Still Cruisin (WMV file)

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By night he’s a rock and roller. By day he’s the Transportation Director for the Tucson Unified School District. An interesting combination Bill. And one we enjoyed at the reception.

On a break I interviewed Bill to find out what he does and what he gets out of the Clean Cities Congress. You can listen to my interview with Bill here: Bill Ball Interview (2 min MP3)

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In the meantime our final day opening session is about to get started. We’re going to have a roundtable discussion on the Energy Bill with representatives from the various fuel type organizations. I’ll be recording it and will post more on it later.

BTW, I didn’t see Alice. I was hoping he’d put in an appearance but no such luck.

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Riding with me is the company’s CEO, Lawrence Oswald. He held the microphone while I drove and interviewed him so you’ll hear some road noise.

Larry tells us about his company and the vehicles they make. He makes a point that the electric vehicle is perfect for in-town driving for short distances where you can be on streets with relatively slow speed limits. With no engine emissions the vehicle is certainly not putting particulates into the air.

You can hear the interview here: Larry Oswald Interview (4 min MP3)

I also had to take a short video clip too, not something I recommend to the untrained: Ride & Drive (WMV file)

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After signing your life away for the liability thing you got a wrist band and then it was time to get in line for your turn.

I think there were at least 11 manufacturers out here today. You could choose your fuel. Like ethanol, fuel cell, propane, cng, electric and hydrogen.

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Ed volunteered for my interview so we can learn more about them and their company. SoCal has invested in the infrastructure to supply natural gas in southern California and it’s their fastest growing product area right now. Besides being a supplier to consumers and businesses they have a training program and see continuted growth in this market.

You can learn a lot more about Sempra Energy in my interview with Ed Harte: Ed Harte Interview (8 min MP3)

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Ed drove here in a Honda NG vehicle. In the picture they’re standing in front of a new Civic which was unveiled here at the Congress yesterday. I’m pretty sure Ed’s got his eyes on a new one now.

I interviewed Ed so you can hear his story. He describes what he does and how Vacaville not only works to utilize alternative fuel vehicles in their operations but how they offer incentive programs to residents who invest in alt fuel vehicles themselves.

I think you’ll enjoy the interview: Ed Huestis Interview (9 min MP3)

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This isn’t Jim’s first appearance at the Clean Cities Congress. Knowing that I figured he had to be good. That’s how you get invited back. I’m hoping for the same Jim!

Jim is from Canada so he also brings a more international perspective from a country that has become a huge supplier of oil to the United States. I think you’ll enjoy listening to him. I’m posting a portion of his presentation for you here: Jim Kenzie Speech (10 min MP3)

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Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:

Next up on stage was the winner of the “Coordinator’s Choice” Award. This year that is Kellie Walsh, Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance. Kellie was chosen by her fellow Coordinators from around the country.

And the winner of the “Coordinator of the Year Award” is Johathan Overly, East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition. All the winners were presented with award trophies. I think Jonathan will also receive free registration at a number of industry events over the next year which will be very helpful to his conference budget.

Congratulations to our winners! As I’ve learned here this week, they are the people who are championing the alternative fuel vehicle cause in cities all over the country.

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Her vision to use this new media format for coverage is an example of the kind of work that led to her receiving a very special award.

I’m pretty sure it was a big surprise to her as she was presented with a Clean Cities Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations Kimberly. It has been a pleasure working with her as well as all the staff here making the Congress happen.

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This is a long audio file but I think he gave an excellent talk putting into perspective the oil and energy situation on a worldwide level.

Some points that he made include the following. He wanted to bust the myth that oil company profits and the salaries of their CEO’s is responsible for the high price of gas. It’s just not true. He said that taxing oil company profits and giving that money to tax funded government programs like Medicare won’t help generate a single drop of oil. The real reason behind oil price increases he says is the supply and demand situation. Demand is outpacing supply. Simple economics. In fact, he says that the only way our oil companies can hope to compete and develop new resources is with profits which are a result of demand.

One point he made that I thought helped put things in perspective is how much of our world’s oil supply is owned by governments. Our government owns none by comparison. Our oil companies own a fraction of the current oil supply.

In the short term he thinks alternative fuels will go a long way to help us feed our hunger for fuel. He said that his boss, the Senator, fully supports renewable fuel alternatives and providing assistance to companies and organizations who want to build facilities to develop the various alternatives.

I recommend you listen to his talk: JJ Brown Speech (30 min MP3)

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These pedicabs are all over. They come rolling in around dinner time to cart you around.

They either charge a fee or just ask for a “donation.”

One of the riders in this cab is Angela Sherick, Director of the Dept. of General Services, Fuel Services and Environmental Compliance Division, City of Los Angeles. Post Update: The other rider is Carlos Benedicto, also from the City of Los Angeles.

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Hey, if you’re going to talk the talk then you have to walk the walk, or in this case ride.

You can learn more about the GM Hybrid Bus’s online.

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I am not the only Clean Cites Congress participant partaking of the atmosphere and good food and beverage. I recommend a draft Smithwick’s which I tried here for the first time.

It’s Phoenix and it’s hot but the inside is cool at Seamus McCaffrey’s! We’re on our own this evening so it was time to relax and sample some great food.