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Clean Cities Coalitions to host environmental conference

Clean Cities coalitions from Chicago, Wisconsin and Northern Indiana today announced they are partnering to host a major green-transportation conference in the Chicago area on May 19.

The Lake Michigan Clean Cities Consortium will host the Green Drives Conference and Expo at Northern Illinois University's Conference Center in Naperville.

"At Green Drives, we connect the people and technologies that help make sustainable transportation a reality," said John Walton, vice chairman of Chicago Area Clean Cities. "As one of the largest events of its kind in the Midwest, this conference is a great opportunity to learn about new vehicle technologies, alternative fuels, charging and fueling infrastructure, and funding and incentives."

Green Drives will showcase fuel-saving and carbon-reducing technologies for commercial, industrial and consumer use. It also will shine the spotlight on several private and public fleets in the tri-state region that operate their vehicles on clean-burning fuels. Attendees will learn of firsthand experiences from fleets currently using natural gas, propane, electric vehicles, and other petroleum-reduction strategies.

"We founded the Lake Michigan Consortium in 1999," said Lorrie Lisek, executive director of Wisconsin Clean Cities. "Under the umbrella of the consortium, our coalitions have been able to amplify our impact to reduce petroleum usage and improve air quality in our region. However, this is the first time we've partnered together to do an event of this magnitude, reaching so many people at one time."

Speakers from automakers, shipping and logistics companies, and suppliers and vendors will address topics covering advanced-vehicle technologies and alternative fuels. More than two-dozen green vehicles will be showcased. Members of the three coalitions will offer updates on financing projects and funding opportunities to make clean energy even more affordable.

"This one-day program is a must-attend event for public and private fleets," said Carl Lisek, executive director of South Shore Clean Cities. "Whether you are with a commercial or municipal fleet, an auto manufacturer, a dealership, a fuel supplier, a conversion company, a small or large business, or work in clean tech and clean energy, there will be topics and networking opportunities for you at Green Drives."

The NIU Conference Center is located at 1120 East Diehl Road, Naperville, IL 60563. To register for tickets, or to sponsor the event, visit chicagocleancities.org/events.

The Lake Michigan Consortium is comprised of three Clean Cities Coalitions: Chicago Area Clean Cities, South Shore Clean Cities, and Wisconsin Clean Cities. The three nonprofit coalitions are focused on promoting cleaner energy for private and public fleets in the Chicago area, Wisconsin and Northern Indiana.

Created in 1999, the consortium is made up of more than 500 member organizations. It serves a geographic population of nearly 16 million people with 11 counties that hold nonattainment status for the U.S. EPA 2008 Ground Ozone standard.

The trio of coalitions holds numerous outreach events and trainings aimed at educating the public, fleets, and automotive technicians. There are nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions across the country that are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program, which brings together stakeholders to increase the use of alternative fuel and advanced-vehicle technologies, reduce idling, and improve fuel economy and air quality.

To become involved, visit www.ChicagoCleanCities.org, www.WiCleanCities.org, and www.SouthShoreCleanCities.org.

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