Fifth New York City's Alternative Vehicle Technology Future Conference and Exhibit Held at Lehman College

Bronx, NY – Bronx Community College's Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) held its fifth Alternative Vehicle Technology Conference at The City University of New York Lehman College’s Lovinger Theater on the Lehman College campus.

The conference took place as the transportation industry undergoes an historic transformation. In an unstable economy, pushed by new corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ) standards and propelled by strict emission requirements, Americans want a smooth transition to clean energy that includes reliable low cost vehicles, easy refueling along the road, and skilled mechanics. Unparalleled investments have been and are being made into research that points to energy alternatives as the key that will lead to clean energy and independence.

The conference brought together leaders who have already begun to implement changes for more efficient and cost effective transportation solutions. Guest experts addressed such topics that included plugging into the NYC Smart Grid; federal regulation; energy security and fuel economy as drivers for alternative fuels and vehicle technology; the diversity of fuels and technology in the New York City Parks Department’s fleet; hybrid electric drive trains for New York taxi and bus fleets; highway ready, zero emission vehicles; New York City’s next hydrogen fueling station; running a country without oil.

The new 'Great Race' for efficient and cost effective solutions is now an intense global competition to determine which countries will produce the cars and trucks of the future. New York State is investing seriously in battery research as the federal government considers dramatic funding for research into storage devices, hybridization and electrification, hydrogen fuels cells, engine systems documents, and communications for vehicle and electric grid infrastructure.

Tria Case, executive director, Center for Sustainable Energy at Bronx Community College and Clement Drummond, director of BCC's Automotive Technology Program opened the program. Lehman College President Dr. Ricardo Fernandez and Dr. George Sanchez, senior vice president of Academic Affairs at BCC and Congressman José E. Serrano's chief of staff Paul Lipson welcomed 200 attendees.

The mission of CSE is to promote and implement the use of sustainable and energy efficient technologies in urban communities through education, training, workforce development, research and project facilitation. CSE is currently working with NYC fleet owners and operators to develop the training courses needed to keep green fleets on the road, to integrate more green vehicles into their fleets, and to encourage the distribution of alternative vehicle technology in NYC. CSE has partnered with BCC's long established alternative fuel automotive program, under the direction of Clement Drummond and with the National Science Foundation on a Hybrid Vehicle Training Program now available on the BCC campus. CSE acknowledges Congressman José E. Serrano for his commitment to CSE's vision and its impact on the health and economic needs of the Bronx and the greater metropolitan area.

Panel speakers included:

• John Mucci, vice president, Engineering and Planning, Con Edison
• Christina T. Ficicchia, executive director, New York City Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities
• Sandy Stojkovski, Ricardo, Inc. Federal Regulation, Energy Security and Fuel Economy as Drivers for Alternative Fuels and Vehicle Technology
• Keith Kerman, assistant commissioner, New York City Parks Department
• John Thomas, CEO, ALT E LLC, Hybrid Electric Drive Trains for New York Fleets
• Susan McSherry, Alternative Fuels Program, NYC Department of Transportation
• Glen Goldstein, principal, Emisstar-Advances in Battery Technology for Heavy Duty Vehicles
• Tracy Woodard, director of government affairs, Nissan Corporation
• Stephen Marlin, driver relationship manager, General Motors Corporation
• Mike Granoff, head of oil independence policy, Better Place
• Michael Moltzen, leader of the Environmental Protection Agency's Region 2 Air Program which covers New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Alternative Vehicles on Display at Lehman College included

Hydrogen powered Chevrolet Equinox

Hydrogen powered Toyota Highlander SUV

11 seat mini-bus powered by ultracapacitors

Biofuel tanker truck

Biodiesel street sweeper,

Biodiesel truck

Compressed Natural Gas delivery truck

CNG garbage truck

CNG passenger cars

All-electric delivery trucks

EV-1000 van

E-Force all terrain vehicle

Electric Mini Cooper

Electric Saab conversion

Electric minibus

Plug-in hybrid Ford

Hybrid Ford Crown Victoria conversion

Hybrid drive train

Hybrid Nissan Altima

Hybrid hydraulic garbage truck

Hybrid pickup truck

Hybrid electric delivery truck

Hybrid shuttle bus

Toyota Prius

The 2009 Conference was in collaboration with the New York Power Authority, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York City Lower Hudson Valley Clean Communities, the New York City Chapter of the National Association of Fleet Administrators, Congressman José E. Serrano and New York City Department of Transportation. "New York City continues to lead the way toward a strong national policy focused on new and sustainable energy sources that reduce greenhouse gases," said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. "As a hotbed for innovative sustainability strategies, the CUNY Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is drawing attention to the urgent need for policies that build a better environment."

The New York City Alternative Vehicle Technology Future Conference and Exhibit was held on the Lehman College's campus because of construction of the 98,000 square foot North Instructional Building and Library on Bronx Community College's quadrangle campus at 2155 University Avenue at West 181 st Street.

Press, Radio, TV

Please call: Bryant Mason

Media Relations Specialist

(718) 289-5208

bryant.mason@bcc.cuny.edu

Bronx Community College (BCC) of The City University of New York is in its 51st anniversary year of service to students in New York City in 2008. Over the past seven years, enrollment has increased 30 per cent to 10,500 students, reflecting the reliance of the surrounding communities on it as a pathway to a better life. BCC President Carolyn G. Williams is in her 12th year of leadership service to the College, which is located on a 43-acre campus at 2155 University Avenue at West 181st Street , formerly New York University's uptown campus until 1973.

BCC students from over 109 nations receive an excellent preparation to go on to four-year colleges or to advance into successful vocational careers. Programs offered at BCC include Digital Arts, Computer Information Systems, Education Associate, Nursing, Nuclear Medicine Technology, RadiologicTechnology, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Liberal Arts, Marketing, Accounting, Human Services, Media Technology and Paralegal Studies.

The College is home to initiatives not commonly associated with two-year institutions, such as the Center for Sustainable Energy, which promotes the use of renewable and efficient energy technologies in urban communities. The National Center for Educational Alliances (NCEA) is currently collaborating with South African Further Education and Training Colleges and universities to create linkages between these institutions. NCEA also coordinates the College's international initiatives and the annual International Education Week.

The Center has also facilitated a campus wide effort to create BCC's Center for Tolerance and Understanding. The Center for Teaching Excellence offers faculty development to promote student achievement and to stimulate discussions to keep the teaching and learning process vital and dynamic. Take a look at BCC's website at www.bcc.cuny.edu