KCFC Elects 2012 Officers and Board of Directors

KCFC board members elected the following officers at their December 7 meeting:

2012 Officers
President  - William Jacob, UPS
Vice President - Thomas Clark, Eaton
Secretary  - Len Dunman, Mercer Transportation
Treasurer  - Vic Peek 

The following directors were approved by the membership:

2012 Board of Directors
Jimmy Carter, Ferrellgas 
John Lyons, Kentucky Division of Air Quality
Laura Knoth, Kentucky Corn Growers
Mike Mulheirn, Jefferson County Public Schools
Steve Workman, University of Kentucky
Tim Hughes, Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence   
Dickie Turner, Murray State University
Greg Davis, Forever Resorts/Mammoth Cave Hotel
Bob Hook, Bob Hook Chevrolet 
David Huff, LG&E/KU 
Dr. Jagannadh Satyavolu, Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville
Marie Burnett, Waste Management of Kentucky
Past President Tracey Thurman, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government

KCFC's Melissa Howell Inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame

The Clean Cities Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions to the Clean Cities mission of reducing petroleum use in U.S. transportation. Inductees are ambassadors for alternative fuels and champions for fuel economy. Their exemplary dedication and leadership are paving the way for a new transportation future.

Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition Executive Director Melissa Howell was inducted in 2011, the Hall of Fame's inaugural year.

Melissa Howell is a cornerstone of Clean Cities. She has been with the program since its beginning in 1993, when she helped found Kentucky's Commonwealth Clean Cities Partnership. Ever the consummate professional, Howell's dedication to reducing petroleum use in transportation has weathered all manner of political and economic conditions. Howell is known for her persistence in inspiring fleets to action, and she brought several high-profile stakeholders to the alternative-fuel table, including Mammoth Cave National Park, Fort Knox military base, UPS, and the World Equestrian Games. And thanks to Howell's leadership, thousands of children across the state of Kentucky ride to school on hybrid electric and biodiesel buses.

Howell is the original Clean Cities mentor, having coached new coordinators to success long before a formal mentorship program was established. She is always willing to share her vast experience and knowledge with other coalitions to reinvigorate stalled projects and instill confidence in rising leaders. Howell's impressive body of work with Clean Cities makes her the example other coordinators seek to follow.

In 2008, Howell was named Clean Cities Coordinator of the Year, and in 2005, she received the Southeast Region Award.

See all of the Clean Cities Hall of Fame inductees - http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/hall_of_fame.html

Get Your Fleet in the Program

Green Fleets of the Bluegrass is a recognition program hosted by KCFC, to improve the environmental performance of vehicle fleets across Kentucky by reducing petroleum fuel use.

KCFC members that submit baseline data by June 30th, 2011 will receive recommendations for initiatives to potentially improve year-end ratings.

Find out more and register at http://www.kentuckycleanfuels.org/greenfleets.htm

KCFC Welcomes Clean Energy As Newest Member

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. is committed to delivering the benefits of natural gas fuel to fleet operators across America. It is the largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America and a global leader in the expanding natural gas vehicle market. It has operations in CNG and LNG vehicle fueling, construction and operation of CNG and LNG fueling stations, biomethane production, vehicle conversion and compressor technology.

Clean Energy fuels over 22,700 vehicles at 238 strategic locations across the United States and Canada with a broad customer base in the refuse, transit, trucking, shuttle, taxi, airport and municipal fleet markets. Clean Energy del Peru, a joint venture, fuels vehicles and provides CNG to commercial customers in Peru.

Welcome to the team!

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu Commends KCFC Efforts

Secretary Steven Chu approved of KCFC's efforts to reduce foreign oil dependency across Kentucky in an article on Tuesday June 13th. After confirming that President Barrack Obama has a long-term plan to reduce oil imports by one third, he pointed out that meeting such a goal will require the help of cities and states, not just the federal government.

He credited the Clean Cities Program nationwide for saving nearly 3 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel since its launch 18 years ago. Citing he Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools Program and Mammoth Cave National Park's efforts, he praised KCFC specifically for saving 38 million gallons of gasoline from 2005 to 2009, and developing a number of partnerships to transform Kentucky fleets into greener, more fuel efficient vehicles.

“By working together through programs such as the Clean Cities initiative, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help protect Kentucky families from pain at the pump,” says Secretary Chu.

Howell Speaks at ACT Expo

KCFC Executive Director Melissa Howell spoke at the Alternative Clean Transportation Expo in Long Beach, CA on Friday May 6.  The sessions at the expo provided the latest information on funding opportunities, regulatory policies, and inside details on new and emerging technologies in North America. The Expo Hall included a wide array of vehicles and technologies, plus a strong presence from OEMs, component manufacturers, station developers, fuel providers, and other important clean technology project stakeholders.  Howell discussed the Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools program, which is bringing the largest fleet of hybrid electric school buses in the nation to Kentucky school districts.

KCFC Quarterly Meeting at Shaker Village

The quarterly meeting was a success with over thirty of the KCFC’s officers and board members showing their support at Shaker Village on Friday April 29th. After a small presentation about the history of Shaker Village, members were updated on KCFC’s finances by Treasurer Vic Peek, and a general update was given by President Tracey Thurman. A presentation on the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass program was given by Emily Sartini. Executive Director Melissa Howell brought the members up to speed on the Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools project. Lunch was served after a leisurely walk to the dining hall in pleasant weather.
View photos of the meeting on our Facebook page.

KCFC Welcomes Lindsey Duffy as Communications Specialist

3.15.11 - Ms. Lindsey Duffy, a recent graduate from the University of Louisville has joined the KCFC staff as Communications Specialist. Lindsey received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in December.

She has been working with the KCFC as an intern since January and will increase her hours and become a part time employee March 15th.

Jumping right in, Lindsey has completed the annual Department of Energy survey, press releases, research projects and will be assisting with the kyGREENtv internet television productions.

KCFC's Howell Helps Jacksonville Establish Clean Cities Program

KCFC Ex Director Melissa Howell was a guest at the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization to assist them with efforts in establishing a Clean Cities program in Jacksonville.

Pictured are: Carl David, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Charlie Brown, Ferrellgas, Wanda Forrest, NFTPO, Melissa Howell, and Jay Worley, JEA.