New Jersey Holds Alternative Transportation Fuels Workshop
The NJ Clean Energy Innovation Council (NJCEIC) held an alternative transportation fuels workshop on May 1 at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ. Dozens of professionals involved in alternative fuels and transportation attended a series of panels and exhibit hall. Several students from nearby universities interested in careers in these fields were also on hand.
The day began with a look into the role alternative transportation plays in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan by Joseph Fiordaliso, Commissioner, NJ Board of Public Utilities. "Creating clean green energy is not only a part of the Governor’s Energy Master Plan, but a common goal among State, Local, and County officials in the State of New Jersey," he said.
Fiordaliso pointed out that New Jersey has more solar installations than any state but California and Arizona, despite being much smaller in size. Statewide, he said the State is looking towards electric and CNG vehicles for its fleet. "We have the political will in New Jersey to pursue a clean energy economy and environment," said Fiordaliso.
Bob Marshall, Assistant Commissioner, SAGE, NJ Department of Environmental Protection then spoke about the role alternative transportation fuel plays in environmental stewardship. He began by noting that the region was marking the six month anniversary of Hurricane Sandy and the environmental difficulties that persist with the process. "It’s six months later and yesterday I spent six hours dealing with Hurricane Sandy matters. In particular, dealing with the Federal bureaucracy. It’s amazing that HUD and FEMA have different environmental review requirements."
The event featured a keynote address by Gino Porter, Frito-Lay East Division Supply Chain Sr. Fleet Manager OTR, and panels on gaseous fuels, electric fuels, and biomass fuels. In addition, there were discussions on the future of alternative fuels and a look at alternative fuels as part of contingency planning and resiliency. Dozens of alternative-fueled vehicles from sedans to trucks and vans were on display as well.
