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South Shore Clean Cities Newsletter
June 2011
Greetings!

As summer approaches, gas prices are going up.  Its never been a better time to consider alternative fuel vehicles/technologies.  Let South Shore Clean Cities be your guide as you consider what clean vehicles will mean for you, your business and our community.  If you were unable to attend our May 12 Tweaks n' Tech when we discussed what it means to be a Clean Cities member, don't worry - there will be lots of opportunities to find out what it means to Lead the Charge for Change in Northern Indiana, starting with this month's newsletter.

SSCC Partners with Indiana Dunes 
Indiana DunesSouth Shore Clean Cities is working with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  According to Lynda Lancaster, the park's Civic Engagement and Volunteer Program Manager, they are interested in projects like constructing a "green roof" on one of their buildings to make it more energy efficient and modernizing their fleet of vehicles, including their lawn mowers and weed whackers to use alternative fuels and electric-gas hybrid engines.  South Shore Clean Cities' goal is to identify identify the park's fleet needs and create a greener, more carbon-neutral national park.  This will enhance the visitors experience and improve the air quality in the park.  Lancaster recently stated, "We are hoping visitors to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore can find out how they can be more climate friendly by following the park's example."  We are very excited that the national park in our backyard has decided to Lead the Charge for Change!  To read the recent article in Shore regarding this partnership and more, click here.
DOE Rolls Out Program to Promote Electric Vehicles 
 Electric Vehicle Charging
The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced that they are taking new steps to speed up the deployment of electric vehicles (EV).  These efforts include making available $5 million in new funding for community-based efforts to deploy EV infrastructure and charging stations.  DOE is also forming a partnership with Google Inc. and more than 80 EV stakeholders to help consumers find charging stations nationwide.  The goal is to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, saving consumers money and helping meet the administration's goal of 1 million advanced technology vehicles on the road by 2015. 
Click here to read full article. 
FUEL $aving Tips: 
 
gas pump pricesWho isn't tired of paying so much for gas?  There are many things you can do to improve your gas mileage.  Here are some fuel saving tips from the U.S. Department of Energy that will help you keep more money in your pocket this summer:
  
1.  Drive more efficiently:  Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration, and breaking) wastes gas.  It can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds & by 5% around town.
  
2.  Avoid excessive idling:  Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
3.  Use cruise control on the highway to save gas.
4.  Keep your car in shape.  Keeping your engine properly tuned improves gas mileage by an average of 4%
5.  Keep your tires properly inflated and use the recommended grade of motor oil.  Combined, this can improve your gas mileage by 4 to 5%.
6.  Plan and combine trips:  Combining errands into one trip saves you $.
7.  If you commute, stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
8.  Consider telecommuting, carpooling and/or public transportation.
9.  Choose a more fuel efficient vehicle:  Use www.fueleconomy.gov to simplify your decision.  The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG is almost $1,000 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.96)
  
Click here to read more on how to save on fuel costs.
Reserve Your Nissan Leaf TODAY 

Are you interested in reserving your Nissan LEAF?  Join the next generation who will be driving electric vehicles (EVs).

 

Nissan LEAF

  

 

Click herefor the Nissan LEAF website.
U.S. DOE Clean Cities Website Updated
 
The national Clean Cities website has been redesigned and updated to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, including coalition information, funding opportunities and more. 

  Clean Cities LOGO

Click here to view website. 

$42.5 Billion Spent on Foreign Oil in April

T. Boone Pickens said that based on the latest figures from the Federal Reserve Economic Database, the U.S. imported 61 percent of its oil, or 344 million barrels in April 2011, sending approximately $42.5 billion to foreign countries. 

Foreign Oil Dep Image

It is an exciting time as Northern Indiana continues to make advances in alternative fuel vehicles/technologies.  If you would like to learn more about creating a sustainable future for our community, please contact us.  Now is the time to find out how South Shore Clean Cities can benefit your business and how your business can Lead the Charge to Change.

 

Sincerely,

 

Carl & Lorrie Lisek,
South Shore Clean Cities
9800 Connecticut Drive
Crown Point, IN  46307
  
219.644.3690 (phone)
219.644.3682 (fax)
  
  
In This Issue
SSCC & Indiana Dunes Partner
New Program Promotes Electric Vehicles
FUEL $aving Tips
Reserve Your Nissan LEAF
New Clean Cities Website
$42.5 Billion on Foreign Oil
Join Our Mailing List
Events
June 18
Partners for Clean Air - Railcats Game 
 
June 27-30
in Indy
Membership Has Its Benefits

Recognition for leading environmental stewardship in Northern Indiana

 

Funding opportunities associated with alternative fuels & vehicles

 

Information on rules & regulatory changes in vehicle/fuel requirements

 

Access to training sessions, workshops and conferences

 

Notification of all sponsored events

 

Satisfaction that you are actively working to make Northern Indiana sustainable & healthy for future generations

 

Click here to view our membership structure and application for membership.  It may be the best decision you make this summer!

 

LeadingChargePoster