Leading The Way

Chuck Zimmerman

James BoydJames Boyd is a member of the California Energy Commission and he took the stage to talk about how California is “Leading The Way.”

I got to talk with him just before the morning session kicked off. He says that California is often cast in a leadership role in the quest to move to alternative energy.

He explains some of the things his Commission is doing in light of the Governator’s request for a biofuels plan.

You can hear his speech here: Listen To MP3 James Boyd Interview (4 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Audio, Clean Cities Congress

Dr. Robert Hirsch On Peak Oil

Chuck Zimmerman

Dr. Robert HirschOn this morning’s agenda was Dr. Robert Hirsch, Senior Program Advisor, Science Applications International Corporation.

Hirsch’s talk is titled, “Peak Oil – And Then What?”

He starts out explaining what he means by peaking. His presentation included slides which I don’t have so keep that in mind as you listen

You can hear his speech here: Listen To MP3 Dr. Robert Hirsch Speech (22 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

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Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon

Chuck Zimmerman

Phoenix Mayor Phil GordonWelcoming everyone to the Clean Cities Congress this morning was Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.

Gordon talks about how the city is involved in using alternative fuels.

He also said that he would appreciate us doing a little shopping while we’re here too.

You can hear his speech here: Listen To MP3 Mayor Phil Gordon Speech (5 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Audio, Clean Cities Congress, Government

AFVI Executive Director

Chuck Zimmerman

Annalloyd ThomasonThe lady who is making it all happen here in Phoenix is the Executive Director of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute. She’s Annalloyd Thomason. Actually, I’m sure she’ll say it was a lot of effort from a lot of people. But she’s been in constant motion since I’ve been here working the radio and making sure everything is running smoothly.

On the stage this morning Annalloyd welcomed the Congress participants.

You can hear her speech here: Listen To MP3 Annalloyd Thomason Speech (6 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Audio, Clean Cities Congress

Senator McCain Speech

Chuck Zimmerman

Senator John McCainRather than add this link to the full speech by Senator McCain to that last post I thought I’d just do another one for you.

Introducing the Senator is Arizona state representative, Jeff Groscost.

The speech is a little long for posting but I think you’ll want to hear what a very influential government leader has to say about the industry. Listen To MP3 Senator John McCain Speech (22 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Audio, Clean Cities Congress, Government

Senator John McCain On Stage

Chuck Zimmerman

Senator John McCainSenator McCain is speaking now and I’ll have his speech here for you in a little while. I’m going to try to get a personal interview with him on his way out too.

He’s asking consumer to demand fuel efficient vehicles while he works on legislation to help in Washington. He just said he’s against government subsidies for ethanol.

Now he’s talking about ethanol companies reporting record profits. He specifically mentioned ADM. He says distribution for ethanol is a big challenge and he hopes E85 becomes more available.

Post Update: Here’s a couple of quick soundbites from Senator McCain which I was able to obtain as he was leaving.

In regard to government assistance for farmers and agribusiness: Listen To MP3 McCain Sound Bite (MP3)

He also spoke very highly in favor of developing more nuclear energy: Listen To MP3 McCain Sound Bite (MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Audio, Clean Cities Congress

New Vehicles Unveiled

Chuck Zimmerman

Honda UnveilingOur opening session is underway. AFVI Executive Director Annalloyd Thomason is speaking right now. She just announced the Domestic Fuel coverage of the Congress. Thank you Annalloyd!

Right before she started we had a couple of new vehicles unveiled. In the photo, Honda pulled the wraps off a new alternative fuels vehicle. I’ll have to get some information on it and bring it to you later. GM also unveiled a new Avalanche here as well. Coming up now is the mayor of Phoenix.

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Clean Cities Congress

Enjoying The Congress

Chuck Zimmerman

Fun At Clean CitiesEveryone was having fun at the opening reception here at the Clean Cities Congress. It was definitely an extremely GM event.

We’ve got a full day planned for today. To get things started in just a few minutes we’ll have an opening general session featuring a speech by Arizona Senator, John McCain. I’ll be recording it and bringing it to you as shortly after the session as I can.

Of course he’s not the only person on the program. We’ll also be hearing from the local mayor and others like AFVI Executive Director, Annalloyd Thomason.

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Clean Cities Congress

Extreme Rhythm At Bentley Projects

Chuck Zimmerman

Rhythm ExtremeAt our opening reception, hosted by General Motors we got to see a serious percussion performance. We went out to the Bentley Projects, a high-end art gallery. There we got to see Rhythm Extreme.

You’ve got to have rhythm and be in shape to do this. We were getting ourselves into shape prior to the performance with a culinary experience that you’d expect from GM. Think big shrimp, custom made pasta, champagne and cute blue on white GM cakes.

If you want to get in the Rhythm, then watch this 2 min video clip: Watch wmv file Rhythm Extreme (wmv file)

If you just want to listen then check out this audio file of their first selection: Listen To MP3 Rhythm Extreme (3 min Mp3)

Domestic Fuel coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is made possible by the following sponsors:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Southern California Gas Company

Audio, Clean Cities Congress, Miscellaneous, Video