The Clean Cities Congress crowd kind of changed the slogan for Alice Cooper’s Town a little last night to “Where Rock and Alternative Fuels Meet.”
The band, Still Cruisin, had the crowd on the dance floor to some great rock and roll.
Just to give you a taste here’s a short video clip: 
Still Cruisin (WMV file)
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The band at our closing reception was Still Cruisin led by founder and drummer Bill Ball.
By night he’s a rock and roller. By day he’s the Transportation Director for the Tucson Unified School District. An interesting combination Bill. And one we enjoyed at the reception.
On a break I interviewed Bill to find out what he does and what he gets out of the Clean Cities Congress. You can listen to my interview with Bill here: 
Bill Ball Interview (2 min MP3)
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The closing reception was held last night at Alice Cooper’s Town. It was a great party and I’ll be posting a bunch of stuff from it shortly.
In the meantime our final day opening session is about to get started. We’re going to have a roundtable discussion on the Energy Bill with representatives from the various fuel type organizations. I’ll be recording it and will post more on it later.
BTW, I didn’t see Alice. I was hoping he’d put in an appearance but no such luck.
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On my way out of the convention center yesterday I stopped by the Ride & Drive and found myself in a Global Electric Motorcars vehicle.
Riding with me is the company’s CEO, Lawrence Oswald. He held the microphone while I drove and interviewed him so you’ll hear some road noise.
Larry tells us about his company and the vehicles they make. He makes a point that the electric vehicle is perfect for in-town driving for short distances where you can be on streets with relatively slow speed limits. With no engine emissions the vehicle is certainly not putting particulates into the air.
You can hear the interview here: Larry Oswald Interview (4 min MP3)
I also had to take a short video clip too, not something I recommend to the untrained: Ride & Drive (WMV file)
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At the end of the day today participants here at the Clean Cities Congress could ride and drive a variety of alt fuel vehicles.
After signing your life away for the liability thing you got a wrist band and then it was time to get in line for your turn.
I think there were at least 11 manufacturers out here today. You could choose your fuel. Like ethanol, fuel cell, propane, cng, electric and hydrogen.
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Our sponsor for coverage of the Clean Cities Congress is Southern California Gas Company, a Sempra Energy Utility. So I was very happy to meet the guys pictured here. They are Mike Franco, Stan Sinclair, Ed Harte and Michael Bolin.
Ed volunteered for my interview so we can learn more about them and their company. SoCal has invested in the infrastructure to supply natural gas in southern California and it’s their fastest growing product area right now. Besides being a supplier to consumers and businesses they have a training program and see continuted growth in this market.
You can learn a lot more about Sempra Energy in my interview with Ed Harte: Ed Harte Interview (8 min MP3)
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Annabel Cook, Honda, pictured here with Ed Huestis, City of Vacaville, CA, brought Ed to me and I’m glad she did. Besides the fact that Ed is just a great guy to know he’s got an interesting story.
Ed drove here in a Honda NG vehicle. In the picture they’re standing in front of a new Civic which was unveiled here at the Congress yesterday. I’m pretty sure Ed’s got his eyes on a new one now.
I interviewed Ed so you can hear his story. He describes what he does and how Vacaville not only works to utilize alternative fuel vehicles in their operations but how they offer incentive programs to residents who invest in alt fuel vehicles themselves.
I think you’ll enjoy the interview: Ed Huestis Interview (9 min MP3)
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Giving us a light-hearted look at alternative fuels as only he can, Jim Kenzie, Chief Auto Reviewer for the Toronto Star spoke at our morning session today.
This isn’t Jim’s first appearance at the Clean Cities Congress. Knowing that I figured he had to be good. That’s how you get invited back. I’m hoping for the same Jim!
Jim is from Canada so he also brings a more international perspective from a country that has become a huge supplier of oil to the United States. I think you’ll enjoy listening to him. I’m posting a portion of his presentation for you here: Jim Kenzie Speech (10 min MP3)
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A Florida-based company is working to make ethanol from pineapples. Biomass Resources Corporation of Boca Raton reportedly has “achieved initial success at extracting Ethanol from pineapple fruit and pineapple plant waste,” according to a news release. Initially, the company is focusing on the pineapple industry for its production, and has established a 5,000 sq. ft. R&D and production facility outside of Cali, Colombia, in South America, in the heart of the pineapple industry. According to the company website, they can derive several valuable by-products from pineapple separation technology besides cellulose for ethanol, including bromelain, xylitol, lignin and protein-laden plant waste.
I just wonder if pineapple ethanol would make a good pina colada.
It is day three of the Clean Cities Conference in Phoenix, and the convention center is packed with conference goers, all here for the same cause. With dozens of sessions, exhibits, ceremonies and receptions, people attending the conference are promised hours of information and entertainment. The crowds of people filling the convention center cannot be filed into one specific stereotype, as business people, hippies, yuppies, truckers and more can be seen in all directions. This just goes to show that the topic of alternative fuels is one which appeals to many different demographics.
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