Dear Friends:

Welcome to the February edition of eNews! This month you’ll find stories on new alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle legislation, industry developments, NAFTC news, and much more.

Making national news, President Bush announced his plan to relieve America’s dependence on foreign oil and cultivate domestic renewable energy sources in his annual State of the Union Address. Called the Advanced Energy Initiative, the bill awards funds for the research and development of cellulosic ethanol, hydrogen, and hybrid technology. More information on this important legislation is in the article, “President’s Initiative Promotes Clean Energy.”

In addition to the government, industry players, such as General Motors (GM), are stepping up to support alternative fuels. The company’s “Live Green Go Yellow” campaign supports E85 use, and both GM and Ford are working to install more E85 pumps at refueling stations across the Midwest. More details on their efforts can be found in the story, “Ford, GM Hope To Mainstream E85.”

The NAFTC has its own news to share, as we announce the addition of four new National Training Centers (NTCs). Des Moines Area Community College became an NTC in November, and Shoreline Community College, Nashville Auto-Diesel College, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College came on board in February. These new members make the NAFTC and its mission stronger and message more widespread!

On a somber note, the NAFTC is saddened to hear of the passing of two men dedicated to the mission and message of the Consortium. Richard "Rick" Kent was a professor and chairman of the Department of Automotive Technology at Onondaga Community College, an NAFTC member school. A tribute to Mr. Kent can be found in the soon-to-be released CAReport. Dennis Weaver was the 2004 National AFV Day Odyssey national spokesperson and helped make that event a rousing success. You can read more about his life and contributions in our NAFTC tribute to him in this issue.

Enjoy this eNews edition, and please contact us if we can be of service to you in any way.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium is a pioneer and a national leader in promoting programs and activities that will lead to energy independence and the greater use of cleaner transportation. The NAFTC is the only nationwide alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the U.S.!

Our mission is to provide the training infrastructure for implementing the widespread use of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. Our effort to increase our nation’s energy security, as well as improve our air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is embodied in our motto “Because Clean Air and Energy Independence Matter.”

Founded in 1992, the NAFTC is headquartered at West Virginia University and presently consists of 25 National Training Centers (NTCs) spanning the country from New York to California. Each center provides Training with Impact through its experienced instructors and real-world shop facilities. Approximately 60 Affiliate and Associate members also support the NAFTC’s mission.

Click on the blue dots for more information.

NAFTC's National Headquarters, Morgantown, WV NAFTC photo