We are thrilled to share a recap of the recently concluded 2023 Indiana Environmental Conference and Winter Technical Meeting—a collaborative effort with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Air and Waste Management Association Indiana Chapter. The two-day event took place from December 6th to 7th at the Wyndham Indianapolis West Hotel. It brought together experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the latest breakthroughs in alternative fuel technologies.
The conference kicked off with a captivating keynote address by Dr. Tim Frazier, Vice President of Global Research and Technology at Cummins Inc. Dr. Frazier shared insights into Cummins’ advancements in next-generation technology for a clean and zero-carbon future, particularly in ultra-low emissions technology.
Following Dr. Frazier, we had a distinctive and groundbreaking panel featuring representatives from six distinct fuel sectors: hydrogen, electric, natural gas, ethanol, biodiesel, and propane. This assembly of diverse voices contributed to a rich tapestry of insights, challenges, and innovations within each sector. This panel was not merely a collection of experts engaging in discourse; it stood as a testament to the strengths, challenges, and innovations inherent in each represented sector. Including local and national representatives underscored the multi-faceted nature of the alternative fuel landscape. It highlighted the symbiotic relationship between local initiatives and federal policies, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address challenges and propel innovations within each sector. Witnessing this diverse group share the stage was a moment of unparalleled significance that truly distinguished our event, and we want to thank all of our speakers for participating:
- Electric
- Zac Elliot, Electrification Portfolio Lead, AES Indiana
- Mike Roeth, Executive Director, North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE
- Propane
- Mike Hayden, Director of Propane, Co-Alliance Cooperative, Inc.
- Stephen Whaley, Director of Autogas Business Development, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
- Ethanol
- Helena Jette, Biofuels Director, Indiana Corn Marketing Council
- Jake Comer, Vice President of Market Development, Growth Energy
- Biodiesel
- Helena Jette, Biofuels Director, Indiana Soybean Alliance
- David Cobb, Director of Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance of America
- Natural Gas
- Craig Moore, Chief Commercial Officer RNG, Kinder Morgan RNG
- Puneet Jhawar, General Manager – Global Spark Ignited and Fuel Delivery System Business, Cummins
- Hydrogen
- Bin Wu, Manager, Research Development and Partnerships, Corporate Strategy and Risk, NiSource
- Jim Nebergall, General Manager – Hydrogen Engines, Cummins
The day concluded with the prestigious Greater Indiana 2023 Awards and Reception—an event dedicated to honoring the visionaries actively shaping transportation’s future. It served as a celebration of innovation, commitment, and outstanding contributions to the industry.
The subsequent day delved into real-world case studies, featuring engagement with leading researchers, industry pioneers, and policymakers committed to charting a more sustainable path for transportation. We would also like to thank our esteemed speaker lineup as they shared profound insights into various facets of alternative fuel adoption, covering topics ranging from funding opportunities to global and local policy initiatives.
- Bailey Arnold, Director, Clean Air Initiatives, American Lung Association
- Jeff Carpenter, Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) Manager, USDA
- John Connell, General Manager, Bloomington Public Transit
- Crit Crabtree, Managing Engineer, Citizens Energy Group
- Dr. Nadia Gkritza, Campus Director, ASPIRE NSF ERC, Professor, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Dept of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University
- Helena Jette, Biofuels Director, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council
- Puneet Jhawar, General Manager – Global Spark Ignited and Fuel Delivery System Business, Cummins, Inc.
- Indiana State Representative Mike Karickhoff, EV Product Commission
- Anthony Maietta, Region 5 Environmental Protection Specialist, U.S. EPA
- Mo McReynolds, Senior Project Manager, Office of Sustainability, City of Indianapolis
- Morgan Mickelson, Director, Office of Sustainability, City of Indianapolis
- Craig Moore, Chief Commercial Officer RNG, Kinder Morgan RNG
- Diane Newton, Associate Vice President, HNTB, NEVI Program Manager
- Daniel O’Connor, Technical Project Leader, Cummins, Inc.
- Gary Parker, Technology Planning Director, Accelera by Cummins
- Bryan Smith, GM/CEO, GoCityBus Lafayette
- Lydia Vieth, Research Analyst, ACT Research
- Aaron Vogel, Chief Operating Officer, IndyGo
As we reflect on the success of the 2023 Indiana Environmental Conference, we express our gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and collaborators. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to drive positive change in the field of alternative fuels.