Greater Indiana Honors Alternative Fuel Transportation Leaders at Annual Awards Reception

INDIANAPOLIS, December 12, 2023 – Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Inc. (Greater Indiana) announced the 2023 Alternative Fuel Transportation Leaders at its Annual Awards Reception held at the Wyndham Indianapolis West Conference Center. The reception was sponsored by Citizens Energy Group, EZ-EV by Tesco, Accelera by Cummins, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indiana Soybean Alliance, B20 Club of Indiana, HNTB, and Indiana Michigan Power. Gary Parker, Director of Technology Planning at Accelera by Cummins, and Helena Jette, Biofuels Director of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, were among the featured speakers who helped kick off the reception.

Each year Greater Indiana recognizes outstanding contributions to advancing the organization’s mission. The awards are given annually to organizations and individuals in the following areas: Clean Air Champions, Leadership in Public Service, Driver of Change (person/company large project/program outreach), Best Achievement, Alternative Fuel Education, and Outstanding Board Leadership.

This year, leaders include the City of Carmel Street Department; Indiana State Representatives Mike Karickhoff and Carey Hamilton; PRŪV Mobility Ecosystem; the City of Fort Wayne; and ACT Research. Gary Parker, Director of Technology Planning at Accelera by Cummins, was recognized for his Outstanding Leadership on Greater Indiana’s Board of Directors.

Clean Air Champion – Biodiesel: City of Carmel Street Department

The City of Carmel Street Department (CSD) is responsible for the comprehensive maintenance, repair, and installation of roadways within the city limits of Carmel, Indiana. Carmel Street Department also operates and maintains Carmel’s snow plows, street sweepers, and a wide variety of specialized equipment to maintain roadways and associated infrastructure throughout Carmel. With the assistance of the B20 Club of Indiana, Greater Indiana, and Al Warren Oil Company, Carmel Street Department initiated a successful B20 pilot to lower emissions and boost the performance of the City’s Street Department Vehicles. The B20 pilot program is helping the City of Carmel reach its goal of reducing community-wide emissions by 45% by 2035 and net zero by 2050.

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Driver of Change: PRUV Mobility

After years of collaboration with local, state, and defense officials, Columbus-based PRŪV Mobility Ecosystem announced the launch of Indiana’s first vehicle Proving Grounds, at Camp Atterbury. The proving ground campus includes a vehicle dynamics area, an urban street grid, rural roads, off-road terrain, and support facilities. It is available for vehicle, system, and component developers, suppliers, technology companies, researchers, and government entities. The Proving Ground is a tremendous asset for automotive and associated technology groups, mobility companies, and the Department of Defense in developing, testing, and deploying advancements in vehicle technologies. The flagship facility creates economic opportunity, supports workforce development, and cements Indiana’s position as a leader in transportation innovation.

 

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Best Achievement – Electric: City of Fort Wayne

In 2020, the City of Fort Wayne won $90,000 in funding through the Indiana Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund Committee. The grant helped fund the installation of 28 Level 2 Charging Stations throughout the City. Locations include the Allen County Public Library, Downtown Civic Center, three Meijer locations, Renaissance Point YMCA, Skyline Garage at Ash Skyline Plaza, Berry Street, and Waye Street Parking. The charging stations are part of a multi-tier EV infrastructure project that encourages the adoption of electric vehicles, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions in Indiana.

 

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Clean Air Champion – Alternative Fuel Education: ACT Research

Over the last year, ACT Research has provided industry leaders insight into alternative fuel vehicle technologies and trends by creating specific technology articles, decarbonization reports, and Transportation Seminars. In partnership with Accelera by Cummins, ACT Research produced two articles focusing on Hydrogen as an alternative transportation fuel. In addition, ACT Research developed a special Decarbonization Report for businesses that collects and analyzes propulsion systems evolution of battery and fuel cell electric, government regulations and subsidies, electric and hydrogen supply and infrastructure, as well as a total-cost-of-ownership model of 52 vehicle applications across North America thru 2040. The articles, reports, and seminars help stakeholders better understand the fuels and the technologies that can be used in the commercial vehicle space.

 

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Outstanding Board Leadership: Gary Parker

Gary Parker joined our board of directors in 2022 and quickly began getting acquainted with the staff and pressing topics for the organization. Taking the time to learn about our operations. With more than 26 years of experience advancing alternative fuel technologies, products, and capabilities– we were happy to have him join our team. It didn’t take long before he connected us to opportunities, shared tips and advice, and was a sounding board for staff when needed. He has strengthened the relationship and work with one of our longest-standing member companies and continues regularly engaging with our staff. Any industry, business, or individual would be lucky to have him on their team. The award recipients represent a diverse spectrum of forward-thinking individuals and organizations whose groundbreaking initiatives and technological advancements have propelled the transition toward alternative fuel transportation options. Their exceptional efforts in promoting and implementing alternative fuel strategies significantly contribute to reducing emissions and revolutionizing the transportation industry. Greater Indiana extends its congratulations to the honorees for their outstanding achievements.

 

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