WE ACT hosted an Alternative Fuel Vehicles Workshop on May 4, 2001 at the City College of New York. In partnership with the Department of Energy's Clean Cities program, WE ACT worked to promote the use of cleaner exhaust technologies through this workshop and other outreach and education activities. More than one third of the air pollution in our region is caused by motor vehicles. These pollutants degrade public health and quality of life, while adding to the costs of living and doing business in our communities. They also threaten our region with reduced federal funding assistance for transportation.

Alternative fuels can be electricity, compressed natural gas, and other fuels that pollute less than dirty, unhealthy diesel fuel. The goal of the workshop was to inform local business people and fleet managers as to the availability of cleaner products and to help those who own diesel fleets to access federal money available for conversion. The operation of cleaner vehicles in Northern Manhattan continues to be important for the community because of high rates of asthma and other pollution-related diseases.

For more information about alternative fuel vehicles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has produced a useful Green Vehicle Guide, which is available here.