The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), a program of West Virginia Universitys National Research Center for Coal&Energy (NRCCE), will host its inauguralClean Air&Energy Independenceconference June 19-20, at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville, NC.The theme of the Conference,Exploring Innovations in Next Generation Vehicles,will provide a foundation in which NAFTC members, Clean Cities Coordinators, industry leaders, and government officials can discuss the latest in alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles.
The NAFTC chose Asheville, NC, as the location for the conference based on the City of Ashevilles Green Initiatives. Mayor Terry Bellamy will deliver opening remarks and discuss the importance of energy reduction strategies, the increased use of clean, more efficient transportation, and the goals and initiatives set by the City of Asheville to reduce the citys carbon footprint.
The �€~Clean Air&Energy IndependenceConference will provide information on the latest innovations within the alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle industry,said NAFTC Executive Director Al Ebron.As we explore innovations in next generation vehicles, we are truly confident that the Conference will provide excellent industry interaction and networking opportunities to enhance our knowledge and prepare us to truly make a difference in our mission to increase the use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.
Pre-conference workshops will take place on June 18 and include theFirst Responder Safety Training: Hybrid Electric Vehicles 4-hour workshop and, for the first time ever, the NAFTC will conduct its newFirst Responder Safety Training: Hydrogen Vehicles 4-hour workshop. These workshops are designed to provide first responders with the needed information to train those who confront a growing number of automotive accidents involving hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and hydrogen vehicles as these vehicles become increasingly more popular.
Headquartered at WVU , the NAFTC is the only nationwide training organization that develops curricula and conducts training on alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. Presently consisting of 33 National Training Centers located throughout the United States, the NAFTC s mission is to provide the training infrastructure for implementing the widespread use of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, and advanced technology vehicles, as well as to increase the nations energy security and to improve air quality by reducing reliance on foreign oil supply. Additional details on the upcoming conference or the NAFTC are available by calling the NAFTC at (304) 293-7882, or by visiting its Web site,www.naftc.wvu.edu.
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