Hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, renewable natural gas, renewable diesel, biodiesel, electric…the fuel options just keep coming along with negligible or even zero emissions.
This week, Hard Working Trucks will be at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, Calif. to see some of the world’s most advanced clean-running trucks and vans, and to hear from some of the industry’s most talented insiders who work hard producing, using and promoting cutting-edge technology that not only takes a big cut out of emissions, but also delivers improved fuel efficiency.
It’s hard to say what will prove more interesting during the four-day event: vehicle displays on the convention floor or the workshops and sessions tackling the biggest topics in advanced transportation, including zero emission fuel cells, battery technology, alt fuel infrastructure, platooning, autonomous technologies and regulatory influences.
“In developing the agenda for the annual ACT Expo, we aim to bring together the leading fleet operators and other industry stakeholders that can share insight into the business case behind their commitment to deploying alternative fuel vehicles and expanding infrastructure,” explained Erik Neandross, CEO of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), a leading clean transportation consulting firm which is producing the event.
“From mitigating the impact of volatile petroleum prices to proactively addressing continually tightening emissions regulations, attendees will learn how low carbon fuels and advanced vehicle technologies will provide fleets with a competitive advantage in the near and long-term.”
The opening keynote presentation will be provided by Thom Shea, a highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL, distinguished author, renowned leadership coach, and president and CEO of Adamantine Alliance.
With a number of policy and budget changes at the federal level, and the always present oil price roller coaster, the advanced technology and alternative fuels sectors face continued uncertainty and possible headwinds. Shea will share firsthand accounts from his time as a Navy SEAL and exhilarating insight on how the world’s most successful people can thrive in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
A public policy roundtable will feature leading policymakers and public agencies discuss how the new administration in Washington will shift the landscape for advanced clean transportation technologies and infrastructure.
Policy and regulatory influences have always played a critical role in fuel efficiency standards, cleaner engines, and other advanced vehicle technology development, procurement, and deployment—all of which affect fleet operations. Panelists include:
- Margo Oge, former director of the Office of Transportation Air Quality at the Environmental Protection Agency and author of “Driving the Future: Combating Climate Change with Cleaner, Smarter Cars,” who will provide insight into what to expect over the next four years at the EPA given her more than 30 years with the agency.
- Randy Frye, State Representative of District 67 at the Indiana State House of Representatives, who worked with U.S. vice-President Mike Pence to advance alternative fuel vehicles in Indiana. • Anne Korin, co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security (IAGS) and senior adviser to the United States Energy Security Council, who has an in-depth understanding of the effect of petroleum resources in the current geopolitical landscape.
- Sandra Berg, vice chair of the California Air Resources Board, who is urging the state of California to continue leading the nation in the development and deployment of clean transportation solutions.
Other featured speakers include: Mike Casteel, Director of Fleet Procurement, UPS; Gary Maresca, Senior Director of Fleet Services, Bimbo Bakeries USA; Mark Matheson, CEO & President, Matheson Trucking; Kathryn Garcia, Commissioner, New York City Department of Sanitation; Pete Melin, Director of Zero Emission Technology, Metro Transit of King County; Mike Silva, Civil Engineer & Project Manager, CR&R; Kary Schaefer, General Manager of Marketing & Strategy, Daimler Trucks North America; Steve Center, VP of Environmental Business Development & Product Regulatory Office, American Honda; Bob Myers, Division Chief of Equipment, California Department of Transportation; Jonathan Randall, Senior Vice President of North American Sales, Mack Trucks; Rob Neitzke, President, Cummins Westport.
The 2017 ACT Expo program is planned in partnership with leading industry associations, including the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), Businesses for Social Responsibility (BSR), the California Hydrogen Business Council, Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE), and the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities team, among many others.
ACT Expo is North America’s largest clean vehicle event, representing all weight classes and alternative fuels. GNA and Penton Trucking, a leading transportation industry business intelligence provider and home of many premier brands for trucking insights, formed a strategic partnership in 2017 to further grow the annual event. Learn more at www.actexpo.com and www.gladstein.org
