Cruise Car, Inc., (http://www.cruisecarinc.com) the leading supplier of solar electric low speed vehicles in the USA, today announced that their All American Series solar Electric vehicles address the requirements of President Barack Obama’s ‘Clean Fleet’ Program initiative directing all federal departments and agencies to ensure that all of the vehicles purchased are fuel efficient or use clean energy by the year 2015. Cruise Car solar electric vehicles allow fleet users to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce their transportation energy costs while demonstrating a commitment to the environment and participate in creating new energy related jobs.

Cruise Car President Ken Chester said, “Fleet operators can meet the Presidents’ call to action by replacing their gas-driven low speed vehicles with solar electric vehicles - and no vehicle is more energy-efficient than our All American Series. With onboard solar panels and over 60 percent recycled parts they are also the most eco-friendly vehicles in the world. And because our All American’s are made totally in the USA, they also create jobs here. When you combine the solar tax grants available for the remainder of 2011 and tax credits available through 2016 with our Cruise Car leasing programs, the time and ROI is now for fleet operators to explore the conversion of their low speed passenger and light utility vehicles to solar electric.”

President Obama announced the Clean Fleet program at a UPS facility in Andover, Md., Friday. In his remarks, Obama said 100 percent of the government’s vehicle purchases will be for fuel-efficient or clean energy cars and trucks by 2015. He has also challenged and provided an opportunity for American businesses to participate in the program through ‘National Clean Fleets Partnership.’ Five businesses – FedEx, UPS, AT&T, PepsiCo and Verizon - that collectively operate more than 275,000 vehicles and are five largest U.S. fleet operators, joined as charter members of the President’s National Clean Fleets Partnership. The goal of the Clean Fleet’s Partnership is to reduce by 1/3 U.S. consumption of imported oil by 2025. In 2008, the U.S. imported 11 million barrels of oil a day. The public-private initiative aims to help large companies reduce diesel and gasoline usage in their fleets through the use of electric vehicles, alternative fuel and the implementation of fuel-saving measures into daily operations.

The government is now offering an outstanding tax grant for the remainder of 2011 and a tax credit thru 2016. With these incentives and Cruise Car leasing programs, there is a powerful Return on Investment (ROI) case to be made for making the conversion from gas to solar electric for commercial fleet operations. Cruise Car offers incentive programs for tax exempt entities as well. With gas prices appearing to be headed to over $4 per gallon by this summer, the economic incentive to convert is significant. This will also have an effect on the price of electricity as inflation hits all energy services except solar-generated energy.

Many users of Cruise Car’s All American Series solar electric Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) are reporting that after their initial full capacity charge they are able to drive up to ten miles daily without having to recharge their vehicles using external power sources. The onboard solar panels are producing enough charge to keep the All American’s at a state of full charge and off the grid, eliminating the need for remote charging stations and the attendant infrastructure.

About Cruise Car, Inc.
Cruise Car is the market leader in GSA schedule-approved solar electric transport solutions for municipalities, military bases, college campuses, corporate parks, resorts, federal agencies and planned communities. Planning engineers are now including Cruise Car solar/electric carts in their multi-modal transportation street designs for municipalities and communities seeking to integrate alternative transportation models to reduce carbon emissions and protect their environment. Cruise Car Inc. builds and sells more solarized low speed vehicles than all others globally. There are over 24 models available –from light utility and 2 to 14 passenger transporters. Cruise Car provides real value – strong, reliable, easy to maintain, low maintenance vehicles all made in the USA. The aluminum vehicle chassis eliminate rusting, a significant benefit in seaside or corrosive atmosphere environments. 0ptional removable hard doors and utility box configurations are available and solar power assist reduces energy consumption, lowers carbon footprint and offers off-grid driving. (http://www.cruisecarinc.com)

Cruise Car to Exhibit All American Solar Electric Low Speed Vehicles at World Energy Engineering Congress in Washington, DC December 8–10

Cruise Car will be exhibiting their All American Solar Electric Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) at the 33rd World Energy Engineering Congress in Washington, DC December 8 – 10. In addition to being GSA Schedule-approved, Cruise Car All American Solar Electric LSV’s fulfill Executive Order 13514 energy and waste reduction mandates and allow most users to take their electric vehicle entirely off-the-grid.

Cruise Car, Inc., the leading supplier of solar electric low speed vehicles in the USA, announced today they will be exhibiting All American solar electric Low Speed Vehicles (http://www.cruisecarinc.com/vehicles.htm) at the 33rd World Energy Engineering Congress (http://www.energycongress.com) in Washington, DC December 8 – 10 at the Washington Convention Center.

In addition to exhibiting at booths 842 and 844, Cruise Car has donated a solar electric vehicle to the show organizer AEE Foundation to help raise money for the AEE 2010 Scholarship Foundation. (http://www.aeecenter.org/cruisecar)

Cruise Car All American LSV’s are engineered and manufactured in the United States utilizing up to 50% recycled or certified re-manufactured parts and materials and are covered by a new vehicle warranty. They are GSA Schedule-approved and meet the requirements of Executive Order 13514 mandating that government agencies meet a number of energy, water and waste reduction targets, including a 30% reduction in vehicle fleet petroleum use by 2020 and a 50% recycling and waste diversion by 2015.

Cruise Car has received orders from many branches of government as they work to attain these aggressive sustainability goals. The All American is available in 15 configurations accommodating from 2 to 14 passengers as well as cargo and utility capabilities, and Cruise Car designs custom versions to meet specific facility transportation requirements.

“Operationally our All American’s are perfect for large LSV fleet environments because they are reliable, will not rust and use standardized interchangeable parts available worldwide. The solar benefit is constant daytime charging and extended driving range and battery life, the sustainability benefit is the use of over 50% recycled and remanufactured components – and we are building them in the United States,” stated Adam Sulimirski, Cruise Car General Manager. “In addition, dependent upon location most users driving under ten miles daily are reporting that they are able to take their All American’s totally off the grid, requiring no external power after the initial charge.”

The All American chassis is a welded aluminum space frame with custom aluminum-alloy extrusions, making it rustproof and providing unsurpassed legroom and vehicle configuration options. By combining lightweight aluminum construction with state of the art solar technology, the All American maximizes ROI and driving distances between charges while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For users interested in fleet leasing, Cruise Car offers aggressive lease programs for all solarized Cruise Cars with no usage limitations.

A free Exhibits Show Pass for the 33rd World Energy Engineering Congress is available at https://www.aeeprograms.com/shows/pass.htm

Cruise Car is the market leader for a full line of unique solar electric transport solutions ideal for planned communities, golf courses, college campuses, municipalities, military bases, corporate parks, resorts, federal agencies and all owners of fleet vehicles that seek to improve the efficiency of their transportation systems. For more information contact Adam Sulimirski at Cruise Car by phone at 941-929-1630, via e-mail at info(at)cruisecarinc(dot)com or online at http://www.cruisecarinc.com.

The Pelican Bay Foundation of Naples, Florida today unveiled their new solar/electric tram system from Eco Trans Alliance and Cruise Car to reduce their transportation carbon footprint by 11 tons of CO2 while providing over 800,000 rides to residents and visitors annually through PelicanBay's 43 acres of parks, recreation, beachfront and boardwalk facilities. Each new Solar/Electric Tram in the system features an Eco Trans Alliance 460 watt on-board Solar Charging System, which annually produces over 400 kWh of electricity per tram directly from the sun. Each Solar/Electric tram reduces PelicanBay's carbon footprint by over 500 pounds of CO2 annually and replacing the entire fleet with approximately 40 Trams will result in a net carbon abatement of over 22,000 pounds of CO2 annually.

Naples & Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) October 20, 2010 – The Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc. today inaugurated the conversion of their resident transportation tram system to Solar/Electric vehicles from Eco Trans Alliance of Sarasota, Florida. The Pelican Bay transportation system provides residents and visitors to Pelican Bay, one of Florida's premier beachfront communities with over 800,000 rides annually and an average tram logs 25,000 miles a year throughout the Foundation’s 43 acres of parks, recreation areas, beachfront facilities and boardwalks. The new Solar/Electric Tram system features an Eco Trans Alliance (http://www.EcoTransAlliance.com) 460 watt on-board Solar Charging System on each new tram, which will annually produce over 400 kWh of electricity per tram directly from the sun.

The Pelican Bay Foundation continues to demonstrate leadership in preserving the natural environment of the community by converting to the Solar/Electric Trams. Each Solar/Electric tram reduces Pelican Bay's carbon footprint by over 500 pounds of CO2 annually and replacing the entire fleet with approximately 40 Trams will result in a net carbon abatement of over 22,000 pounds of CO2 annually.

“We look forward to effectively using the sun to power our transportation system and continue our ongoing initiative to reduce impact on, and preserve the tranquility and beauty of, Pelican Bay,” said Pelican Bay Foundation Chairman Bill Carpenter. “Eco Trans Alliance provided a comprehensive solution and migration plan and made a clear and compelling rationale for our conversion to solar.”

"We applaud Pelican Bay Foundation for its demonstrated leadership in sustainability practices. Pelican Bay has always been ahead of the curve with its approach to environmental affairs so there is no surprise that they would utilize the sun's natural energy to power their Tram System. We are pleased to have had our solar charging systems evaluated and chosen for this important implementation," said Greg Hyde, Special Projects Manager for Eco Trans Alliance.

Travis Fealy, Pelican Bay Foundation’s Transportation Director, sourced the solar solution to reduce energy costs and expand the Foundation’s ongoing conservation efforts. “It’s a natural win-win for us,” stated Mr. Fealy. “First, given our latitude, Naples is an excellent location for any solar implementation. Second, Eco Trans Alliance offers a unique and mobile solar solution for powering our tram system that not only reduces grid electric charging expense but also extends tram battery life. The roof-mounted solar panels generate over 400 kilowatt hours of power per tram per year, which is going to add up to significant power savings for us. In addition we will reduce our total carbon footprint for transportation by over eleven tons of CO2 annually.”

About Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay is a premier mixed-use beach-front community comprised of residential living, hotels, shopping centers, office buildings, church, community parks, and the Philharmonic Center for the Arts located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The Pelican Bay Foundation maintains the common facilities of Pelican Bay and preserves the facilities and privacy of Foundation-owned properties, including over 43 acres of parks and recreation areas as well as beachfront facilities and boardwalks.

Situated alongside two and one-half miles of pristine white sand beaches with a backdrop of native Florida mangroves, Pelican Bay is a private community located just north of Naples, FL. Developed by Westinghouse in the early 1970’s, actual construction started in 1979. The community now over 25 years old was built from the south end to the north and comprises 93 residential condominium and homeowner associations. Pelican Bay is also home to seventeen commercial entities, including the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, the Ritz-Carlton, Waterside Shops (currently anchored by Saks, and soon Nordstrom’s), numerous restaurants, retail shops, banks, office buildings, two additional hotels, a grocery store, a county park, county beach access points with parking (both surface, as well as a garage), a church, and all three emergency service providers.

The Foundation, which is the master homeowners’ association representing all of the above, also operates two beach restaurant complexes; two tennis complexes; a community center housing a fitness center, education/enrichment rooms, and function rooms; a tram transportation system; an extensive beach furniture amenity; and canoeing, sailing, and beach fitness facilities. The Foundation owns over 80 acres of land providing for the above, 2 leisure parks, and over 2.5 miles of berm paths and boardwalks.

Pelican Bay was the creation of Coral Ridge Properties, a subsidiary of Westinghouse Corp. The 2330 plus acres with 3 plus miles of pristine gulf frontage was purchased from Barron Collier of the Collier family in 1972. Originally referred to as Clam Bay, it was renamed in 1974 to Pelican Bay. It started as a joint venture with Collier Company, but by 1980 Coral Ridge Properties bought out Collier, renamed the company Westinghouse Communities of Naples and began to transform the land into one of the most unique communities of Naples. http://www.PelicanBay.org

About Eco Trans Alliance LLC & Cruise Car Inc.
Eco Trans Alliance LLC and Cruise Car Inc. partner to lead in the rapidly expanding global electric vehicle market. Specializing in Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) solutions, Eco Trans Alliance develops and markets Sunray Solar Tops for LSV’s as well as solar charging stations. Cruise Car engineers and builds the All American line of low speed vehicles in multiple configurations to meet the needs of resorts, campuses, government and military installations. Cruise Car incorporates the Sunray Solar Tops into all of its transportation offerings to provide for extended driving range and off-grid functionality. The Cruise Car All American’s are made in the United States and combine lightweight aluminum construction with state of the art solar technology to maximize ROI and driving distances between charges while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They are reliable and rustproof with all parts interchangeable and available worldwide for optimum fleet operational efficiency. http://www.EcoTransAlliance.com & http://www.CruiseCarInc.com are based in Sarasota, Florida.
 

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Where does a Low Speed Vehicle Belong on a Complete Street?
                     By Mary Anne G. Bowie, FAICP, Sustainability Leader, Eco Trans Alliance

The proposed Energy Economic Zone in Sarasota, FL is including electric Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) as the newest mode of multi-modal transportation in the street designs, expanding the “complete” street conversation.

Low Speed Vehicles are officially defined through federal regulations as being street legal on roads with speeds of less than 35 mph.   An LSV may look like a golf cart, but an LSV is required to have a top speed of 20 to 25 miles per hour, extra lights, mirrors, seat belts and other safety features.  LSVs are also known as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) because they are very useful for short trips to the local grocery store or around the neighborhood. Golf carts are sold with a maximum 13 to 18 mile speed limit without federally mandated LSV safety equipment. Golf carts are not considered to be LSVs, as they do not meet the safety requirements mandated by Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, sections 571.500 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gross weight limitation of 3000 pounds. Some states further regulate LSV weights and characteristics.

Street designs for Sarasota's Energy Economic Zone include: tree canopy, multi-use bicycle/pedestrian lanes, vehicular use lanes, and an electric vehicle lane, for both LSVs and golf carts. Although the LSVs will also be legal on roads under 35 mph, it is expected that some LSV travelers may be more comfortable on electric vehicle lanes, weaving through neighborhoods, sharing the paths with golf carts. The street design is part of the Energy Economic Zone approval process and is not yet final.

Eco Trans Alliance, with a mission of powering transportation with renewable energy, advocates a series of transportation policies that encourage increased use of LSVs and Micro Transit Vehicles.  Although there is little documented information regarding LSVs, one Transportation Research Board study of LSVs in Lincoln California indicates that LSVs have traffic calming effects on normal streets and that one quarter of LSV two-automobile owner households studied decided to give up one of their automobiles.

Eco Trans Alliance & Cruise Car Partner to Provide the Largest Renewable Energy Transportation Systems Company for Low Speed Settings in the World

Sarasota, Florida – May 11, 2010/PR Newswire – Eco Trans Alliance, LLC (ETA) and Cruise Car, Inc. (CCI) announced a corporate partnership today. The relationship will establish them as the world’s leading resource for Renewable Energy Transportation Systems for Low Speed settings for:  Colleges, Resorts, Military Bases, Federal Agencies, Residential Communities, Golf Courses, Municipalities, Corporate and Health Care Campuses.   ETA will provide solar-electric vehicle and battery technology including Sunray Solar Top Conversion Kits (which qualify for 30% Federal Tax Credits) and Eco Ports (solar-electric charging stations) for Cruise Car electric vehicles.

ETA’s newest product offering includes “Sunray Solar Top Conversion Kits” which retrofit almost every major brand and size of low speed electric vehicle offered in the marketplace today. These attractive fiberglass tops with embedded solar panels provide the highest wattage known in the industry.

Solar roofs on electric vehicles provide an estimated additional 5-10 miles per day of driving distance, reduced energy costs and a zero carbon footprint when operating on solar; an exciting value for fleet owners and eco-conscientious consumers. “This is the beginning of a real recognition that renewable energy is no longer a convenience but a necessity” said Kenneth Chester, President of Eco Trans Alliance. “More and more organizations and individuals are looking for ways to reduce green house gases and any low speed setting is a perfect venue for Sunray tops” he said.

Using ETA’s new product designs, experienced transportation engineers and affiliates work together to provide efficient Renewable Energy Transportation Systems. ETA helps organizations develop a transportation plan, reduce operating expenses, increase fleet efficiencies and create a sustainable, eco-friendly environment.  Products include:  custom designed solar charging structures, solar tops for electric vehicles, and rapid charging stations.  Services include: complete transportation infrastructure design for low speed settings, energy and fleet assessment. Visit: www.ecotransalliance.com. Cruise Car, Inc. sells affordable electric and solar-electric hybrid low speed vehicles: utility vehicles, buses, transports, golf carts, and recreational. As a GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract holder, Cruise Car sells and ships to U. S. government facilities throughout the world and is the only authorized manufacturer approved to sell solar-electric vehicles to all Federal agencies.

Media Contact:

Mary Anne Bowie, FAICP
Eco Trans Alliance, LLC
242 So. Washington Blvd, #322
Sarasota, FL   34236
941-355-6371 phone

Assumptions
Go Green College (GGC) currently has a fleet of 100 gas & electric golf and utility carts being used on campus, primarily by the physical plant and housing departments.  The fleet at GGC is comprised of 50 gas powered and 50 electric powered carts.  Both types of vehicles are driven 10 miles a day on average or 70 miles per week.

Current Transportation Carbon Footprint for Go Green College

Gas Carts:  GGC fleet of 50 gas carts generates 161,200 pounds of CO2 a year!
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the typical passenger vehicle is assumed to produce 8.8 kilograms (or 19.4 pounds) of CO2 per gallon of gasoline.  Given the stop and go nature of driving gas powered golf carts, on average they get approximately 22 miles per gallon.  Using these figures, 70 miles divided by 22 miles per gallon, GGC is currently using 3.2 gallons of gas a week per vehicle, thereby producing 62 pounds of CO2 per vehicle a week.  Consequently, for its fleet of 50 gas powered carts, GGC is producing 3,100 pounds of CO2 a week or 161,200 pounds of CO2 a year.

Electric Carts:  GGC fleet of 50 electric powered carts generates only 41,700 pounds of CO2 a year!

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the 1999 national average output rate by power companies to generate 1 kilowatt of energy was 1.34 pounds of CO2.  A 48 volt electric cart has six 8 volt batteries with approximately 6,000 watts of power when fully charged.  On average, this electric cart can be driven 35 miles on flat, asphalt terrain before having to be recharged.  Using these figures, it takes roughly 171 watts per mile so GGC is currently using 11.97 kWh per electric cart per week, thereby producing 16 pounds of CO2 per vehicle a week.  Consequently, for its fleet of 50 electric carts, GGC is producing 834 pounds of CO2 a week or 41,700 pounds of CO2 a year.

Reducing Go Green College’s Current Transportation Carbon Footprint

Solar Electric Carts:  By solarizing 50 electric carts GGC eliminates 25,058 pounds of CO2 a year!

Solar produces no CO2. So, for this analysis, for every 1.0 kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by solar energy, nearly 1.34 pounds of carbon dioxide is not released into the atmosphere.  Every solar panel will have both an STC (standard test conditions) and PTC (PV USA Test Conditions) rating.  The PTC rating involves more extreme, real world test conditions, so you’ll find it to be lower than the STC rating and more indicative of how a solar panel will hold up.  The Eco Trans Alliance (ETA) Sunray Solar Top has a 230 Watt STC and 207 Watt PTC rating. For this example, we will assume that approximately 90% of the maximum PTC solar power generated by the ETA Sunray Solar top is converted into useable energy (we are factoring in some potential loss here due to variable shading from trees, clouds, etc.).  Assuming 5.5 average peak sun hours, the sun provides about 1.02 kWh per cart a day or 374 kWh per cart a year.  Consequently, converting a fleet of 50 electric carts to solar will further reduce GGC’s carbon footprint by 25,058 pounds of CO2 a year. 

   Climate Neutral Plan: By solarizing its entire fleet, GGC eliminates 211,316 pounds of CO2 in 5 years!       

By taking advantage of solarizing its fleet of electric carts and incrementally converting its gas carts to solar electric carts, Go Green College can significantly reduce its overall carbon footprint.  In year one, GGC could convert all of its electric vehicles to solar and convert 10 of its gas carts to solar, thereby eliminating 62,310 pounds of CO2 in the first year alone!  By following this same incremental solar conversion program over the next 4 years GGC can reduce its overall transportation carbon footprint by 211,316 pounds of CO2 in 5 years.

If your college or university is interested, please contact Dan Hoffe, Regional Director, at Eco Trans Alliance, 941-355-6371.

Defining Micro Transit Vehicles

A Micro Transit Vehicle (MTV) is an electric vehicle that carries more passengers and weighs more than those vehicles now permitted as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) . MTVs are available in the market place and serve as transporters for 8 to 24 persons; they may be solar-electric or electric powered.  College campuses, military bases, parks, resorts and other communities with privately owned streets are perfect locations for creating Micro Transit Vehicle opportunities now.  On private roads, Micro Transit Vehicles can be legally driven; driving MTVs legally on public roads requires local or state legislation.

For communities, the establishmnet of a Solar Electric Transportation (SET) Zone may be the best first step to stimulate Micro Transit Vehicle (MTV) systems.  Within specific geographic SET zones, solar MTVs, transporting 8 to 24 people, would be designated as street legal vehicles.  SET Zones would allow MTVs to deliver mobility in downtown and suburban areas that has already been tried and tested in resort communities.  SET zones provide a lower cost, flexible option for growing transit systems. An exciting role for MTVs is the ability to customize vehicles, rather than plan around the handful of existing transit types (e.g. buses, light rail). For instance, MTVs with special features can transport elderly persons after evening cultural events, handicapped persons to and through recreational area, and sports spectators from remote parking areas.

INTERESTED? CALL MARY ANNE BOWIE, FAICP,                                                ETA SUSTAINABILITY LEADER  941-355-6371

Low Speed Vehicles for your Community

1. What is a Low Speed Vehicle?   Any four-wheeled electric vehicle capable of achieving a top speed between 20 and 25 mph. Low- speed Vehicles must comply with the safety standards (such as seat belts, turning signals, mirrors, licensed drivers, etc)  in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, sections 571.500 and Florida Statutes 320.01 and  316.2122 and be licensed as required under state guidelines. There is a significant difference between a traditional golf cart and a low speed vehicle, even through low speed vehicles may often look like golf carts. Additionally, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration limits LSV to those vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3000 pounds.

2. Where is it Legal to Drive a Low Speed Vehicle?  Florida Statutes 316.2122 notes that a low speed vehicle may be operated only on roads as defined in F.S. 334.03 which includes a way open to the public, including but not limited to, a street, highway or alley.  The term includes associated sidewalks, the roadbed, the right-of-way, and all culverts, drains, sluices, ditches, water storage areas, waterways, embankments, slopes, retaining walls, bridges, tunnels and viaducts necessary for the maintenance of travel and all ferries used in connection therewith , but only on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.   This does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

3. Can Local Governments Prohibit Low Speed Vehicles?  Yes, according to F.S. 316.2122, a county or municipality may prohibit the operation of low-speed vehicles on any road under its jurisdiction if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

4. Can Municipalities Use Low Speed Vehicles?  With recent Florida legislation, municipalities are authorized to utilize Cruise Car’s low speed, street legal vehicles upon any state, county or municipal roads located within the corporate limits of such municipalities for municipal purposes, including, but not limited to: police patrol, traffic enforcement, and inspection of public facilities. Additionally, state employees, state park volunteers, and state park visitors are authorized to use Cruise Car’s low speed, street legal vehicles upon any public roads within the boundaries of state parks. (See FS 316.2126 effective July 1, 2009 for further clarification.)

5. What Grants are Available to Purchase Low Speed Vehicles for Governments?  Two current sources of available funding include:

• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants; counties and cities with larger populations receive automatic funding; small locales will receive funds through the state of Florida on a competitive basis for fourteen eligible activities.  Visit http://www.eecbg.energy.gov for allocations.  Contact tony.morgan@eog.myflorida.com  for state grant application, guidance and timing.
• Federal Parks can explore the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Grant, now renamed the Paul Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program. http://www.fla.dot.gov/funding/grants/grants financing 6106.html   

Consulting To Guide Your Community to a LSV  Sustainable Transportation Solution Is Available.  Please Contact Mary Anne G. Bowie, FAICP, Sustainability Leader, Eco Trans Alliance  Phone:   941.355-6371            

April 1, 2010) – Eco-crusader Jono Miller doesn’t wear a cape, but that’s not stopping him from undertaking one of the most innovative and potentially far-reaching research projects in Southwest Florida to reduce greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming. The environmentalist and longtime New College of Florida staff member has turned his attention to the College’s 114-acre campus on Sarasota’s bayfront to recommend ways to reduce its harmful carbon dioxide emissions in everything from its electricity demands to landscaping practices and the use of student and staff vehicles.

Miller has been seen riding around campus on his hybrid, solar powered-assisted golf cart – which he describes as “sort of like ‘The Flintstones meets ‘The Jetsons’” – to gather data for the college’s Climate Action Plan.  Several New College students have been collaborating with Miller and school officials on the research project that began earlier this year.

Miller, who headed the college’s Environmental Studies Program for many years and is now on special assignment as an assistant to the Vice President for Finance & Administration John Martin, expects to have several recommendations by this summer to make the College more environmentally friendly.  His larger goal is that other institutions and businesses can benefit from New College’s research on ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help reverse global warming.

New College’s self-study is part of a nationwide effort by more than 650 colleges and universities to look for ways to curb their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint.  Their pioneering research, which will vary in different areas of the country in part because of their regional climate, energy sources and technological innovations, are part of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org) launched in 2007 and of which New College is a signatory.

For more information, please contact Jake Hartvigsen, public affairs director, New College of Florida, (941) 487-4150, or jhartvigsen@ncf.edu

Photo above: Jono Miller, left, poses with former New College Foundation Vice President Sara Krusenstjerna and Eco-Trans Alliance founder and owner Ken Chester in front of one of the new solar-electric powered vehicles being considered by New College as part of an intra-campus shuttle.

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New College of Florida is a national leader in the arts and sciences and is the State of Florida's designated honors college for the liberal arts. Ranked No. 5 in the nation among all public colleges and universities by Forbes.com ("America's Best Colleges", 2009 edition), New College attracts highly motivated, academically talented students from 40 states and 25 foreign countries.

Convert Your Cart or Fleet into Solar-Electric Vehicles

Federal tax credits are available for up to 30% of the solar system if you qualify.  This includes the solar panel and batteries.  Total savings may be higher depending on additional allowances provided by some states.  Be sure to check with your state for additional tax credits.  Information obtained from the IRS website and the Data base of state incentives for renewables and efficiency.

Eco Trans Alliance is pleased to announce that SunRay Solar Tops are now available for all brands of golf carts and low speed vehicles.

Benefits include: Lower electricity bills; Batteries constantly recharge in the sun, extending the battery life by up to 30%; Increases driving distance by up to 5-12 miles per day;  Eco-friendly; zero carbon emissions when operating on Solar Power; Fits every major low speed vehicles: Yamaha, Club Car, EZ-GO, Cruise Car and more; Most powerful solar panels on the market: 190-380 watt solar panel tops output up to 88 volts; Easy to install, no maintenance, mono-crystalline solar panels, UL certified high grade industrial wiring, compression tested glass; Full 10 year warranty included; an extended 15 year warranty is available.

Contact Eco Trans Alliance 941-355-6371 for comprehensive information