[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL ALTERNATIVE FUELS TRAINING CONSORTIUM AND IVY 
                      TECH STATE COLLEGE NORTHWEST

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that 
I stand before you to recognize the National Alternative Fuels Training 
Consortium and Ivy Tech State College Northwest as they join together 
for the second National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey. 
They, along with other community leaders, will come together on Friday, 
April 2, 2004, at the Westfield Shoppingtown in Merrillville, Indiana, 
to explore alternatives to powering cars and trucks with fuels besides 
gasoline and diesel throughout many locations all across northwest 
Indiana.
  The National AFV Day Odyssey began in 2002. The first event reached 
more than 17,000 people at 51 sites nationwide. This event will explore 
the environmental needs for AFV in our country, and local participants 
will learn of alternative fuel options to protect the future of not 
only northwest Indiana but the rest of the Nation as well. The National 
Alternative Fuels Training Consortium and Ivy Tech State College 
Northwest will be educating participants on how alternative fuel and 
advanced-technology vehicles rely on domestic fuels such as propane and 
natural gas to provide power for vehicles, which in turn help protect 
our environment.
  The mission of the National AFV Day Odyssey is as follows: ``To 
strengthen our Nation's energy security, to preserve our Nation's 
energy independence, to improve our Nation's air quality, to support 
our national expertise and technological advancement, to offer wider 
choices and opportunities for American drivers, and to spread the 
exciting news that advanced-technology and alternative fuel vehicles 
are a positive choice for transportation.'' The mission and goals of 
National AFV Day are vital to the protection of our environment and for 
the future generations of our country and the world.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in recognizing and paying tribute to the National 
Alternative Fuels Training Consortium and Ivy Tech State College 
Northwest as they strive to provide the tools and education for 
protecting our local, as well as national, interests in securing both 
the future of our environment and our Nation's energy independence.

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