[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 100 (Friday, June 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOUTH SHORE CLEAN CITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2019

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I take 
this time to congratulate South Shore Clean Cities, Incorporated, as 
the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary. Through sustainable 
transportation and energy efforts, South Shore Clean Cities has 
enhanced the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest 
Indiana and beyond for the past twenty years. In recognition of this 
momentous milestone, the organization will host a celebratory banquet 
on June 18, 2019, at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana.
  South Shore Clean Cities is a member-based, nonprofit coalition that 
promotes sustainable transportation and energy programs in Northern 
Indiana. The organization supports initiatives that work to encourage 
domestic fuels, improve air quality, strengthen the nation's energy 
security, reduce dependence on imported oil, and build the local 
economy. Due to the dedication and hard work of the coalition's members 
and leaders, South Shore Clean Cities has won numerous awards and 
received countless accolades for its contributions, and it is certainly 
worthy of each and every honor.
  On June 15, 1999, South Shore Clean Cities was founded as the 71st 
Clean Cities coalition under the United States Department of Energy. In 
the early years, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) 
provided support for the organization to achieve nonprofit status and 
to be recognized by the United States Department of Energy. Under the 
initial leadership of Liz Williams and Deb McClelland-Parker, the 
coalition continued to grow, serving Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties 
in Northwest Indiana. In 2005, Carl and Lorrie Lisek became co-
coordinators of South Shore Clean Cities. Then, in 2011, Lorrie became 
the Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities and Carl become the 
Executive Director of South Shore Clean Cities, Incorporated.
  Throughout the years, South Shore Clean Cities has surpassed its 
goals, exceeded its expectations, and continues to progress. Today, the 
coalition covers eighteen counties and its membership has grown 
exponentially. Projects spearheaded by the organization include 
NIPSCO's IN-Charge Project, the BP Cleaner Air through Diesel Emissions 
Reductions Grant Program, and the Green Fleet Program. Over the past 
decade, South Shore Clean Cities has helped to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions by 607,000 tons and has reduced the number of gasoline gallon 
equivalents by 93 million gallons. For their truly innovative and 
successful energy and transportation initiatives, the organization's 
members and leaders are worthy of the highest praise.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating South Shore 
Clean Cities, Incorporated, on its 20th anniversary. For the past 
twenty years, the leadership and members of the coalition have enhanced 
the lives of countless individuals through their unwavering commitment 
to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, and they serve as an 
inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________