[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 99 (Wednesday, June 12, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF DRIVE CLEAN INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2024

  Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere appreciation that I take 
this time to recognize Drive Clean Indiana as the organization 
celebrates its 25th anniversary on June 15, 2024. Through sustainable 
transportation and energy efforts, Drive Clean Indiana has enhanced the 
quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana and 
throughout the state for the past 25 years.
  Drive Clean Indiana, which originated as South Shore Clean Cities, 
Inc. before its statewide expansion in 2022, is a member-based, 
nonprofit coalition that aims to encourage the use of domestic fuels, 
improve air quality, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on 
imported oil, and build the state and local economies. On June 15, 
1999, South Shore Clean Cities was founded as the 71st Clean Cities & 
Communities coalition 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 while Carl was named 
Executive Director of South Shore Clean Cities, a position in which he 
remains today with Drive Clean Indiana. Drive Clean Indiana's dedicated 
team has been recognized with countless awards and accolades throughout 
the years, and the organization is truly worthy of each of these 
honors. And I would be remiss if I did not mention that, in 2015, Carl 
and Lorrie were both inducted into the United States Department of 
Energy's Clean Cities & Communities Hall of Fame.
  Drive Clean Indiana's transition to the statewide coalition is a 
testament to its extraordinary results. The organization has 
consistently exceeded expectations and surpassed its goals, while its 
membership has seen immense growth. Since its inception, the 
organization has managed many programs and projects including NIPSCO's 
IN-Charge Project, the BP Cleaner Air through Diesel Emissions 
Reductions Grant Program, and the Green Fleet Program. More recently, 
the organization has been heavily involved in fostering the use of 
electric vehicles across the state through its management of the Go 
Electric Vehicle Indiana (GOEVIN) program and the Indiana Clean School 
Bus Consortium (ICSBC). The ICSBC recently secured an award announced 
by President Biden and the United States Environmental Protection 
Agency that will bring 51 electric buses to Indiana school districts. 
It has also collaborated on many other projects including the Midwest 
Hydrogen Hub, which will promote clean energy through the production of 
hydrogen by leveraging renewable energy, natural gas, and low-cost 
nuclear energy. These are just a few of the many remarkable programs 
and projects in which Drive Clean Indiana is involved.
  Over the past 15 years. Drive Clean Indiana has helped to reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions by 2 million tons, the number of gasoline 
gallon equivalents by 300 million gallons, and the number of oil 
barrels by three million. For their truly innovative and successful 
energy and transportation initiatives, the organization's members and 
leaders are worthy of the highest praise.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring Drive Clean Indiana on this outstanding milestone. For 25 
years, the coalition has continued to make great strides toward 
improving the quality of the air we breathe and, in turn, improving the 
lives of countless individuals. Its steadfast commitment to Northwest 
Indiana and throughout the entire state is recognized and appreciated 
by all.

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