NAFTC to Host Day Odyssey To Promote Clean Energy Options

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) will host a National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey event Oct. 17. NAFTC, a nationwide program founded in 1992 to promote clean energy options for transportation through AFV education, is based at West Virginia University. The consortium and its more than 50 member schools from Maine to California provides alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle training across the U.S.

The National Odyssey kickoff event, co-hosted by the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Oct. 17. The kickoff is one of more than 100 events taking place across the nation on the same day. Thousands will join government agencies, environmental organizations, businesses, universities, community colleges, and secondary schools for local Odyssey events.

Odyssey has attracted the support of American Honda Motor Co. and the Propane Education & Research Council, which are supporting the 2014 program. National partners include the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. Odyssey, created in 2002 by NAFTC, is a biennial celebration to promote the use of, and educate the public on, alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. Since its inception, it has reached more than 400 million individuals through event attendance and media outreach.

“Odyssey is one of the NAFTC’s most recognized programs and has an incredible reputation in the alternative fuel vehicle industry,” said Judy Moore, NAFTC assistant director of communications and outreach and National Odyssey coordinator. “Odyssey does more than attract large numbers of people. It also makes the public aware of the viability of alternative fuel vehicles in their lives.” Events provide the opportunity for those attending to see alternative fuel vehicles up close, ask questions about how they work, and find out where they can be purchased. Information about National AFV Day Odyssey can be found at afvdayodyssey.org.