Beginning Friday, February 18, Salem City Club will launch a two-part sustainable transportation series that will focus on the most efficient use of transportation energy. The February 18, noon program will explore technology, infrastructure and policy supports for electric cars. In May, a second program will explore improved rail and other forms of mass transit. 

In his recent State of the Union message President Obama challenged Americans to be the first nation to have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. His challenge reflects the considered view of many scientists that America is on a collision path with reality regarding how we produce and use energy, including energy for transportation. It also reflects the promise and possibilities of electric vehicle technology.

Something BIG is happening with electric cars: electric cars now coming to market achieve the mileage equivalent of up to 120 miles per gallon – and they have no tailpipe! These vehicles will use energy up to four times more efficiently than the average vehicle on the road today, and can reduce your carbon footprint significantly – even if your electricity originates from burning natural gas or coal. With advances in battery technology and expansion of recharging and other infrastructure the range and general practicality of these vehicles is certain to grow. They are also likely to be generally affordable.

But, truly, is there an electric car in your future? And, if so, When?

Come prepared to learn and ask questions of our expert speakers, who will present the latest knowledge on the topic of sustainable transportation and the infrastructure that Oregon is now establishing in support of this effort.

Russ Beaton
Professor of Economics for 33 years at Willamette University and professor emeritus since 2003. While at Willamette, Dr. Beaton specialized in areas such as environmental economics, urban land economics, and energy economics, and has completed several studies focusing on urban growth boundary policies. He participated in the structuring and passing of Oregon's land use laws, and has consulted with several state agencies, including ODOT, the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Economic Development. He has co-authored two books in the area of sustainable development, and is working on a third.

Art James 
Art holds a Bachelors degree from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the University of Oregon. 
He joined Oregon DOT’s Office of Innovative Partnerships in 2004 as project director. He has been instrumental in launching Oregon’s public/private initiative and key in helping establish Oregon as a leading launch site for electric vehicles (EVs). He works with private sector firms to create a robust network of EV charging infrastructure in Oregon and encourage rapid adoption of electric transportation. He also chairs the Oregon Advisory Team working with utilities and local governments to install hundreds of EV charging stations around the state. 

Rick Wallace
Rick is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Energy in the Energy Policy Division and serves as the agency expert on alternative fuels, infrastructure and vehicles in the transportation sector. Rick also serves as Coordinator of the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition. The coalition promotes the use of domestically produced transportation fuels and fuel efficiency. Rick has accumulated eleven years experience developing, marketing and administrating conservation and renewable fuel programs. Previous to his work in energy Rick worked 14 years in the aerospace/defense industry as an engineer. 
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Final Notes:
We would have loved to park a new all-electric Nissan Leaf automobile outside the door for this program. But, we will probably have to wait until later because Oregon dealers have yet to receive demonstration vehicles. 

In our second program on sustainable transportation later this Spring, we will talk about ways to improve rail and other forms of mass transit which, in addition to being environmentally friendly and convenient, will have the further effect of reducing the demand on our roads and highways.
You are invited come and participate!

Please join us on February 18, 2011, in the Dye House at Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill for this opportunity to learn and become informed. For those not on our “continuous attendee” list, you may e-mail lunch reservations to: rsvp@salemcityclub.com or call 503-370-2808 by Wednesday noon, February 16, 2011. SCC members lunch cost is $12, all others $15. Doors will open at 11:30 AM. The community is welcomed and encouraged to join us! There is a $5 charge for visitors who would like a coffee and cookie. For more information on upcoming programs, and directions to this event please go to www.salemcityclub.com.