KINGSTON, R.I. – March 28, 2012 – Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition will host an open house to showcase alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles that provide environmental benefits and support efforts to achieve energy independence. The event is Friday, April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clean Care of New England, 850 Wellington Ave., Cranston.

The open house will feature vehicle displays, ride-and-drive opportunities, and experts answering questions about alternative fuels and alternative transportation. It is free and open to the public.

“This is a great opportunity for fleet managers, car enthusiasts, and anyone interested in alternative vehicles to learn how alternative fuels can be used to reduce vehicle costs and what infrastructure is available in Rhode Island to support these vehicles,” said Wendy Lucht, coordinator of the Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition at the University of Rhode Island.

Sponsored by National Grid and the Propane Gas Association of New England, the vehicles on display will include a Honda Civic powered by natural gas, a Toyota Prius hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and Dodge Ram plug-in hybrids, a propane powered Ford F150, and a biodiesel truck from T.H. Malloy & Sons. In addition, several alternative fuel vehicles in the Clean Care of New England fleet will also be on display.

Ocean State Clean Cities, one of 85 U.S. Department of Energy designated coalitions, got its start in 1998 as a result of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The group organizes stakeholder meetings and outreach events and works to identify funding sources for alternative fuel projects, like electric vehicle charging stations, biofuel fueling stations, and the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles by state agencies and corporate fleets.

It also advocates for measures that will reduce petroleum consumption, like technologies that will reduce the gas used while trucks idle and encouraging fleet managers to switch from 6-cylinder to 4-cylinder vehicles.

“Our aim is to reduce petroleum use by advocating for a portfolio of technologies, the cornerstone of which is the promotion of alternative fuel vehicles,” said Lucht, who was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2010 with its Rising Star Award. “While the program is fuel neutral, it’s a grassroots effort. We promote the fuels that make the most sense for our area, We are excited to showcase CNG, biodiesel, electric vehicles, and propane at this event.”

For more information about the open house, visit www.bitly.com/altfuelopenhouse or contact Wendy Lucht at 401-874-2792 or wlucht@uri.edu.