Naperville, IL– U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13^th) will host a Green Car Show to highlight innovative automotive technologies that will help our nation reduce its reliance on expensive foreign oil and offer consumers clean, affordable transportation alternatives.  Attendees will have the opportunity to test drive energy-efficient vehicles, learn about the Naperville Green Fuels Depot, and check out the latest advances from Argonne National Laboratory.  The Green Car Show is being held on Tuesday, August 30^th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Naperville Test Track, 1720 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, Illinois.

            “This is a great event for anyone who has ever wanted to get behind the wheel of an electric car or been curious about new charging stations,” said Biggert, a senior member of the House Space, Science and Technology Committee.  “Alternative energy technologies hold the greatest promise to finally end our reliance on foreign oil and cut energy costs.  That’s why, in Washington, we’ve been working for years to support research at places like Argonne National Laboratory, where they are doing amazing things with hydrogen, solar, and electric vehicles.  Now, those technologies are finally emerging into the marketplace, and consumers will be able to get a preview of what their next car might look like at our show.”

            Local car dealerships that belong to Naperville’s Test Track Association will showcase several electric, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles and offer free test drives on the track.  The United Parcel Service’s hybrid truck, Navistar’s E-Star energy truck, and Pioneer Conversions’ converted electric vehicles will be on display.    

            “The Naperville Test Track is proud to be chosen as the host site for such a great event.  ‘Alternative energy technologies’ is a reality in many of today’s vehicles.  We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Representative Biggert in showcasing the current Alternative Fuel Vehicles currently in our showrooms,” said Danny Wolf, president of the Naperville Test Track Association.

            Biggert’s Green Car Show also will highlight Naperville’s Green Fuels Depot, which converts yard waste collected by the City of Naperville into electricity, hydrogen and ethanol fuel for city vehicles.  Biggert helped secure support from the U.S. Department of Energy for the project.

             "The Green Fuels Depot will be the first-ever prototype demonstration of how municipalities can reduce petroleum use by converting biomass waste into renewable vehicle fuels.  Cities can save money on waste hauling and reduce their carbon footprint.  Thanks to Congressman Biggert, this is happening first -- right in our community.  It is our intent to commercialize this technology and create green collar jobs across the country, and then around the globe," said Peter J. Schubert, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Director, Packer Engineering, Inc.

             The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago will provide hands-on activities that highlight renewable energy resources.  Visitors can build hydrogen fuel cell cars and design and test the effectiveness of different blades on wind turbines.

            “It’s important to introduce to people new energy technologies and explore the possibilities of renewable energy,” said David Mosena, the Museum’s president and CEO. “The Green Car Show is a great opportunity to help achieve the Museum’s vision, which is to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering.”

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