South Shore Clean Cities Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and revitalize northern Indiana by promoting the use of clean fuels and clean vehicle technologies, was recognized during the 2014 NIPSCO Luminary Awards in the Environmental Stewardship category.
Carl Lisek, South Shore Clean Cities executive director, said the recognition honors everyone who has been involved with the organization and its programming over the past 15 years.
"This award would not have been possible without support from our staff, our board of directors and our partners, which include NIPSCO," he said. "Northern Indiana could have an even brighter future as public and private individuals and organizations work together to promote the use of alternative fuels and vehicles."
Lisek said the 2014 NIPSCO Luminary Award includes a $1,000 stipend that will be used to launch South Shore Clean Cities' IN Green Vision program.
"The IN Green Vision program will allow college students interested in green transportation careers to work with South Shore Clean Cities as interns and to receive educational information from the U.S. Department of Energy," he said. "The goal of the IN Green Vision program is to foster an environment that will allow these students to assist on and receive stipends for assisting with a variety of real-world local applications."
Lisek said some opportunities include implementing electric vehicle charging stations, assisting with the NWI Green Fleet program, providing education and outreach on alternative fuels and diesel emission reduction activities, and planning programming for South Shore Clean Cities' radio show, "The Green Commuter."
"We have had great success with our internship program, even when we have been limited to one student intern per semester," he said. "With additional local assistance, including the stipend from the NIPSCO Luminary Award, we will be able to provide additional students the opportunity to learn and work with academic, government and industry agencies so they are on the forefront of Green Vision in Indiana."
About South Shore Clean Cities Inc.
Designated as the 71st Clean Cities Coalition on June 15, 1999, South Shore Clean Cities Inc. was founded on the principle that motivated individuals working together for common goals best accomplish our nation's objectives. In almost 100 coalitions, government agencies and private companies voluntarily form partnerships that meet the objectives of improving air quality, developing regional economic opportunities and reducing the use of imported oil.