LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Petersen Automotive Museum will host its first public alternative fuels symposium titled “Why Alt Fuels Now” on April 18. The event, which features a public symposium and an alternative fuel technology display, will explore the driving forces – such as high gasoline prices, increased consumer and corporate environmental awareness and the emergence of new technology – that have created a “perfect storm” for alternative fuel vehicles. 
The symposium, which runs from 1-5 p.m. with a reception following, will feature three different panel presentations and discussions. The cost is $40 for students, $70 for museum members and members of the alternative fuel industry and $80 for general registration.
Panel topics will include:
· Infrastructure and Policy: The issues of the alternative fuel infrastructure will be discussed by industry leaders such as the California Energy Commission, Clean Cities Coalition, Southern California Edison, Chesapeake Energy and the Southern California Air Quality Management District.
· Manufacturing: Representatives from various vehicle and equipment OEMs will speak out about how they have adapted to the economic and environmental situation in recent years and what their plans for further development are, with speakers including Chrysler, Ford, Honda and 3M.
· Fleets: Alternative fuel fleet operators and technology providers in the public and private sectors will speak about the challenges and benefits of utilizing various fuel technologies in their fleets. Speakers include Venchurs CNG, Roush CleanTech and the L.A. County Office of Sustainability.
The Petersen is also putting together an Alternative Fuels Advisory Council that will focus on helping the museum become a major public resource for alternative fuel education. The council will be chaired by Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. Current members include Rick Teebay, Los Angeles County Office of Sustainability; and John Frala, coordinator, Alternative Fuels and Electric Vehicles at Rio Hondo College. The goals of the council are to produce the yearly alternative fuels symposium on current industry topics, refresh the content and displays of the Petersen’s alternative fuels exhibit and engage with the alternative fuel industry to support educational programming at the museum.
“To stay relevant in the ever-changing automotive industry, we host programs, lectures and workshops that speak to the current and future state of the automobile in America and the world,” said Clayton Drescher, education manager at the Petersen. “To that end, we are putting together this alternative fuel symposium, which we plan to make an annual event. Alternative fuel is gaining popularity among fleets and individuals alike, and we aim to be a vital educational resource for the public so they can stay current on developing alt fuel technology.”
Visit the Petersen’s website to register. Discounts for early registration are available and all levels of registration include free parking and admission into the museum galleries.
