The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute recognized outstanding leadership in the alternative fuels and vehicles industry
as part of the 15th national Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference and Expo 2009.

20/20 Vision Award: Mario Cordero, immediate past president of the Port of Long Beach, Calif., and S. David Freeman, president of the Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, accepted the award for their leadership in shaping landmark policy through their combined San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan. Under the plan, the fifth largest seaport complex in the world is now working with drayage truck owners to replace old trucks that can cut truck related air pollution by 80 percent by 2012.

Golden Bullet Award: Joe Jobe was honored for his efforts to bring the biodiesel industry together to advance the use of biodiesel in our nation's fleets. For 12 years he worked to elevate the National Biodiesel Board, and subsequently the industry.

Green Fleet Award: When the San Pedro Bay Ports crafted a clean air policy, Victor La Rosa, President of Total Transportation Services, was the first in line with alternative fuel vehicles to operate in full-time drayage service at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. TTSI has invested $15 million in LNG trucks and plans to replace half of its 300-truck fleet with AFVs.

Green Giant Award: T. Boone Pickens last year launched the "Pickens Plan," which has attracted 1.4 million supporters organized around wind, solar and natural gas. AFVi awards Mr. Pickens the Green Giant Award for focusing national attention on natural gas for transportation as a key tenet in lessening U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Invention and Innovation Award (Heavy-Duty): Vancouver-based Westport Innovations is a leading developer of advanced engines that run on natural gas and other gaseous fuels. AFVi says Michael Gallagher, president and COO, "has given alternative fuel vehicles using Westport engines a competitive advantage in the truck market. Today, even in a tough market, the innovative engine manufacturer is realizing significant sales, growing demand and general market acceptance globally for natural gas as a clean alternative to petroleum."

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute is an entrepreneurial organization that works through industry to bring people in need of proven transportation technologies together with those who can meet their needs. www.afvi.org