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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOUTH SHORE CLEAN CITIES
______
HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Friday, June 14, 2019
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I take
this time to congratulate South Shore Clean Cities, Incorporated, as
the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary. Through sustainable
transportation and energy efforts, South Shore Clean Cities has
enhanced the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest
Indiana and beyond for the past twenty years. In recognition of this
momentous milestone, the organization will host a celebratory banquet
on June 18, 2019, at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana.
South Shore Clean Cities is a member-based, nonprofit coalition that
promotes sustainable transportation and energy programs in Northern
Indiana. The organization supports initiatives that work to encourage
domestic fuels, improve air quality, strengthen the nation's energy
security, reduce dependence on imported oil, and build the local
economy. Due to the dedication and hard work of the coalition's members
and leaders, South Shore Clean Cities has won numerous awards and
received countless accolades for its contributions, and it is certainly
worthy of each and every honor.
On June 15, 1999, South Shore Clean Cities was founded as the 71st
Clean Cities coalition under the United States Department of Energy. In
the early years, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO)
provided support for the organization to achieve nonprofit status and
to be recognized by the United States Department of Energy. Under the
initial leadership of Liz Williams and Deb McClelland-Parker, the
coalition continued to grow, serving Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties
in Northwest Indiana. In 2005, Carl and Lorrie Lisek became co-
coordinators of South Shore Clean Cities. Then, in 2011, Lorrie became
the Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities and Carl become the
Executive Director of South Shore Clean Cities, Incorporated.
Throughout the years, South Shore Clean Cities has surpassed its
goals, exceeded its expectations, and continues to progress. Today, the
coalition covers eighteen counties and its membership has grown
exponentially. Projects spearheaded by the organization include
NIPSCO's IN-Charge Project, the BP Cleaner Air through Diesel Emissions
Reductions Grant Program, and the Green Fleet Program. Over the past
decade, South Shore Clean Cities has helped to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 607,000 tons and has reduced the number of gasoline gallon
equivalents by 93 million gallons. For their truly innovative and
successful energy and transportation initiatives, the organization's
members and leaders are worthy of the highest praise.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating South Shore
Clean Cities, Incorporated, on its 20th anniversary. For the past
twenty years, the leadership and members of the coalition have enhanced
the lives of countless individuals through their unwavering commitment
to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, and they serve as an
inspiration to us all.
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