February Forum: Sustainable Transportation

A sustainable transportation system is one that is accessible, safe, environmentally-friendly, affordable, and can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs. For our February forum, we want to more closely examine initiatives, policy and efforts in and around New York City that relate to making transportation more sustainable. . This forum is free and open to the public! . Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Time: 6:30-8:00pm Place: GE Monogram Design Center, 150 East 58th St., 10th floor, New York, NY 10155 . RSVP here!   Speakers include:   Charles Komanoff, Director, Komanoff Energy Associates Long-time New Yorker Charles Komanoff is director of the consulting firm Komanoff Energy Associates, ‘re-founder’ and president emeritus of the renowned advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, a founding trustee of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, co-ordinator of the pedestrian-rights organization Right Of Way, and director of the Carbon Tax Center. His work combines expertise in policy analysis, a flair for expressing numerical and economic data in concrete terms, and a passion for progressive social change. Komanoff graduated with honors from Harvard College with a B.A. in Applied Mathematics. . What Charles plans to speak about: A platonically perfect NYC toll-reform plan that could smooth and reduce traffic and raise needed billions for transportation infrastructure lacks a political champion. We’ll discuss whether Machiavelli’s Rule, that “losers cry louder than winners sing,” must still apply.   Christina Ficicchia, Executive Director, Empire Clean Cities Christina is currently the Executive Director at Empire Clean Cities, acting as the US Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalition Coordinator for the region. Before becoming the Executive Director of Empire Clean Cities, she worked as an economic and environmental planner with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. As Clean Cities Executive Director, Christina develops and executes long-range organizational goals and provides support and management related to strategies and programs that fulfill the organizations mission. She also coordinates various local educational and outreach events representing the Coalition in public and private forums throughout the region. Christina will speak about the Empire Green Fleet certification program.   John Shipman, Head of Electric Vehicle Programs, ConEdison John Shipman heads up Con Edison’s Electric Vehicle Programs.  He is a transportation and energy professional focusing his efforts in the New York City area. His background includes time as Con Edison’s Chief Automotive Engineer, Department Manager of Electric Vehicles and Department Manager of Secondary System Analysis.   Mr. Shipman combines a Mechanical Engineering Degree with graduate work in Energy Management.  Over the past twenty years he has worked with original equipment manufacturers in the field testing and evaluation of alternate fuel vehicles.  This has led to the evaluation of multiple EV products from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, BMW and Mitsubishi.  In addition to electric vehicles, he is responsible for the utility’s Commercial and Industrial efficiency and demand management programs and Customer Engagement activities.