WASHINGTON, June 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) is joining Congressman James Oberstar (D-8th, MN), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in announcing the classification of the bicycle as a Renewable Energy Vehicle (REV) and Renewable Zero Emissions Vehicle (RZEV). The announcement is being made in conjunction with the Race Across America (RAAM), a cross-country ultra-marathon bike race.
Mike Eckhart, President of ACORE, stated that, "With $4/gallon gas prices and rising concerns about global warming, bicycles are an increasingly attractive means of local transportation. The use of bicycle transportation for clean commuting will cut air pollution, lessen traffic, reduce dependence on oil, and help curtail global warming."
ACORE is a proud sponsor of the Race Across America, the world's premiere ultra-endurance cycling event. This 3,000 mile bicycle race starts from Oceanside, California, racing through 15 states, across the Rockies, through the heartland of America and the Appalachians, and finishes in Annapolis, Maryland.
John Geesman, Co-chair of the ACORE Board and former California Energy Commissioner said, "Energy efficiency is the foundation of all the renewable energy technologies, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydro/water power, and renewable hydrogen. The REV riders and RAAM are doing the nation a great service by highlighting the importance of low or no carbon transportation systems."
Congressman Oberstar, a long-time supporter of bicycles and sponsor of legislation advancing the use of bicycles, stated, "America is facing a convergence of the environmental consequences of carbon-based energy, the exponential increase in fossil fuel costs, and a growing deficit in national infrastructure. As the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure prepares to draft our next surface transportation authorization act, we must look more to alternative ways to move people and goods safely, efficiently, cleanly, and economically. REV's and RZEV's such as bicycles can and should play a larger role in our transportation future."
By sponsoring this event, ACORE is helping to raise awareness about the benefits of commuter biking. Bill Holmberg, an ACORE board member and decorated Marine veteran, perceives the most important battle of the 21st century will be fighting America's dependence on oil through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuels and vehicles. He said, "ACORE and Marines are proud to salute RAAM and the REV riders as leaders in this 'battle' for national and energy security."
The Race Across America began in 1982 as the Great American Bike Race. RAAM solo competitors average 250 to 350 miles per day. RAAM teams of 2-person, 4-person, and 8-person typically cross the country in 6 to 9 days, averaging 350 to over 500 miles per day. The RAAM 2008 competitors from 17 countries come from all walks of life, but their desire to participate in an experience so monumental that it is truly an accomplishment of a lifetime is universal. ACORE members and friends will be along the national RAAM route June 7-20 supporting the racers along the way.
"We are grateful for ACORE's sponsorship of the 27th Race Across America, and honored that Congressman Oberstar is joining in the declaration that bicycles are REVs and RZEVs. He is the champion of bicycles in the Congress," said Terry Zmrhal, Race Director for RAAM. Please follow the race through the RAAM website at www.raceacrossamerica.org.
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ACORE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that brings together every aspect and sector of the renewable energy industries and their trade associations, including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and biofuels, hydropower tidal/current energy and waste energy. ACORE works to bring renewable energy into the mainstream of America's economy and lifestyle.
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