EPA gives a plug to ALMS

EPA's Margo T. Oge (right) and Series President and CEO Scott Atherton (left) declared the Series' position as the global leader of green racing.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy held a press conference in Washington, D.C. today at the Washington Auto Show declaring the importance of President Obama's directive to continually develop sustainable energy sources through alternative fuels for the transportation and automobile industry.

American Le Mans Series President and CEO Scott Atherton participated and provided valuable insight into the world's top sports car series' direction and position as the global leader in green racing. But it was Margo T. Oge, Director of Transportation and Air Quality for the EPA, that proved to be one of the American Le Mans Series' biggest fans.

"You know, when racing was first brought to me as an opportunity to expand our important message of sustainable energy, I said, 'Racing? Are you serious?'," said Oge. "But I now understand. The American Le Mans Series showcases how advanced technology can be sustained under very extreme conditions in racing and help to explain to consumers and the public how, if these technical advances in fuel efficiency and emissions can be successful under extreme driving conditions, then they can be equally successful for the morning commute."

Oge's comments followed those of David E. Rogers, the DOE's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, and Atherton, who emphasized the natural partnership with the EPA and DOE, which last year under the auspices of SAE International declared the American Le Mans Series the only race series to meet the protocols for green racing.

"Because our racing series is an incubator of relevant innovation, it has been recognized by the EPA and DOE as the only green racing series," said Atherton. "We have created a platform that has resulted in the R&D divisions of many of the world's top manufacturers working tirelessly in the most demanding and technically innovative environment possible – world-class auto racing."

Atherton also recognized Michelin as a leader in its industry for environmental innovation, indicating that the tire company would partner with the Series in the MICHELIN® Green X® Challenge, awarding trophies to a prototype and Grand Touring (GT) team each race that demonstrated the best overall performance with the best fuel efficiency and the least environmental impact.

Atherton is schedule to be the featured speaker Wednesday morning at SAE International's Government Industry Meetings.