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Office of the Secretary
June 12, 2007
Contact:
Chris Paolino
(202) 208-6416

Deputy Secretary Scarlett Helps Kick Off Udall Foundation Biodiesel Bus Tour

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett today joined Members of Congress and the Morris K. Udall Foundation to help kick off the Foundation’s 26 city biodiesel bus tour, made possible in part by support from the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.

The event, which took place behind the Cannon and Longworth House Office Buildings, was the first stop for 13 Udall Scholars, who will take the first-ever “green certified” motor coach across the country highlighting innovative initiatives in conservation and sustainability that are under way in cities, Native American communities, national parks and college campuses. Along the way, the riders will participate in public service projects created by alumni of the Foundation’s scholarship, fellowship and internship programs.

“I am delighted to help kick off this tour,” Deputy Secretary Scarlett said. “And I am pleased that the Department of the Interior helped make this tour a reality. Through this support of the Udall Foundation Legacy Bus Tour, the Department of the Interior is helping enhance conservation on the public lands we manage. This tour will help connect children to Nature and inspire new generations of citizen stewards.”

After leaving Washington, D.C. the Udall Legacy Bus Tour will make its way up the East coast before heading back south and west, culminating on August 4 in Tucson, Ariz. The tour will cross the nation in the first motor coach approved by the University of Vermont’s “Green Coach Certification” program. Fueled by a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent ultra low sulfur diesel, the bus will be equipped with emissions-monitoring hardware, and the real time data will be posted on the tour’s website. In addition, purchased carbon offsets will help the Foundation reach its goal of a carbon-neutral tour. The 8,600 mile tour will include stops at 6 National Parks where the Udall scholars will remove invasive plants, take part in nature tours, and work with children.

For more information on the tour, please visit www.udall.gov.

 
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