"The New York Power Authority is the first electric utility in the Northeast to reach this significant EV milestone," Callahan stated. "In recognition of this achievement, we are pleased to induct Chairman Rappleyea and NYPA into EVAA's prestigious 'Million Mile Club'".

Under the leadership of Rappleyea, NYPA has contributed significantly to the expansion of electric transportation through fleet programs designed to build sustainable markets for EVs and to broaden the use of electric vehicles. Since March 1999, NYPA's electric transportation program has logged 662,310 miles, bringing the program's total to 1,066,938 miles traveled by EVs operated by NYPA and its customers.

The million EV miles were achieved by 179 electric vehicles, including small, urban electric vehicles; hybrid-electric transit buses; electric delivery trucks; electric-powered shuttle buses and electric school buses.

"This milestone in the use of electric vehicles demonstrates NYPA's commitment to putting clean-fuel vehicles on New York State's roads and highways. Gov. George Pataki's strong support has helped us to accelerate the use of EVs in the Empire State. His leadership has resulted in state tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles, deployment of hybrid-electric transit buses and the pioneering work on electric postal delivery vehicles being done in New York State," Rappleyea said.

Past recipients of EVAA's Million Mile Club Award include Georgia Power and Southern California Edison, who have brought "emissions-free" driving to the metro Atlanta area and the California South Coast Air Basin respectively.

EV industry representatives from around the world will have an opportunity to hear Chairman Rappleyea speak about NYPA's EV program at the 17th Annual International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS-17) which is being held in Montreal, Canada from October 15-18. As part of the Symposium proceedings, conference delegates and the Montreal public also will have a chance to test drive the type of EVs in use in California, Georgia and New York.

Media Note: For more information on EVAA, the "Million Mile Club" Award, or EVS-17, contact Kara Flynn, EVAA, at (202) 508-5039 or send an e-mail to kflynn@eei.org. For more information on the NYPA EV program, contact Brian Warner at (914) 287-3327 or send an e-mail to brian.warner@nypa.gov.

EVAA is the industry association working to advance electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure through policy, information and market development initiatives in the U.S., and to serve as the Americas' representative to the World Electric Vehicle Association. EVAA members include auto companies and other vehicle manufacturers, electric utilities, EV component suppliers, research institutions and government agencies. The Association serves as the industry's source of information about electric vehicles.