Another regional effort shows up in the news: North Carolina's Governor Mike Easley has announced the creation of the Advanced Transportation Energy Center (ATEC) at North Carolina State University. Operating as a public/private partnership with some initial funding from Duke Energy and Progress Energy, it will focus research on the charging infrastructure, power grid and advanced batteries.

This new center joins the Plug-In Hybrid Coalition of the Carolinas http://www.plugincarolina.org/­plugincarolina.org with HQ in Charleston, SC and the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Schoolbus project http://www.hybridschoolbus.org/­ at Advanced Energy in Raleigh, NC

QUOTES FROM GOVERNOR EASLEY'S PRESS RELEASE
Public-Private Partnership Puts N.C. In Forefront Of Growing Technology Sector http://www.mikeeasley.org/­wordpress/­gov-easley-announces-transportation-energy-center-at-nc-state-2/­

"It is our patriotic duty to free ourselves from dependence on foreign oil and become leaders in developing the technology to make our nation energy independent," said Easley. "Just as we have done in the biotech field, we can position our state to be a hub of activity, expertise and a magnet for the new jobs that will emerge as this sector of the economy grows."

"Growth in the use of plug-in hybrid technology and infrastructure opens the door for North Carolina and N.C. State to be leaders in creating a workforce for advanced transportation," said N.C. State Chancellor James L. Oblinger. "N.C. State was selected to house the Advanced Transportation Energy Center because of our proven research capacity and expertise in battery and photovoltaic research as well as our ability to build the partnerships needed to make the center a success."

"We must face the challenges of global climate change together and this partnership will lead the way in alternative energy innovation," said Bill Johnson, Chairman, President and CEO of Progress Energy Inc. "We are proud to be a key partner in supporting this cutting-edge research center that will seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, secure our energy future and bring new jobs to our state." environment.

"It is the North Carolina way to take bold steps," Easley said. "With the dawn of the 21st century, North Carolinians have emerged as innovators and leaders in education, technology and the environment. It is time for us to take the lead in the new energy economy."

NCSU'S ANNOUNCEMENT
http://www.ncsu.edu/­featured-stories/­innovation-discovery/­feb-2008/­atec-easley/­index.php

RALEIGH OBSERVER NEWS REPORT
http://raleigh2.com/­print_this_story.asp?smenu=1&sdetail=489 Raleigh Observer