Question: From a statewide perspective, what approach(es) might most responsibly -- and realistically -- use natural resources? Should we champion better fuel efficiency? Promote liquified natural gas or electric cars? What role should public transportation play?

Premise: State legislature hearing

Major Roles (Prepare a five-minute presentation and answer questions from the panel): 

Director of the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Public and Intermodal Transportation - Sam Leroy

Midwest Regional Director, Electric Vehicle Division, Ford Motor Company - Will Givens

Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency - Tanisha Afnan

Natural Gas Lobbyist (will promote LNG as an alternative fuel) - Max Li

Minor Roles:

Republican State Representaives - Roberto and Shawn

Democratic State Representatives - Mary C. and Dezy

Required Reading

• Chapters 16 & 17 of Energy for Future Presidents
• Chapter 20 of Sustainability Without the Hot Air

Additional Reading

• Compressed Natural Gas in Illinois
• EPA Green Vehicle Guide
• Ford Focus Electric Vehicle
• IDOT Division of Public & Intermodal Transportation
• Summary of Electric Vehicle Initiatives in Illinois
• Winning the Oil End Game - TED Talk
• Ty Newell on Electic Vehicles - See bottom of this Resources box for pdf

Additional Resources

• ABI Inform 
  For the business perspective, this database "features thousands of full-text journals, dissertations, working papers, key business and economics periodicals such as the Economist, country-and industry-focused reports, and downloadable data."
  The CQ Researcher  
• "Provides award winning in-depth coverage of the most important issues of the day. [R]eports are written by experienced journalists, footnoted and professionally fact-checked. Full-length articles include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research. Graphics, photos and short "sidebar" features round out the reports. Shorter "Hot Topics" articles provide a solid introduction to subjects most in demand by students."
• Lexis Nexis  
  Search here for news articles; using terms like "electric vehicles" or "automotive industry" and "future" might help convey these groups' aims and activities.