By Daily Press staff
A fleet of alternative-energy cars launched into a cross-country drive for the environment Wednesday from the Santa Monica Pier.
The two-week trip, dubbed the “Drive to Survive,” will promote cutting-edge vehicles powered by hydrogen, electricity, natural gas, bio-diesel, methanol and ethanol.
Wednesday’s send-off attracted about 50 car enthusiasts, environmentalists, community leaders and members of the press.
“We’re going to change the world,” said actor Dennis Weaver, who founded the Institute of Ecolonomics, the organization sponsoring the event. Weaver, dressed in a cowboy hat and jeans, starred in “Gunsmoke” and the television show “McCloud.”
The train of environmentally friendly cars will stop in 18 cities on its way to Washington, D.C., its final destination.
On May 14, Weaver will deliver to Congress a petition asking legislators to make a “declaration of energy independence” by increasing fuel efficiency, promoting alternative fuels and decreasing dependence on foreign oil.
Six cars will make the trip, including a hydrogen-powered Shelby Cobra, a bio-diesel-powered Dodge Ram and a handful of solar-powered and hybrid vehicles.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 1, 2003. Read the original PDF.