In support of President Obama’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Energy Department today announced up to $4.5 million in funding to expand the use of alternative fuels through the Clean Cities program, which works with nearly 100 local coalitions and thousands of stakeholders across the country to decrease the use of petroleum in transportation. Alternative fuel vehicles, including plug-in electric, natural gas, propane, and flexible fuel vehicles reduce U.S. dependence on oil, support the domestic economy, and decrease carbon pollution. Through strategic planning, training, and consumer outreach, this investment will increase America’s economic, energy, and environmental security.
The funding announced today will support seven to fifteen deployment projects in three major areas: on-the-road demonstrations, safety-related training, and emergency preparedness. The first area of funding focuses on allowing more drivers to experience alternative fuel vehicles first-hand. Projects in this area will help potential buyers drive these vehicles for extended periods of time and gather data about their experiences. By increasing access to these vehicles through car-sharing, rental car, and commercial fleet leasing programs, the projects will enable drivers to better understand their benefits.
Projects under the second area of funding will develop and/or deliver training on alternative fuel vehicles to emergency first responders, public safety officials, and automotive technicians. This area may fund in-person workshops and online training courses to educate these vital personnel on safely handling and responding to incidents involving alternative fuel vehicles.
The third area of funding will support efforts to incorporate alternative fuels into city, state, and regional emergency management plans. Because natural disasters often interrupt gasoline and diesel fuel supplies, alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure can be valuable resources for disaster relief and emergency response teams.
Learn more about this funding opportunity here.
The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) accelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality. Since 1993, Clean Cities has supported community-led efforts to deploy vehicle and infrastructure technologies across a broad portfolio of alternative fuels, helping to reduce nearly 6 billion gallons of petroleum, limit pollution and save money. More information on this work is available on the Clean Cities website.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
