November 1st, 2022

GOVERNOR SPENCER COX SIGNS
14TH ANNUAL ADVANCED ZERO EMISSIONS VEHICLE
AND FUELS AWARENESS MONTH DECLARATION

On Tuesday, November 1st, Utah Clean Cities (UCC) hosted its annual event at the Utah State Capitol to commemorate Governor Spencer Cox signing the 14th Annual Advanced Zero Emissions Vehicle and Fuels Awareness Month Declaration, a partnership for Advanced Fuels and Infrastructure to better understand sustainable strategies for clean transportation. UCC organized the event in partnership with Utah leadership to engage a wide variety of stakeholders, private and public partnerships, communities, and leaders on a common platform to better understand cost-effective and measurable impact solutions to emissions. This goal supports in boosting the overall economy and benefits the transportation sector by offering clean transportation alternatives statewide.

“We are celebrating the crucial decarbonization of the transportation sector here in Utah.  And notably, this movement is inclusive of our diverse energy sector- we are building a clean energy future today.  The collective of Utah should know that all of the world is watching us; as we stand and move at the forefront of innovation, ingenuity, and the actual deployment of cutting-edge technologies.” -UCC  Executive Director Tammie Bostick.

This year, we heard from industry, state, and local leaders regarding the important and timely work to reduce emissions, utilize clean advanced fuel options, and shift Utah’s transportation industry one vehicle at a time with a growing number of advanced fuel options. On the road in Utah, fleets can choose from propane, natural gas, electric, and soon hydrogen.  All of these Utah fuels are available in renewable forms and Utah boasts renewable natural gas and electricity from their gas and electric utilities.  This will be the ideal future of hydrogen as well, sourcing from renewable energy and carbon sequestration.

The Governor’s Declaration included information regarding the emerging portfolio of advanced fueled vehicles, both public and private, including the fuels produced from Utah-sourced agricultural and municipal wastes, renewable electric, hydrogen, methane, and biofuels.

UCC also continued to celebrate this year’s launch of ChargeWest – West Electric Highway, an eight-state partnership with the Clean Cities networks and state agencies, to design and expand the alternative fuel corridors with electric charging in the Intermountain West and support EV access into high visitation areas throughout rural America and offer regional transportation solutions to gateway communities through public/private partnerships. 

Utah leads the way with its innovative programs and opportunities for advanced fuels. An example of this innovation is the Utah Clean Diesel Program, a program through the Division of Air Quality that offers financial incentives to public and private fleet owners who scrap their older heavy-duty diesel vehicles or equipment and purchase new vehicles.

“As our state continues to grow, increasing our use of alternative fuels and low- and zero-emission vehicles and equipment is critical to improving air quality,” said DEQ Executive Director, Kim Shelley. “We are grateful to have resources available to help make these upgrades, and look forward to partnering with many more organizations on projects that will benefit both their organization and their community.”

Local leaders, like Salt Lake City School District and ACE Recycling and Disposal, also shared their experience and insight in transitioning to clean, zero-emission transportation options for their fleets. Currently, Salt Lake City School District runs 8 high-tech electric buses on their school routes with an additional 4 coming over the next few months. “Salt Lake City School District is proud to be pioneering electric school busses in Utah.”- Ken Martinez, Fleet Manager with Salt Lake City School District. 

“At ACE we are committed to sustainability. Finding better ways to keep our communities clean while protecting the environment” stated Matt Stalsberg, CEO of ACE Recycling & Disposal. The company began transitioning its fleet vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) in 2008 and now operates more than half of its fleet on CNG, with 99 CNG refuse haulers and three private CNG fueling facilities. “Utah’s first all-electric refuse hauler showcased at the State Capitol is our commitment to continue to advance our clean, zero-emission fleet and our dedication to clean transportation, one fleet vehicle at a time.”

Demonstration vehicles were showcased at the event including an all-electric bus from the Salt Lake City School District, an all-electric transit bus from Utah Transit Authority, the all-electric Ford F150 from MERGE, a Rivian R1T, and the all-electric ACE Recycling and Disposal Refuge Hauler. The increasing functionality and diversity of available vehicles are driving the rapid advancement of cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions and Utahans are taking notice. 

“The Annual Alternative Fuels Awareness Month events amplify opportunities to directly address the real and perceived barriers to using abundant, affordable, and Utah-based clean fuels solutions. Awareness is the most urgent call to bring action and real deployment of zero-emissions vehicles to Utah’s transportation sector,” said Utah Clean Cities Executive Director Tammie Bostick.