Utah Celebrates the 16th Annual Governor’s Idle Free Declaration for Utah’s upcoming 2023-2024 Winter Season

The 16th Annual Governor’s Idle Free Declaration for Utah’s upcoming 2023-2024 Winter Season was enthusiastically announced. The Governor’s Declaration, bolstered by the steadfast support of Utah Mayors, representing more than 75% of the state’s population, marked a significant step towards cleaner air and reduced emissions. The highly anticipated event took place at the Utah State Capitol on Thursday, August 31, at 9:00 AM, where prominent leaders and advocates for the Idle Free cause converged to share their stories, efforts, and unwavering support for this exceptional campaign promoting clean air and zero emissions.

“We stand at the crossroads of the 16th year of Utah’s cherished Idle Free Campaign, ‘Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free,’ as we officially declare Utah’s Idle Free Month and the Winter Season for 2023-2024. Reflecting upon the past 15 years fills us with a sense of accomplishment. This initiative has spurred statewide idle-free policies and incited action at the level of school districts, cities, towns, counties, and even within Zion National Park. The tireless dedication of the Bipartisan Clean Air Caucus, Utah Idle Free fleets, and above all, the collective efforts of individuals, marked by a ten-second commitment to turn the key, has propelled us forward,” stated Tammie Bostick, Executive Director of Utah Clean Cities.

Distinguished speakers at the event included Tammie Bostick, Executive Director of Utah Clean Cities; Bryce Bird, Director of Utah Division of Air Quality; Kim Frost, Executive Director of Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR); Senator Lincoln Fillmore, Chief sponsor of S.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Environmental Impact of Vehicle Idling; and Jeff Silvestrini, Mayor of Millcreek, an Idle Free City.

“Today, I stand on behalf of the governor to reinforce our dedication to cleaner air. The 16th Annual Idle Free Declaration demonstrates how collective efforts, like the ‘Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free’ campaign, shape a cleaner future. Let’s continue moving forward, transforming simple actions into lasting impact.” Bryce Bird, Director, Utah Division of Air Quality.  Bird read the 16th Annual Declaration for Idle Free Month and Season 2023-24.

During the 2023 legislative session, Utah Clean Cities and the Utah Clean Air Partnership rallied behind Senator Lincoln Fillmore’s mission.

“As stewards of our environment, we have a responsibility to address the impact of vehicle idling on our air quality and the planet,” encapsulates the essence of S.C.R. 2 – the Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Environmental Impact of Vehicle Idling, which Senator Fillmore spearheaded and Governor Cox signed. This resolution signifies our dedication to sustainability and a healthier future, resonating beyond our state’s borders. Together, we drive change for cleaner air and a greener tomorrow.

The “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” initiative acknowledges cities across Utah that have formally embraced the Idle Free cause. Among them are Alta, Cottonwood Heights, Draper City, Holladay, Logan, Millcreek, Murray City, Park City, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Sandy, South Jordan, Springdale, and Zion National Park.

 “In Millcreek city, our commitment to cleaner air is unwavering. As we support the Idle Free movement through our own idle-free ordinance, remember that a simple act like ‘Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free’ propels us towards a future of fresher air and a more vibrant community.” – Mayor Silvestrini, Millcreek City

The scorching summer of 2023 unleashed record-breaking temperatures upon the entire state of Utah, accompanied by a surge of ground-level ozone exposure. This harmful pollutant, generated by the interaction between Nitric Oxide (NOx), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), heat, and sunlight, imperils respiratory health, akin to receiving a lung sunburn. Ozone and PM2.5 emissions from vehicles, along with the haze of wildfire smoke, continue to jeopardize the health of Utah communities, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. Through simple actions such as “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free,” both individuals and fleets within the transportation sector can mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution. With the active involvement of local governments, businesses, fleets, and numerous Utah communities, the annual Idle Free reminder cements partnerships and sets higher standards in curbing unnecessary idling.

“We applaud the unwavering dedication of Utah communities as we celebrate the sixteenth year of ‘Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free.’ Each of us contributes to Utah’s air quality, and even small changes yield significant impacts on our air. Embracing an idle-free lifestyle, carpooling, and utilizing public transit collectively make breathing easier for every Utahan. Municipal leaders are diligently working to decrease emissions from our buildings and vehicles. We urge everyone to persist in their efforts to enhance our air quality!” encouraged Kim Frost, Executive Director of UCAIR.

Air quality remains a multifaceted challenge. Utah’s air pollution issues are compounded by distinctive local topography, high traffic volume, and dense population. While there’s no panacea for addressing air pollution challenges, focusing on transportation offers a pragmatic approach. Vehicle emissions account for roughly half of Utah’s air pollution, with needless idling contributing significantly to daily emissions in our air shed.

With over 80 Utah fleets committing annually to operate Idle Free, in partnership with Utah Clean Cities and the communities they serve, remarkable progress has been achieved. According to data from Utah Clean Cities’ 2022 annual report, the “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” program curtailed more than 200,000 pounds of criteria pollutants in 2021 alone. Over the past year, the program collectively reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 13,942 tons, equivalent to 1,183,139 gallons of gasoline.

 

Imagine this: The fuel saved through the “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” program for a year could enable approximately 473,256 Utah residents to explore all five of our cherished national parks.

Clean Cities Celebrates 30 Years of Advancing Sustainable Transportation Solutions

From the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

September 7, 2023

Clean Cities Celebrates 30 Years of Advancing Sustainable Transportation Solutions

DOE-funded initiative boosts national energy security, economic vitality, and quality of life   

Clean Cities, composed of 75 coalitions across the country, is celebrating 30 years of boosting the national energy security, economic vitality, and quality of life. Launched in 1993 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Clean Cities coalitions work in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout America helping businesses and consumers meet climate, financial, and energy goals through sustainable transportation fuels and technologies.

“We are so proud to be celebrating 30 years of such important and impactful work,” said Michael Berube, DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation and Fuels. “For three decades, Clean Cities has been a trusted partner, providing people across the country with the best information and knowledge on the latest clean transportation technologies.”

Through projects focused on increasing vehicle efficiency, shifting to alternative energy sources, and offering consumers additional transportation choices, Clean Cities coalitions have saved the equivalent of 13 billion gallons of gasoline and prevented more than 67 million tons of emissions from polluting America’s skies.

“Coalitions work in their communities to understand local priorities and offer resources and expertise backed by real-world experience,” said Mark Smith, Technology Integration Program Manager for DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office, which oversees the program. “Clean Cities is transforming transportation by bringing the latest technologies to the streets and providing technical assistance with lasting, meaningful results.”

The anniversary features celebrations near Washington, D.C. mirroring local events across the country that highlight decades of work building bipartisan support and forging deep connections within the transportation industry. To date, Clean Cities coalitions include active partnerships with more than 20,000 public and private stakeholders. Thriving on a culture of collaborative change, coalitions harness decades of deployment expertise to advance sustainable transportation systems.

The origin of Clean Cities dates to the passing of the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. These laws, which encouraged the production and use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and the reduction of vehicle emissions, led to the creation of the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) in 1991. The AFDC’s initial objective was to collect, analyze, and distribute data used to evaluate alternative fuels and vehicles.

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) required certain vehicle fleets to acquire AFVs. Subsequently, DOE created Clean Cities in 1993 to provide informational, technical, and financial resources to EPAct-regulated fleets and voluntary adopters of alternative fuels and vehicles.

For more information, please visit https://cleancities.energy.gov/.

St George News: Addition of 2 zero-emission shuttle vans helps advance park, EVZion goal of ‘smart mobility solutions’

St George News Article

ST. GEORGE — Visitors to Zion National Park are riding in style after two Lightning ZEV3 Class 3 passenger vans were added to the shuttle fleet Tuesday.

The deployment of these zero-emission vehicles will augment the goals of the Utah Clean Cities East Zion pilot shuttle program.

“The public-private initiative is a landmark demonstration of how industry, federal and local agencies can come together to demonstrate smart mobility solutions that increase regional resiliency and connectivity,” said a news release from businesswire.com.

As part of a pilot program that began in 2019, EVZion has “developed a zero-emission, electric vehicle shuttle system to demonstrate the efficiency of electric vehicle transportation in rural gateway communities,” the news release said.

This high-tech, electric shuttle pilot and demonstration project involves national laboratory data collection, industry partner road testing in extreme climate fluctuations and local community leadership, according to the EVZion website.

“The opportunity to work with the Utah Clean Cities team and our partners to demonstrate the viability and scalability of all-electric, zero-emission passenger systems aligns perfectly with our mission and vision,” Nick Bettis, vice president of marketing and sales operations at Lightning eMotors, said in the news release. “As the only electrified vehicle provider actively delivering customized, fully electric Class 3 shuttles and a robust range of charging solutions, Lightning eMotors is excited to be part of the EVZion project.”

The vans were customized with rear-facing cameras to allow the side mirrors to be folded so that the vans can pass each other in the Mt. Carmel Tunnel. In conjunction with the deployment of the two vans, Lightning is demonstrating Lightning Mobile, which provides DC fast charging in a trailer format. This technology is especially valuable for charging EVs in locations that may be remote from the grid.

“The historic Mt. Carmel Tunnel, an iconic landmark since its inauguration on July 4, 1930, has long struggled with accommodating oversized vehicles and maintaining a safe traffic flow,” said Tammie Bostick, Utah Clean Cities executive director and project lead of the EVZion project. “By adopting these shuttles, tailored to the tunnel’s dimensions, we’re taking an active step towards ensuring a two-way traffic flow that eliminates the frustrating hours and miles of backed-up vehicles.

“This approach not only respects the park’s history but also paves the way for a more enjoyable and secure experience for all visitors.”

Lightning’s ZEV3 passenger vans have a long track record of operating in public and private transit and on-demand microtransit contexts across the county, the news release said.

The EVZion ribbon-cutting follows a recent announcement by Teton Village, Wyoming, about the acquisition of Lightning eMotors vehicles to replace the diesel buses that serve nearly half a million people in and around Teton Village resort.

Following are Zion National Park shuttle service reminders from the park service:

  • You do not need a ticket or reservation to ride the park shuttle or enter the park.
  • During the shuttle season, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
  • Later in 2023, the park will share information about shuttle operations in December.
  • Shuttles arrive about every 15 minutes on the Springdale Line (outside the park) and about every 5-10 minutes on the Zion Canyon Line (inside the park).

Sixteenth Annual Governor’s Idle Free Declaration Event Announcement

 

You’re Invited to the Sixteenth Annual Governor’s Idle Free Declaration Event

Salt Lake City, August 31, 2023, at the Utah State Capitol, 9:00 am – 10:00 am

 

Utah’s Impact Beyond Numbers – Sixteenth Annual Governor’s Idle Free Declaration Event Highlights Environmental Stewardship

 

Utah proudly announces the 16th Annual Governor’s Idle Free Declaration for September 2023 and the upcoming 2023-2024 Winter Season. With support from Utah Mayors, representing 75% of the state’s population, this declaration marks a significant stride toward cleaner air and reduced emissions. The event, held at the Utah State Capitol on August 31st from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, will gather leaders and advocates of the Idle Free campaign to highlight the collective effort for clean, emission-free air in our community.

Utah’s Impact Beyond Numbers: Environmental Stewardship

In Utah, our efforts extend far beyond mere statistics – they reflect our commitment to the environment. We’re making a tangible impact on the world around us, one that reaches beyond data and numbers.

As we officially declare Utah’s Idle Free Month and the Winter Season for 2023-2024, we reflect on the past 15 years with a sense of accomplishment. This initiative has inspired statewide idle-free policies and generated real action at various levels, supported by a ten-second commitment to turn the key and prevent unnecessary idling.

According to Utah Clean Cities’ 2022 report, the “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” program prevented over 200,000 pounds of criteria pollutants from being released into the air in 2021 alone. In the past year, the program collectively reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 13,942 tons, equivalent to saving approximately 1,183,139 gallons of gasoline.

Utah’s contributions transcend numbers, leaving a heartfelt impact on the environment. By reducing emissions, we’re nurturing healthier communities and preserving the beauty of our natural landscapes.

Imagine this: The fuel saved through the “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” program for a year could enable approximately 473,256 Utah residents to explore all five of our cherished national parks. These adventures not only enrich lives but also showcase Utah’s commitment to emission reduction, ensuring the preservation of our landscapes for future generations.

Moreover, Zion National Park is also striving to become Idle Free. Your example of responsible practices while exploring our national parks will undoubtedly leave a positive impact, inspiring others to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

 

Utah’s summer of 2023 has brought record-breaking temperatures and heightened ground-level ozone exposure. Ozone and PM2.5 emissions from vehicles, coupled with wildfire smoke, continue to impact Utah communities, particularly affecting marginalized populations. Simple actions like “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” empower individuals and transportation fleets to combat the adverse effects of air pollution.

Through active engagement from local governments, businesses, fleets, and Utah communities, the annual Idle Free reminder strengthens partnerships and sets higher benchmarks in curbing unnecessary idling.

 

Distinguished speakers at the event will include Tammie Bostick, Executive Director of Utah Clean Cities; Bryce Bird, Executive Director of Utah Division of Air Quality; Kim Frost, Executive Director of Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR); Senator Lincoln Fillmore, Chief sponsor of S.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Environmental Impact of Vehicle Idling; and Jeff Silvestrini, Mayor of Millcreek, an Idle Free City.

 

Join us at this all-Utah event, as we celebrate our commitment to cleaner air and a sustainable future. If you are unable to attend but interested in event coverage, contact Grayson Wickel from Utah Clean Cities for interview opportunities: email uccfellow@utahcleancities.org. Register here! 

Tech Question of the Week: What are the main variables impacting the total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis for electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) school and transit buses?

First, it’s important to note that a TCO analysis will depend on several factors, which can vary based on region or site. In addition to the upfront vehicle purchase cost, a major factor impacting school and transit bus TCO is the upfront cost of procuring and installing infrastructure, and the cost of daily fueling. Please see below for a high-level overview of the cost inputs to consider, a broad discussion of some major cost factors, and resources for additional cost data.

TCO Inputs

Argonne National Laboratory’s (ANL) Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool (https://afleet-web.es.anl.gov/) is our go-to tool for analyzing the TCO of alternative fuel vehicles, including school and transit buses. Please note, there have been recent updates to AFLEET this year.

It may be helpful to review and adjust the default values in the Inputs tab of the AFLEET spreadsheet tool for an idea of the various factors that impact a TCO analysis. In no particular order, a high-level overview of key inputs used in AFLEET’s TCO analysis are listed below:

  • Location
  • Vehicle Purchase Price
  • Number of Vehicles Purchased
  • Years of Planned Ownership
  • Annual Vehicle Mileage
  • Fuel Economy
  • Maintenance & Repair
  • Fuel Price
  • Fueling Infrastructure
  • Financing Options

Many of the key infrastructure procurement and installation costs and daily fueling inputs will vary based on the region or site. For example, daily fueling in extreme-temperature operations (i.e., temperatures that require air conditioning or heating) will vary for buses, lowering fuel economy and increasing average fueling costs. Please see below for some additional cost variables based on the bus fuel type.

Upfront Infrastructure Costs and Daily Fueling

Battery Electric Bus (BEB)

Infrastructure costs for electric buses can differ significantly based on the type of charger and site. Any utility or facility upgrades to accommodate charging infrastructure needs will impact the overall project costs, especially depending on the scale of the transition that the fleet is considering. The cost of adding a few electric buses and chargers to the fleet looks a lot different than a full fleet transition and the accompanying upgrades. However, a longer transition timeline gives more time for capital costs to decrease as the technologies mature and potential supply chain issues are resolved.

For reference, you may want to refer to a 2020 report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Financial Analysis of Battery Electric Transit Buses, which discusses parameters to prioritize when considering an electric bus investment (https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/financial_analysis_be_transit_buses.pdf). In particular, see Table 5 on page 27.

The electricity fueling cost for BEBs is location dependent. You may refer to the U.S. Energy Information Administration State Electricity Profile page (https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/) for a snapshot of electricity prices in your state. While not captured in AFLEET, fueling costs will vary further depending on electric utility rate structure offerings such as a time-of-use (TOU) rate that allows fleets to avoid any high demand charges. Ultimately, charging off-peak with a TOU rate will lower the TCO for electric buses.

 CNG Bus

The cost of installing CNG infrastructure is influenced by station size, capacity, and the way the CNG is dispensed (i.e., fast-fill or time-fill). You may refer to an NREL report, Costs Associated with Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Fueling Infrastructure (https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/cng_infrastructure_costs.pdf?447f42ad57) for an overview of factors to consider in the implementation of fueling stations and equipment. In particular, please refer to PDF page 11 and 12 for example applications and station sizes, and relative cost ranges.

It may be worthwhile to consider fuel price volatility of CNG when determining CNG fueling costs for TCO. For example, based on the Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Price Reports, the retail price of CNG on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis has gone up nearly 50% between January 2021 and January 2023 (https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/prices.html). That said, fleets may have the ability to purchase CNG at lower and less variable rates than retail customers. As such, we recommend working with your local CNG provider to determine your specific fuel price contract costs for your needs.

Vehicle Cost Resources

Beyond default AFLEET values, you may be interested in the following resources for electric and CNG bus cost data. Please note that we aren’t aware of many recent publicly available resources on CNG bus costs. Additionally, it’s possible that more electric and CNG bus cost data will become available as a result of some of the federal incentive programs that have received funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (e.g., Clean School Bus and Low or No Emission Grant (Low No) Program):

Tech Question of the Week: What is the overview of hydrogen associations, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and the current landscape?

what is the overview of hydrogen associations, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and the current landscape?

Hydrogen Associations

Please see below for information regarding national hydrogen associations in the United States.

  • Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) – “FCHEA is the leading industry association in the United States representing more than ninety leading organizations advancing production, distribution, and use of innovative, clean, safe, and reliable hydrogen energy. FCHEA is also focused on educating the public and key opinion and policy leaders on the economic and environmental benefits of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.”
    • FCHEA’s Transportation page provides a general overview of commercially available FCEV models including light- to heavy-duty vehicles, off-road material handling vehicles, aviation, rail, and marine transportation.
  • Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership (HFCP) – The HFCP is a national organization aimed at expanding the market for FCEVs powered by hydrogen. HFCP believes that educating the public about the benefits of electrification of transportation related to hydrogen and fuel cell technology and the accelerated development of such technologies is a critical step to addressing current energy, economic, and environmental challenges.
    • The HFCP Station Map provides daily the operational status for California hydrogen fueling stations.
    • The HFCP resource library is a hub for the latest hydrogen transportation news and reports.

FCEV OEMs, Availability, and Demand

As consumer and fleet interest grows, major OEMs have begun actively developing and producing FCEVs, although they are currently only available in select markets with available hydrogen fueling infrastructure such as California. Please refer to the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Vehicles Search Tool for information on commercially available hydrogen FCEVs. You may search by vehicle type (e.g., light-duty vehicles) and by fuel (e.g., hydrogen fuel cell) to view a list of models and OEMs. Please see below for a list of current OEMs and commercially available vehicle class models and check back for updates.

Light Duty

  • Toyota – Mirai (Sedan)
  • Hyundai – Nexo (SUV)
  • Honda – Clarity (SUV)
    • Please note, Honda has discontinued the Clarity. That said, Model Year 2021 is still available for lease, Clarity-owners are still supported, and a new FCEV model will be release in 2024.

Medium Duty and Heavy Duty (HD)

In addition, General Motors, Mercedes/Daimler, Ford, and BMW have all committed to putting FCEVs on the road in the near future. Manufacturers are also tapping into the potential for FCEVs in medium- and HD applications, where hydrogen’s high energy density and fast-fueling capability show promise. FCEVs are currently available for fleet applications including transit buses, shuttle buses, and street sweepers. Some manufacturers have also begun developing Class 8 trucks powered by hydrogen, providing another emerging market for hydrogen fuel cells.

Recently, retail and logistics providers like Amazon and Walmart have committed to adopting FCEVs for transportation needs, from forklifts in warehouses to long-haul trucking. Transit agencies across the country are also committing to purchasing hydrogen transit buses, including Pennsylvania’s SEPTA and California’s Gold Coast Transit District.

State of the Market

For information on the international hydrogen market, you may refer to the International Energy Agency’s Global Hydrogen Review 2022, Transport, PDF page 39. Regarding transportation, this report states that the hydrogen demand for road transport, especially as HD trucks are deployed, has increased by 60% from 2021. The number of HD FCEVs and commercial vehicles (e.g., vans, trucks) have also increased significantly. Per the graph on PDF page 42, FCEVs Stock by Segment and Region, the United States is one of the leaders of FCEV deployment.

For information on the domestic hydrogen market, please refer to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Program Update: 2022 AMR Plenary Session presentation for a snapshot of hydrogen production and FCEVs in the United States (slide 5), and DOE’s national hydrogen strategy. Currently, hydrogen is an essential feedstock in established industries, such as the petrochemical sector. DOE has identified hydrogen as a fuel that can be utilized in hard to decarbonize sectors such as HD transport and energy storage.

For more information on fuel cell technologies and market status, please refer to DOE’s latest report, the 2019 Fuel Cell Technologies Market Report. Further, you may refer to FCHEA’s Road Map to a US Hydrogen Economy for the industry’s take on how the hydrogen market can expand in the United States. FCHEA developed this report with input from 20 hydrogen related companies and organizations, including fuel producers, OEMs, and fueling station developers.

Production and Distribution

Most hydrogen used in the United States is produced at or close to where it is used—typically at large industrial sites. Although hydrogen infrastructure is commercially available, wide-scale growth of hydrogen demand as a transportation fuel will require advancements of delivery technologies to address key challenges including reducing cost, increasing energy efficiency, maintaining hydrogen purity, and minimizing leakage. Hydrogen contains less energy per unit volume than all other fuels; because of this, transporting, storing, and delivering hydrogen to point of end-use is more expensive on a per gallon equivalent basis. Further, delivery infrastructure needs and resources will vary by region, hydrogen market, and demand growth. However, because hydrogen can be produced from a diverse array of resources, regional hydrogen production can maximize local resources and minimize distribution challenges.

Please refer to the following resources for information on hydrogen production and distribution:

DOE established H2@Scale to advance affordable hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilization to decarbonize the U.S. economy. This initiative includes DOE funded projects and national laboratory-industry co-funded activities to accelerate early-stage research, development, and demonstration of applicable hydrogen technologies in transport and other hard-to-decarbonize sectors. In addition, the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, H2Hubs, (https://www.energy.gov/oced/regional-clean-hydrogen-hubs) a program funded through BIL, will create networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local connective infrastructure to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, including as a transportation fuel. H2Hubs includes up to $7 billion to establish 6 to 10 regional clean hydrogen production hubs across the United States.

Fueling Stations

Please refer to the AFDC Alternative Fueling Station Locator for information on hydrogen fueling station in the United Stated and Canada. As of 2022, there are more than 56 public fueling stations located in California and Hawaii. Most retail hydrogen stations are co-located at existing gasoline stations.

Per the California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Air and Resource Board (CARB) 2021 Annual Assessment of Time and Cost Needed to Attain 100 Hydrogen Refueling Stations in California PDF page 27, hydrogen at public stations is selling for about $12–$16 per kilogram (kg). In addition, CEC and CARB have determined that stations will need to dispense at roughly $8 per kilogram to be on par with gasoline prices, $3.20 per gallon equivalent.

Per the California Air Resource Board (CARB) 2022 Annual Evaluation of FCEV Deployment and Hydrogen Fuel Station Network Development, California is leading the nation by funding the effort to build retail hydrogen fueling stations. With careful planning, the focus has been to add hydrogen fuel at existing gasoline stations covering regions in northern California near San Francisco and southern California near Los Angeles. In addition to continuing the necessary network developments in established markets, there is a significant market opportunity to prioritize development in underserved, disadvantaged communities across California, especially the San Joaquin Valley and the Inland Desert region. Work is also under way to expand hydrogen fueling locations in Hawaii and across the East coast, with other markets expected to develop to encourage consumer demand of FCEVs. In summary, CARB considers these development efforts to give early FCEV adopters confidence so that they can drive normally and have access to hydrogen wherever they go within these regions.

In addition to public stations, there are private stations supporting fleets, with some used for demonstration or research. Mobile hydrogen fuelers, where liquefied or compressed hydrogen and dispensing equipment is stored onboard a trailer, have been deployed to support the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure. As hydrogen fueling station capacity increases, automakers have the opportunity to accelerate FCEV deployment in established and emerging markets.

According to an International Council on Clean Transportation report, Developing Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure for Fuel Cell Vehicles: A Status Update PDF page 17, initial hydrogen stations were built at about $2 million to $3 million per station. Most government and industry consortium estimates suggest that the average cost will drop over time, costing closer to $1 million per station and eventually lower yet. In 2020, DOE estimated the cost to be closer to $1.9 million and dropping (PDF page 2).

The availability of stations providing reasonably priced hydrogen in places where vehicles will be deployed remains a key challenge to the adoption of this technology. To address this, transportation stakeholders have set goals to expand hydrogen fueling station network. In addition, several federal incentives include funding for hydrogen fueling infrastructure development and purchasing FCEVs.

New White House Fact Sheet Highlights Important Updates Supporting Efforts to Build a National Charging Network

Original bulletin sent via the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation on June 29th, 2023. View original bulletin here. 

Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Update

A new White House Fact Sheet, published earlier this week, highlights some important updates that support collective efforts to build a national charging network. These include:

  • A report estimating number, type, and location of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to support EV adoption
  • Working to facilitate greater interoperability between EV charging companies
  • Improving reliability of existing EV charging infrastructure.

2030 National Charging Network Report Released

This week, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) announced a new report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) which can help guide the development of a national EV charging network. The report, titled The 2030 National Charging Network: Estimating U.S. Light-Duty Demand for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, quantifies the estimated number, type, and location of the chargers needed nationwide to support rapidly growing EV adoption. The study, produced in collaboration with the Joint Office and DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), assesses charging infrastructure needs for light-duty EVs with an unprecedented level of detail, including by accounting for the effects of local variation in:

  • EV adoption
  • Climate
  • Travel patterns
  • Housing
  • Charging preferences.

View the 2030 National Charging Network report.

Supporting Greater Interoperability Within the National EV Charging Network 

As part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the Administration set national standards for federally funded EV chargers, including the NEVI-funded chargers, per 23 CFR 680. The minimum standards set a baseline to ensure the national EV charging network is interoperable between different charging companies, with similar payment systems, pricing information, and charging speeds. This protects the traveling public by ensuring a predictable and reliable EV charging experience. The minimum standards allow flexibility to support industry innovation in this evolving field and to allow states, communities, and their partners to build charging infrastructure that meets local needs.  For example, federally funded fast chargers are required to include Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, which are used by most automakers today, but may also offer other connector types such as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), developed by Tesla.

The Administration is working to support even greater interoperability within the NEVI Formula Program, tasking experts across the federal government to work closely with states, localities, labor, automakers, charger manufacturers, and standards setting bodies to achieve this goal.  As part of this work, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) announced this week that they will initiate an expedited process to review NACS as a potential public standard. This would open the NACS connector to other suppliers and manufacturers, and has the potential to dramatically increase the size, reliability, and availability of an interoperable charging network supported by industry recognized standards. 

Improving Reliability of Existing Charging Infrastructure

The Administration’s approach is driving forward the improved reliability of EV charging infrastructure with these key pillars:

Dedicating Funding for Repair, Replacement, and Upgrades of Existing Charging Infrastructure

Providing funding to repair, replace, and upgrade chargers to improve network performance reliability, performance, and interoperability. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) anticipates making available up to $100 million from the NEVI Formula Program to help states and localities quickly repair, replace, and upgrade broken or unreliable chargers across the country.

Developing a Centralized Data Platform for EV Charger Data Reporting 

Measuring and evaluating the charging experience to understand opportunities for continued improvement. The Joint Office is developing the EV-Charging Analytics Reporting Tool (EV-ChART) which is a centralized data platform for EV charger data reporting that will maximize access to data and insights that can enhance future charging reliability. 

Review the latest EV-ChART reporting standards guidance.

Identifying Strategies to Significantly Improve the Charging Experience

The Joint Office recently announced the launch of the National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX). Over the next two years, ChargeX will identify and pursue opportunities to significantly improve the charging experience. The Consortium has over 30 partners from across the private sector that are focused on delivering near-term improvements in three areas:

    • Payment processing and user interface
    • Vehicle-charger communication
    • Diagnostic data sharing.

Investments Beyond Personal EVs

These investments also span more than just personal EVs. The Administration is investing in medium- and heavy-duty clean energy and electric vehicles. 

Earlier this week, the Federal Transit Administration announced nearly $1.7 billion for low- and no-emissions buses and transit projects that will more than double the number of zero-emission transit buses on America’s roadways—manufactured with American parts and labor. 

Later this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will announce the next round of awards from the $5 billion Clean School Bus Program to lower emissions and promote safer environments for children to learn and grow. 

Tech Question of the Month: What alternative fuel and advanced vehicle funding opportunities are there for Native American tribes?

What alternative fuel and advanced vehicle funding opportunities are there for Native American tribes?

As you are already aware, you may refer to the Alternative Fuels Data Center Laws and Incentives database (https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/) for information on current incentives and laws pertaining to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. The Search page (https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/search) allows you to identify specific incentives by jurisdiction (e.g., federal, Utah), technology/fuel type (e.g., all), incentive type (e.g., grants, tax incentives, rebates, other incentive), and user type (e.g., tribal government). You may view federal and Utah incentives at https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/fed_summary and https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/state, respectively. In particular, you may be interested in the following federal incentives and programs for alternative fuels:

Additional Funding Resources

You may refer to the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) Technical Assistance and Resources for Tribal Nations page (https://driveelectric.gov/tribal-nations/) for additional funding opportunities, access to Joint Office technical assistance, and additional resources for Tribal Nations such as Justice40 information, best practices to deploying zero-emission transportation infrastructure, webinars, and presentations.

You may also be interested in the White House Building a Better America page (https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/guidebook/) for more information on programs established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For more information on programs established by the Inflation Reduction Act, see the White House Inflation Reduction Act Guidebook page (https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/). Federal agencies are directed to add more requirements and parameters to the incentives and funding programs as they’re created.

Further, you may also refer to the following websites to identify additional transportation-related funding opportunities:

  1. Grants.gov – http://www.grants.gov/
    1. This provides information in a standardized format across federal agencies and includes a “Search Grants” feature to help applicants find potential funding opportunities.
  2. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Funding Opportunity Exchange – https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/
    1. DOE makes funding available through competitive funding opportunity announcements (FOAs), published on grants.gov or the EERE Exchange. You may review frequently asked questions about a specific FOA or general guidance at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/FAQ.aspx.

 Clean Cities in Action

It may be worth noting that coalitions are already involved in projects with Tribal Nations. As you may know, you may refer to Vehicle Technologies Office funded projects on the Clean Cities Network Partnerships & Projects Search Page (https://cleancities.energy.gov/partnerships/search/). One example is the Upper Midwest Inter-Tribal Electric Vehicle Charging Community Network.

U.S. Department of Energy Honors Utah Leader for Advancing Alternative Fuels and Transportation Technologies

Contact:
Kelly Barrett
Utah Clean Cities
kelly.barrett@utahcleancities.org

For Immediate Release
December 4th, 2022

U.S. Department of Energy Honors Utah Leader for Advancing Alternative Fuels and Transportation Technologies

With several years of impactful projects and partnerships helping communities transition to clean fuels and participation in multiple high-profile statewide and regional projects under her belt, Utah Clean Cities Executive Director Tammie Bostick has become an influential figure in the Intermountain West transportation community. 

On Thursday, November 17, Bostick was honored for her leadership by being inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame, which places her among a group of esteemed Clean Cities coalition directors who have been recognized for their steadfast commitment and contributions to furthering alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in U.S. transportation.

“Tammie Bostick is known as a clean air champion,” said Mark Smith, Program Manager of U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office’s Technology Integration Program which houses Clean Cities. He made the announcement on the third day of the Clean Cities Training Workshop, where representatives from across the nation come together to learn about the latest transportation research, share experiences, and recognize each other’s successes.

“Tammie Bostick is known as a clean air champion.” — Technology Integration Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Energy

November 17, 2022 – A group photo at the 2022 Clean Cities Coalition Network in Lakewood, CO. Left to right: Margaret Smith, Tim Taylor, Alleyn Harned, Tammie Bostick, Mike Laughlin, and Mark Smith. (Photo by Joe DelNero / NREL).[/caption]

Broad, Real-World Impact Throughout the Intermountain West

Bostick joined the Utah Clean Cities coalition in 2015 and has since expanded its mission and scope to support clean fuel adoption in communities ranging from rural to urban and build lasting partnerships through meaningful and adaptive projects. Her colleagues point to her ability to connect on a personal and authentic level with various stakeholders and leaders as a clear example of how she has excelled the mission of the coalition and the Clean Cities Coalition Network, winning support for coalition activities from both sides of the aisle. 

“Tammie’s practical approach to advanced fuels has resulted in real projects and real progress here in Utah, and her inclusive and empathetic spirit brings all kinds of people to the table; to educate them or find solutions for them,” said Free Reyes, Executive Vice President of Lancer Energy. “She is a personal inspiration and example to me of the small (and big) choices I can make to reduce my impact on the environment.”

Bostick has consistently dedicated herself to the Clean Cities mission by providing leadership in promoting policy, alternative fuels, greenhouse gas reduction, and transportation energy efficiency initiatives throughout many states in the Intermountain West.

“As a board member of Utah Clean Cities, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Tammie’s passion to improve Utah’s air and environment firsthand. She is always eager to share Utah’s successes with other Clean Cities organizations in an effort to move the work forward nationally. This award is much deserved and it’s an honor to work with Tammie” said Kim Frost, Executive Director of UCAIR. 

With Bostick’s leadership, Utah Clean Cities is coordinating the ChargeWest effort to build an electric vehicle corridor with charging stations throughout Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Electric vehicle corridors would include fast-charging stations every 50 miles along major roadways as well as in more rural, remote communities like Moab that funnel a lot of tourism and traffic.

Bostick is also spearheading Utah Clean Cities’ support of a pilot project through Drive Clean Rural USA where county government and private fleet partners will go into rural communities to help them build out an advanced alternative transportation plan with alternative fuels including propane, electric, natural gas, and potentially hydrogen.

“Through Tammie’s abilities, she has been able to move the state of Utah from 49th to 5th in the nation for electric vehicle adoption,” said Scott Brandeberry, President of Lancer Energy. “She has taken a very diverse and inclusive approach, knowing it’s going to take all the advanced fuels to accomplish the state’s goals for cleaner air. Her actions have helped make a vast improvement in our state’s air quality, and I am excited to see what she will be able to accomplish in the future.”

Utah Clean Cities is a designated member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office national network of more than 75 active coalitions. Clean Cities coalitions foster the economic, environmental, and energy security of the United States by working locally to advance affordable, efficient, and clean transportation fuels and technologies. For more information, visit cleancities.energy.gov and cleancities.energy.gov/hall-of-fame. 

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $750 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies

Information provided by US Department of Energy – Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. See original announcement here.

DOE sent this bulletin at 03/15/2023

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $750 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies
Funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Will Advance Electrolysis Technology, Reduce the Cost of Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, and Provide Long-term Support for Hydrogen Hubs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced the availability of $750 million for research, development, and demonstration efforts to dramatically reduce the cost of clean hydrogen. This funding—the first phase of the $1.5 billion in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated to advancing electrolysis technologies and improving manufacturing and recycling capabilities—is a crucial component of the Administration’s comprehensive approach to accelerating the widespread use of clean hydrogen and will play a vital role in achieving commercial-scale hydrogen deployment this decade. Produced with net-zero carbon emissions, clean hydrogen is a key pillar in the emerging clean energy economy and will be essential for reaching the President’s goal of a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Making clean hydrogen from abundant renewable energy provides America with yet another incredibly powerful fuel for many different applications, from low-emissions use in the construction and manufacturing industries to energy storage to powering our cars and trucks,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to new funding from President Biden’s historic clean energy laws, DOE is accelerating our effort to make this exciting and versatile fuel market-ready within a decade—supercharging America’s drive towards an affordable and secure clean energy economy.”

This funding launches the first tranche of implementation of two provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which authorizes $1 billion for research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen produced via electrolysis and $500 million for research, development, and demonstration of improved processes and technologies for manufacturing and recycling clean hydrogen systems and materials.

DOE’s Efforts On Clean Hydrogen
Clean hydrogen—which is produced with zero or next-to-zero carbon emissions—is set to play a vital future role in reducing emissions from some of the most energy-intensive sectors of our economy, including industrial and chemical processes and heavy-duty transportation. Clean hydrogen can also support the expansion of variable renewable power by providing a means for long-duration energy storage and offers flexibility and multiple revenue streams for all types of clean power generation—including renewables, advanced nuclear, and other innovative technologies. By enabling the development of diverse, domestic clean energy pathways across multiple sectors of the economy, hydrogen development will strengthen American energy independence and accelerate the American manufacturing boom that has already created over 800,000 jobs since President Biden took office.

Managed by DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), projects funded through this opportunity will address underlying technical barriers to cost reduction that can’t be overcome by scale alone, and they will ensure that today’s emerging commercial-scale deployments will achieve long-term viability with tomorrow’s lower-cost, higher-performing technology. Reaching cost reduction goals will open new markets for clean hydrogen—creating more clean energy jobs, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness in the global clean energy market.

Together with the regional clean hydrogen hubs (H2Hubs), tax incentives in the President’s historic Inflation Reduction Act, and ongoing research, development, and demonstration in the DOE Hydrogen Program, these investments will help DOE achieve its ambitious Hydrogen Shot goal of being able to produce $1 per kilogram of clean hydrogen within a decade.

By enabling a sustainable clean hydrogen economy, these investments will help reduce harmful emissions in communities across the country, which will be especially beneficial for disadvantaged communities that have suffered disproportionately from local air pollution for far too long. Additionally, DOE’s National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap and President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative serve as important pillars driving the energy justice efforts by HFTO and the Hydrogen Program.

DOE envisions granting multiple financial assistance awards in the form of cooperative agreements, with the period of performance being approximately two to five years. DOE encourages applicant teams that include stakeholders within academia, industry, and national laboratories across multiple technical disciplines. Teams are also encouraged to include representation from diverse entities such as minority-serving institutions, labor unions, tribal nations, community colleges, and other entities connected through Opportunity Zones.

The application process will include two phases: a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Concept papers are due on April 19, 2023, and full applications are due on July 19, 2023.

Learn more about this funding opportunity, HFTO, and the draft DOE National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap.

Media Inquiries:
(202) 586-4940 or DOENews@hq.doe.gov

Read more at the
energy.gov Newsroom