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

Funding Announced for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program

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

DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy sent this bulletin at 03/14/2023 01:00 PM EDT

First Round of Funding Announced for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program

First Round of Funding Announced for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program

 

The Biden-Harris administration opened applications for the first round of funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program.

The multi-billion-dollar program will fund electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in communities across the country and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways.

This program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a wide range of applicants, including cities, counties, local governments, and tribes. The CFI Discretionary Grant Program builds on the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, for which the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published finalized minimum standards earlier this month.

This first round of funding makes up to $700 million from Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 and 2023 funding available to strategically deploy EV charging and other alternative vehicle-fueling infrastructure projects in publicly accessible locations in urban and rural communities, as well as along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).

Focus on Equitable Distribution of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure

A priority of the CFI Discretionary Grant Program is bringing EV charging into urban and rural communities; downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities; as well as to designated alternative fuel corridors.

FHWA seeks to fund projects that address environmental justice, particularly for communities such as rural and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods that may disproportionately experience the consequences of climate change and other pollutants.

“It’s critical that we build a national charging network that provides EV drivers with the right type of charging in the right location—whether that’s high-powered charging on highway corridors and in urban hubs or Level 2 charging where EV drivers or riders live, work, and play,” said Joint Office Executive Director Gabe Klein. “By working with cities and communities through the CFI Program to get this mix right, we can ensure that everyone has convenient and affordable access to riding and driving electric.”

New Joint Office Consortium to Integrate Equity into EV Infrastructure

The Joint Office, through the new Joint Office United Support for Transportation (JUST) Lab Consortium, will convene three U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories, to help identify practical approaches to integrate equity into federally-funded EV infrastructure deployment efforts—like projects awarded under the CFI Program—spanning deployment planning, implementation pathways, and policy design.

New Resources on DriveElectric.gov Support CFI Discretionary Grant Program Applicants

To support the CFI Discretionary Grant Program, the Joint Office has published some new resources on DriveElectric.gov. Learn about key considerations from past DOE-funded projects on curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging, EV car share, EV charging for multifamily housing, and EV mobility hubs. These lessons learned, include:

  • Best practices for engaging stakeholders
  • Strategies for improving the equitable distribution of project benefits
  • Site selection factors
  • Permitting/policy elements that could impact the project.

Another resource to guide the buildout of community alternative fueling infrastructure is the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) CFI Emissions Tool. This resource can assess estimated emissions reductions from EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated AFCs.

More information on the CFI Discretionary Grant Program and the JUST Lab Consortium can be found at DriveElectric.gov.

About the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation

The Joint Office provides technical assistance, analysis, and support to states and localities to help modernize the nation’s transportation system and give Americans the option to choose electric vehicles and save money fueling their vehicles. Learn more at DriveElectric.gov.

Sign up to receive regular communications about Joint Office vacancy announcements, webinars, news, funding opportunities, and thought leadership pieces on creating a future where everyone can ride and drive electric.

Tech Question of the Week: EV Training Opportunities for Mechanics and Charging Equipment Installers

Information provided by Technical Response Team (February 2023), a resource Provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Can you provide information on existing curriculum and training programs for electric vehicle (EV) mechanics and EV charging equipment installers?

With new investments in deploying EV charging stations nationwide, it’s important that the EV workforce is prepared to safely work on EVs and install EV charging equipment. Below are example training programs for EV mechanics and EV charging equipment installers. Note that we don’t endorse these trainings over others.

Examples of Existing Certifications Programs for EV Maintenance

  • Weber State University EV Training: Prepare for the high-voltage vehicles of yesterday, today and the future with Weber State University’s Automotive Services training program. This three-phase program is the only one of its kind in the region. While you will benefit from basic electrical theory training before taking Phase 1 of this three-phase course, no prerequisites are required! Start down the path to earning your ASE L3 Light Duty Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Certification through our sequence of courses.
  • National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC): NAFTC’s EV Automotive Technician Training covers powertrains for different types of EVs. It explains motor-generator operation, testing, and diagnostic equipment. It details EV direct current and alternating current converters in the various high and low voltage electrical systems in EVs.
  • AFV Educate: AFV Educate is a global technology and training organization specialized in alternative fuel vehicle training for first responders, second responders, and automotive technicians and offer a course specific to EV and hybrid electric vehicles. Notably, AFV Educate launched a program to support the needs of the Clean Cities network. They are looking to support Clean Cities with applying for funding opportunities and can provide requested materials and offer a cost-share percentage. For more information about how AFV Educate can support Clean Cities coalitions, including a testimonial from Ann Vail, Louisiana Clean Fuels, see their Clean Cities flyer here.
  • Cerritos College: Jannet Malig, Long Beach Clean Cities, supports workforce training program through her host organization, Cerritos College. You can see automotive training courses on this page, including their EV training courses. As you may know, Margo Sidener, Silicon Valley Clean Cities, Colin Messer, Land of Enchantment Clean Cities, and Jannet shared their Coalition Project Highlights related to Workforce Training at the past Clean Cities Training Workshop. This presentation may be a useful resource for those looking to develop workforce development opportunities in their communities and you may consider connecting with these directors more insight. Clean Cities coalitions should check their local community colleges for relevant technician training courses or programs.

 EV Charging Station Installation Training Programs

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the final minimum standards and requirements for federally funded EV infrastructure projects, including projected funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Section 680.106(j) starting on PDF page 132 of the Final Rule states:

“All electricians installing, operating, or maintaining [electric vehicle supply equipment] must meet one of the following requirements:

(i) Certification from the [Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP)].

(ii) Graduation or a continuing education certificate from a registered apprenticeship program for electricians that includes charger-specific training and is developed as a part of a national guideline standard approved by the Department of Labor in consultation with the Department of Transportation.”

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program: EVITP is a non-profit partnership of EV stakeholders, including automakers, utilities, EV charging station manufacturers, energy storage device manufacturers, electrical inspectors, electrical contractors, electrical workers, and first responders The training includes site assessment, load calculations, National Electric Code, job-site safety, personal protection equipment, and other installation and maintenance best practices. Training is available online for all states and provides up-skilling for state licensed or certified electricians, in states that do not license or certify electricians, the participant must provide documentation of a minimum of 8,000 hours of hands-on electrical construction experience.

FHWA recommends states familiarize themselves with federal funding options that are available for workforce development and training related to EV infrastructure. DOT’s Highway Funding for Workforce Development Fact Sheet provides information on workforce development projects that are eligible for funding and example projects. Further, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Labor worked together to produce a Frequently Asked Questions document regarding how state transportation agencies can support workforce development projects, including the NEVI Formula Program. Per FHWA’s NEVI Formula Program Guidance, states were required to include labor and workforce considerations in their final EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan). As such, states may be developing EV charging installation programs as they begin implementing their plans. We recommend reviewing your state’s Plan and official NEVI Formula Program planning website on the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation State Plan website.

Lastly, some EV charging providers have a preferred-contractor network and/or offer specific training courses to work on their EV chargers. Again, note that we don’t endorse these trainings over others, but some examples are:

  • ChargePoint
    • Offers an online training program for those interested in becoming a ChargePoint certified installer
  • EV Connect
    • Provides a step-by-step instructional guide and video tutorials.

New Federal Grants and Funding Opportunities Announced!

Newly Announced Funding Opportunities. More details below!

  • CHARGING AND FUELING INFRASTRUCTURE DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM
    • Agency: USDOT
    • Purpose: strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work – urban and rural areas alike – in addition to along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Projects funded under the Community Program will be prioritized within: Rural areas; Low-and moderate-income neighborhoods; Communities with low ratios of private parking spaces; Communities with high ratios of multi unit dwellings
    • Available Funding: $700M for FY 2023; $2.5B over 5 years
    • Award ID: TBD
    • Close Dates: TBD
    • Eligible Entities: States or political subdivision of States; Metropolitan planning organizations; Unit of local governments; Special purpose districts or public authorities with a transportation function, including port authorities; Indian tribes; U.S. Territories; Authorities, agencies, or instrumentalities or entities owned by, one or more entities listed above; State or local authorities with ownership of publicly accessible transportation facilities (applies to Community Program only)

 

  • JOINT OFFICE OF ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION: RIDE AND DRIVE ELECTRIC
    • Agency: DOE/EERE Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
    • Purpose: Aims to advance the mission and vision of the Joint Office by addressing discrete challenges to a convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable electric vehicle (EV) charging network by enhancing institutional capacity, encouraging holistic approaches, fostering inclusive and equitable outcomes, and ensuring a world-class customer experience.
    • Available Funding: TBD
    • Award ID: DE-FOA-0002880
    • Close Dates: TBD
    • Eligible Entities: TBD

 

  • VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE: PROGRAM WIDE FUNDING
    • Agency: DOE/EERE Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)
    • Purpose: This FOA will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in several areas critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, including: reduction of weight and cost of batteries, reduction in life cycle emissions of advanced lightweight materials, reduced costs and advanced technologies for both on- and off-road vehicle charging and infrastructure, innovative public transit solutions, and training to increase deployment of these technologies among diverse communities. 
    • Available Funding: TBD
    • Award ID: DE-FOA-0002892
    • Close Dates: TBD
    • Eligible Entities: TBD

 

  • USDOT: LOW OR NO EMISSION VEHICLE PROGRAM
    • Agency: USDOT
    • Purpose: purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. 
    • Available Funding: $1.22 billion
    • Award ID: FTA-2023-002-TPM-LWNO
    • Close Dates: Apr 13, 2023 
    • Eligible Entities: State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), County governments, City or township governments. Eligible applicants include designated recipients, States (including territories and Washington D.C.), local governmental authorities, and Indian Tribes.
    • More Details

 

  • RURAL & TRIBAL INFRASTRUCTURE ADVANCEMENT PILOT PROGRAM
    • Agency: USDOT 
    • Purpose: provide technical, legal, and financial advisory assistance, evaluating potential projects to be delivered through alternative delivery through alternative delivery methods. 
    • Available Funding: $10million 
    • Award ID: TBD
    • Close Dates: TBD
    • Eligible Entities: rural state, local, and tribal governments

 

  • RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES PILOT PROGRAM – 2022-2026
    • Agency: USDOT 
    • Purpose: planning grants and capital construction grants, as well as technical assistance, to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities.
    • Available Funding: $1billion
    • Award ID: TBD
    • Close Dates: TBD
    • Eligible Entities: States, Units of local government, Federally recognized Tribal governments, Metropolitan planning organizations, Nonprofit organizations

 

  • REBUILDING AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE WITH SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY (RAISE)
    • Agency: USDOT
    • Purpose: helps communities build transportation projects that have significant local or regional impact and improve safety and equity. 
    • Available Funding: $1.5billion
    • Award ID: TBD
    • Close Dates: February 28, 2023
    • Eligible Entities: State and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties

 

  • STRENGTHENING MOBILITY AND REVOLUTIONIZING TRANSPORTATION (SMART) GRANTS PROGRAM
    • Agency: USDOT
    • Purpose: fund purpose-driven innovation to build data and technology capacity and expertise for State, local, and Tribal governments. Communities should target their real-world challenges where the use of new technologies and approaches can create benefits. 
    • Available Funding: $100million from 2022-2026
    • Award ID: TBD
    • Close Dates: FY 2022 is closed, more details added for FY 2023 when made available
    • Eligible Entities: State, political subdivision of a State, Tribal government, public transit agency or authority, a public toll authority, metropolitan planning organization, and group of 2 or more eligible entities detailed above, applying through a single lead applicant. 

DOE PRESS RELEASE: DOE Launches New $50 Million Program To Help Communities Meet Their Clean Energy Goals

Press Release

For Immediate Release
January 18, 2023

News Media Contact
(202) 586-4940, doenews@hq.doe.gov

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY LAUNCHES NEW $50 MILLION PROGRAM TO HELP COMMUNITIES MEET THEIR CLEAN ENERGY GOALS 

‘Clean Energy to Communities’ Program Will Connect Local Leaders with DOE’s National Laboratories to Help Communities Transition to a Clean Energy Future

C2C: Clean Energy To Communities Stakeholder Toolkit

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today launched a new up to $50 million program to help communities across the country transition to clean energy systems that are reliable, affordable, equitable, and reflective of local priorities. The Clean Energy to Communities program (C2C) will connect local governments, electric utilities, community-based groups, and others with the innovative modeling and testing tools developed at DOE’s world-class national laboratories to transform their clean energy goals and ambitions into reality. By helping communities reach their clean energy targets, this new program reflects President Biden’s continued commitment to ensuring that every community unlocks the public health and cost-saving benefits of a clean energy future and support President Biden’s goals to decarbonize the electric grid by 2035 and achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

“With C2C, we’re helping all kinds of communities — from small rural communities to sprawling urban areas — access the tools and scientific and technological expertise they need to bring their energy systems into the 21st Century” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This exciting program will help communities make informed decisions about their own energy needs and ensure reliable and affordable clean energy is available to Americans everywhere.”

C2C provides integrated technical support to communities across renewable power, grid, mobility, and buildings sectors. The program seeks to provide the type and amount of support communities require to meet their unique interests and needs in transitioning to a clean energy economy. For C2C’s in-depth partnerships, this includes funding to support program participation.

C2C offers three levels of technical assistance:

  • In-depth technical partnerships: Multi-year partnerships that provide cross-sector modeling, analysis, and validation, paired with direct funding to help four to five selected teams of local governments, electric utilities, and community-based organizations each their goals and/or overcome specific challenges.
  • Peer-learning cohorts: Small groups of local governments, electric utilities, or community-based organizations that meet regularly for approximately six months to learn from each other and lab experts in a collaborative environment to develop program proposals, action plans, strategies, and/or best practices on a pre-determined clean energy topic. Cohorts will include approximately 100 communities in total.
  • Expert match: Short-term assistance (40-60 hours) with one or more technical experts to help address near-term clean energy questions or challenges for up to 200 communities.

C2C is led and managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), with additional support from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It leverages expertise and capabilities from across these labs, including NREL’s Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems platform, on which local leaders can see how a virtual model of their community interacts with actual and emulated clean energy infrastructure and devices, such as wind turbines, controllers, and electric charging stations—helping to de-risk future investments. C2C is funded by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

C2C builds upon NREL’s Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy Study, which evaluated a wide range of scenarios to help stakeholders understand possible pathways to the city’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045, and the implications of these pathways for people who live and work in the city. The study found that meeting Los Angeles’ goal of reliable, 100% renewable electricity by 2045 is achievable and will provide significant health and climate benefits.

Learn more about EERE, NREL, and C2C, including how to apply for technical assistance.

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U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20585, USA
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DOE Announces Upcoming Funding (est. February 2023)

 

DOE Funding Announcement!

 

Interested partners — Please reach out to UCC for partnership and project opportunities.

Funding Posting Date: TBD (est. February 2023)
Funding #: DE-FOA-0002892

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)‘s Vehicle Technology Office has announced a notice of intent to issue the Fiscal Year 2023 Vehicle Technologies Office Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).

“This FOA will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) in several areas critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, including: reduction of weight and cost of batteries, reduction in life cycle emissions of advanced lightweight materials, reduced costs and advanced technologies for both on- and off-road vehicle charging and infrastructure, innovative public transit solutions, and training to increase deployment of these technologies among diverse communities.”

Areas of Interest Include: 

  • Area of Interest 1: High-Capacity, Long Cycle Life Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) Batteries
  • Area of Interest 2: Advanced Integrated Charging System
  • Area of Interest 3: Charging Concepts for Off-Road
  • Area of Interest 4: Circularity and Sustainability of Polymer Composites for Vehicle Lightweighting and Decarbonization
  • Area of Interest 5: Low Cost, Low Carbon Magnesium Production
  • Area of Interest 6: Novel Lightweight Materials
  • Area of Interest 7: Modeling, Analyzing, and Addressing Knowledge Gaps in the Workforce Supporting Electric Vehicles and the Related Supply Chain
  • Area of Interest 8: Mobility System Approaches Supporting Public Transportation
  • Area of Interest 9: Reducing Soft Costs of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure to Enable Widespread Deployment
  • Area of Interest 10: Addressing Critical Workforce Training Needs for Transportation Electrification
  • Area of Interest 11: Consumer Education for Electric Vehicle Charging
  • Area of Interest 12: Demonstration and Deployment – Open Topic

Learn more about the notice of intent for this FOA Here

———–

For partners who may be interested in partnering with Utah Clean Cities, please contact Kelly Barrett, Sr. Project Manager or Tammie Bostick, Executive Director.

Recently Released: A Joint Strategy to Transform Transportation

Recently Announced

THE U.S. NATIONAL BLUEPRINT FOR TRANSPORTATION DECARBONIZATION

A Joint Strategy to Transform Transportation

 

In September of 2022, the leaders of the departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enable the four federal agencies to accelerate the nation’s affordable and equitable clean transportation future. That MOU called for the agencies to release a comprehensive strategy for decarbonizing the transportation sector that will help guide future policy decisions, as well as research, development, demonstration, and deployment in the public and private sectors.

In January, the agencies released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the landmark interagency framework of strategies and actions to remove all emissions from the transportation sector by 2050. Jointly announced by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan, the Blueprint offers a whole-of-government approach to addressing the climate crisis and meeting President Biden’s goals of a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The transportation sector—which includes all modes of travel through land, air, and sea to move people and goods—accounts for a third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions, negatively affecting the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. Transportation costs are the second largest annual household expense in our country and for the poorest Americans, the financial burden of transportation is disproportionately and unsustainably high.

A well-planned transition to a decarbonized transportation system can address these and other inequities and provide equitable, affordable, and accessible options for moving people and goods. Further developing and deploying clean-energy technologies such as electric vehicles and hydrogen and sustainable fuels, while also building out the supporting infrastructure for clean transportation will create good-paying jobs across all segments of the transportation sector and strengthening America’s energy independence.

The Blueprint is a critical step in the ongoing partnership between DOE, DOT, EPA, HUD, and stakeholders and is a significant milestone on the path to realizing an improved and sustainable transportation future.

Full Report Here                                                                                                                                                        Fact-Sheet Here

UCC Kicks off 14th Annual Governors Declaration for Advanced Zero Emissions Vehicles and Fuels Awareness Month

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.

 

Utah Celebrates 15 Years of Idle Free Awareness and Action for 2022-2023 Winter Season

September marks the 15th Annual Governor Declaration for Idle Free in Utah September 2022 and the 2022-2023 Winter Season. The Governor’s Declaration is currently supported by over 60 Utah Mayors who represent more than ¾ of the state’s population. The highly anticipated event was held on Thursday, September 1st at 11 AM at the Utah State Capitol. Key leaders and advocates for the Idle Free shared their stories, work and support of this unique Utah campaign for clean air and zero emissions. 

“This is the 15th anniversary of Utah’s beloved Idle Free Campaign, “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” and the annual opportunity to announce Utah’s official Idle Free Month and Winter Season 2022-2023.  Today we reflect on the past 15 years with a sense of accomplishment. This initiative has inspired statewide idle free policies, as well as action by school districts, cities, towns, counties, and Zion National Park. We recognize the consistent hard work of the Bipartisan Clean Air Caucus, Utah Idle Free fleets and most importantly, the collective of individual action- a ten-second commitment to turn the key.” Tammie Bostick, Executive Director, Utah Clean Cities

In 2021, Utah Clean Cities and Intermountain Healthcare partnered to bring awareness to the impacts idling has on individual and community health through an updated signage campaign.  These updated visual images of the Idle Free signs can be seen throughout Intermountain Healthcare Campuses. Ten signs were installed at Utah Valley Hospital in September 2021. These signs remind visitors of the importance of turning off our vehicles to support the safety and well-being of employees, patients, and visitors. 

This year, we continue to applaud the efforts of those utilizing and supporting Idle Free Education Programs including Utah Clean Cities, UCAIR, Breathe Utah, Utah Society for Environmental Education and the State Health Department’s Asthma Program and Recess Guide. These grass-roots programs reach over 15,000 students, and continue to grow across 425 schools. 

The Turn your Key, Be Idle Free program recognizes the Utah cities that are officially Idle Free cities. To date, the cities of Alta, Cottonwood Heights, Draper City, Holladay, Logan, Millcreek, Murray City, Park City, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Sandy, South Jordan and Springdale all have Idle Free City Ordinances. Zion National Park is also Idle Free.

Cameron Diehl, Utah Clean Air Partnership; Debbie Lyons, SLCgreen, SLC Sustainability; Representative Joel Briscoe, Bi-partisan Clean Air Caucus; Tammie Bostick, Utah Clean Cities; Pilar Pobil, Utah Artist[/caption]

The summer of 2022 brought high temperatures across the Wasatch Front, including a record-breaking number of days above 100 degrees. Along with soaring temperatures comes an increased exposure to ground-level ozone, a pollutant formed from the reactions between Nitric Oxide (NOx), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), heat, and sunshine. Although we cannot see or smell this harmful pollutant, ozone is unhealthy and it has been likened to getting a sunburn on our lungs. 

Ozone and PM2.5 from vehicle emissions, along with the wildfire smoke that Utahns frequently experience, negatively impacts the health of Utah communities and disproportionately affects historically disadvantaged populations. The transportation sector – both individuals and fleets – can work to lessen the harmful effects of poor air quality with simple actions, such as “turn your key, be idle free”. Local government entities, businesses, fleets and many Utah communities are raising the bar for partnership with this annual reminder to curb unnecessary idling. 

“We are excited to recognize the commitment from Utah communities with the fifteenth year of “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free”.  We all play a part in Utah’s air quality, and even simple changes have a big impact on our air. Being idle-free, carpooling, or riding transit help every Utahn breathe easier. City leaders are striving to reduce our emissions in our buildings and vehicles. We challenge everyone to continue improving our air quality!” – Cameron Diehl, Executive Director, Utah League of Cities and Towns, Board Member, UCAIR. 

The Bipartisan Utah Clean Air Caucus was started after a series of detestable inversions and consists of Republican and Democratic representatives and senators hailing from the Salt Lake valley to the rural corners of the state. The caucus seeks to address in earnest our state’s serious non-attainment issues and consider policies to mitigate Utah’s poor air quality. The current co-chair and original founding member, Rep. Joel Briscoe spoke today and shared the following,

“The Bipartisan Utah Clean Air Caucus was started ten years ago in 2013 in the winter of a serious PM2.5 inversion. The Clean Air Caucus meets several times every year to get up to speed on air quality issues and to work on policy and appropriations to tackle our state’s serious non-attainment issues and to mitigate Utah’s air quality which ranks as some of the worst in the nation during inversion season.” – Rep. Joel Briscoe, co-chair, Bi-Partisan Legislative Clean Air Caucus

Air quality is a complex issue. In Utah, air pollution issues are particularly fraught with unique challenges, including distinctive local topography, heavy transportation traffic, and a high density population. There is no simple solution to solving our air pollution challenges, but focusing on transportation makes common sense. Vehicle exhaust makes up about half of the air pollution in Utah, and unnecessary idling contributes a significant amount of emissions into our air shed each day. 

The Bi-partisan Clean Air Caucus was not the only active voice in the notable “bad inversion year” here in Utah the winter of 2013. Renowned Utah artist Pilar Pobil painted Under the Great Seal of the State of Utah in an artist effort to urge elected officials to take affirmative action. The painting shows legislators flying around the state capitol building, depicted as a beehive, far above the winter inversion and the people below are caught in smog. The citizens struggle in the smog while the flying legislators seem oblivious.

Pilar Pobil, Tammie Bostick in from of Pilar’s ‘Under the Great Seal of the State of Utah”

“Growing up on an idyllic Mediterranean island, I was immersed in the wonder of nature. I developed a strong sense of respect for our natural world and the need to protect it. In 2013, I was inspired to paint Under the Great Seal of the State of Utah after a particularly bad air inversion during the legislative session. I felt our elected officials could and should do more to clean our air and protect nature.” – Pilar Pobil, Utah Artist, “Under the Great Seal of the State of Utah”

Over 80 Utah fleets make a commitment each year with Utah Clean Cities, and the communities they serve, to operate Idle Free. Based on Utah Clean Cities 2021 annual report data, the Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free program reduced more than 200,000 lbs. of criteria pollutants in 2021. In total, the program reduced more than 13,942 tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the last year. That is equivalent to 1,183,139 gallons of gasoline. 

“Salt Lake City was one of the first cities in Utah to adopt an idle free ordinance. Something as simple as turning off your car when you’re waiting for the kids, or sitting at a drive-thru, is one easy way for everyone to do their part. This simple action of ‘turning your key to be idle free’ will go a long way to clean our air.” – Debbie Lyons, Director, Salt LakeCity Department of Sustainability