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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. 

 

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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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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

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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

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

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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).

 

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. 

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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.

 

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Interagency Commitment to Lower Transportation Emissions and Consumer Costs, Bolster Domestic Energy Security

Energy dot gov Office of Energy Efficiency and renewable energy

Energy dot gov Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office

September 16, 2022

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Interagency Commitment to Lower Transportation Emissions and Consumer Costs, Bolster Domestic Energy Security

The Biden Administration today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among four federal agencies to accelerate the nation’s affordable and equitable clean transportation future. The U.S. Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will work collectively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the transportation sector and to ensure resilient and accessible mobility options for all Americans. Domestic transportation—including both passenger and freight—produces more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector. Working closely with states, local communities, Tribal communities, labor unions, nonprofits, and the private sector, the agencies will combine efforts to advance low- and zero-emission transportation solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, create clean transportation jobs, and support President Biden’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050.

“A modernized transportation sector, equipped with accessible clean energy technologies, is critical for providing commuting options that are more affordable, more secure, and produce less polluting,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This MOU exemplifies President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to bringing the benefits of a decarbonized transportation sector directly to Americans and positioning the United States to be a global leader in clean transportation manufacturing and deployment.”

“With this agreement, we will collaborate across the federal government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver the clean transportation future that Americans want and deserve,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“Under the leadership of President Biden, EPA is working with our federal partners to aggressively reduce pollution that is harming people and our planet – while saving families money at the same time,” said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan. “At EPA, our priority is to protect public health, especially in overburdened communities, while advancing the President’s ambitious climate agenda. This MOU is a step forward in delivering on those goals and accelerating the transition to a clean transportation future.”

“The people HUD serves deserve clean, affordable transportation options,” said U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “HUD is proud to join our federal partners at Energy, DOT, and EPA to ensure that clean transportation investments are made equitably and include communities and households that have been most harmed by environmental injustice. We look forward to working together to better align transportation, housing, and community development investments in these and other communities across the country.”

With the billions of dollars in clean transportation investments provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the United States is well-positioned to lead the global clean transportation market and create millions of jobs for American workers. The agencies will accomplish this by increasing access to more efficient modes of transportation like walking, biking, transit and rail, while lowering the costs of electric vehicles and other zero emission vehicles and fuels to allow American families and businesses the opportunity to immediately enjoy the benefits of the affordable, clean energy revolution.

The collective efforts of these four federal agencies directly influence transportation, energy and land use decisions, technologies, and infrastructure investments. The MOU commits the agencies to release—within 90 days of the MOU signing—a comprehensive blueprint 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. The blueprint will ensure a coordinated whole-of-government approach to address challenges to achieving widespread and equitable decarbonization of the domestic transportation sector. This includes increasing access to safe, active transportation options, providing clean and affordable transit options, modernizing the grid to meet increased demands from the electric vehicle sector, and reducing emissions from the entire lifecycle of transportation, including emissions from construction. This coordinated approach will prioritize climate resilience while saving consumers money, improving air quality, and ensuring that all communities benefit from a decarbonized transportation sector.

Read the complete Memorandum of Understanding.

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Event Announcement: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming ChargeWest™ Event 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Emily Her

Email: emily.her@oer.idaho.gov;

Phone: 208-332-1663

 

Date: September 15th, 12-2 pm

Location: 3753 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429

Event Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chargewest-kickoff-event-september-15-tickets-408274198117 

 

ChargeWest™ – West Electric Highway Powers-Up Regional Fast Charging for Eight Western States

 

The ChargeWest™ – West Electric Highway interstate partnership will be celebrated in Idaho on September 15th, 3753 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429. ChargeWest™ is an eight state collaborative between AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, and WY and is the largest EV corridor collective in the nation. This highly collaborative western-centric project brings together the intermountain west states with their Governors, Energy Offices, Departments of Transportation, and regional Clean Cities programs. Together, the project combines the efforts of over 75 partners and is funded by the Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Program and supported by the National Association of State Energy Offices (NASEO).

ChargeWest is committed to improving electric corridors across the western United States; building infrastructure for rural gateway communities, state and national parks, monuments, recreation areas and scenic by-ways through public-private partnership. The ChargeWest™ website provides information on consumer education, laws and incentives with state and federal programming including US DOT’s Charge Forward and National Electric Vehicle Initiative (NEVI) Formula Program with the new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. 

The States of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming will celebrate their EV charging initiatives at 3753 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429, where a new charging station will be installed through the State of Idaho’s Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Program. The first half of the event will comprise of speakers and the second hour will provide the opportunity to view and test drive electric vehicles currently on the market including Tesla models and the Ford Lightning. Speakers for the event include:

  • ChargeWest lead, Tammie Bostick
  • Idaho Governor Brad Little
  • State of Montana Energy Office, Kyla Maki
  • State of Wyoming Business Council, Ron Gullberg
  • National Park Service, remarks delivered by Alicia Cox of Yellowstone Teton Clean Cities Coalition 
  • Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative, Clint Washburn

Governor Little, during his 2019 EV Day Proclamation, said that “zero-emission electric vehicles with clean energy produced in our state protects our health while creating new good-paying jobs, especially in rural communities.” The State of Idaho EVSE Program has allocated funding to install 12 fast charging stations along major travel and tourist corridors, including 3 locations under development in Eastern Idaho in Island Park, Driggs, and Ashton.

As a leading western states, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming continue to explore electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure deployments throughout supporting  the efforts of the Western Governors Association’s Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative, and through REV West .) 

“The intermountain west is becoming one of the most visited places in the United States” says Tammie Bostick, Executive Director Utah Clean Cities, ChargeWest™ project lead. “We want the modern traveler to experience the same highways and byways of our western heritage with today’s new electric fuel horsepower. Drivers can ChargeWest™ with range confidence.” Consumers will see over 100 new electric vehicle models coming to market in the next two years with ranges exceeding 600 miles, which will create confidence in traveling with electric vehicles.

 

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ChargeWest™: West Electric Highway

Electrified Corridors of the Intermountain States

ChargeWest™ is a collection of Intermountain West states which are committed to improving electric corridors across the western United States; building infrastructure on rural gateway communities, state and national parks, monuments , recreation areas and scenic by-ways. The states involved are Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. 

https://chargewestev.org/

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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

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

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Utah’s First Hydrogen Station opens the Southwestern United States

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

Contact:
Tammie Bostick, Utah Clean Cities Coalition,
801-580-1922, tammie.bostick@utahcleancities.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Utah’s First Hydrogen Station opens the Southwestern United States

August 10th, 2022 – Bluff, Utah

Big Navajo Energy and Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company today launched a new clean energy project which will demonstrate the transition from heavy emitting fossil fuels by utilizing Linde technology hydrogen production. Linde technology is one of the world’s leading industrial gasses and engineering companies, including technology for the full spectrum of hydrogen production. This undertaking was supported by Utah’s hydrogen steering committee, Big Navajo Energy, Lancer Energy, Utah Inland Port Authority, and Utah Clean Cities.

Big Navajo Energy (BNE) hydrogen development in Southern Utah on the Navajo Nation reservation addresses the number of severe impacts from the fossil fuel industry. By providing sustainable clean energy solutions with hydrogen production. BNE, with Linde technology, will significantly reduce emissions from natural gas flaring and stranded oil from the Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company (NNOGC). With this new clean energy solution, Navajo Nation’s current oil productions in Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona will result in improved air quality, reduced haze, a better quality of life, and improved health. BNE will support hydrogen fuel cells or turbines; as a result, hydrogen is a zero-emission fuel source for power generation. The new hydrogen transportation sectors will be available soon in the Navajo Nation.

This new clean energy resource will support the Navajo Nation’s interest in low-carbon energy opportunities”, said Dory Peters, President of Big Navajo Energy, LLC. “A hydrogen production facility will offer a clean, zero-emission alternative in the form of hydrogen fuel. Our development directly impacts the local economy through competitive jobs and improved quality of life. Still, it will also support the State of Utah in achieving its climate change goals and the Navajo Nation’s transition toward a sustainable clean energy economy.”

“For our renewable and sustainable future, hydrogen is the clean solution to many hard-to-decarbonize industries and energy uses currently relying on liquid fossil fuels,” said Executive Vice President of Lancer Energy, Free Reyes. “The vision that Dory Peters, CEO of Big Navajo Energy had of using flare and stranded natural gas to convert into hydrogen is innovative and industry-leading. Taking natural gas that would have been burned for air quality compliance is being turned into clean energy for vehicles and microgrids. What an amazing project to see in Bluff, Utah on Navajo land. This unique collaboration between Big Navajo Energy, Navajo Oil & Gas, Linde, and the Navajo Nation is the first of many more hydrogen projects in Utah.”

Utah’s hydrogen steering committee is being organized by Utah Clean Cities intends to support important clean energy and fuels projects in Utah and the surrounding western region. Over 30 years of legacy work with state-side clean fuels, positioned Utah Clean Cities to become key convener of stakeholder relationships including private industry, policy makers and the emerging Utah Inland Port Authority.

“Utah has demonstrated something like a clean fuels revolution with hydrogen. I would say today, all eyes are on Utah and what we do next is our leadership tomorrow. Utah’s hydrogen stakeholders are defining the future of clean fuels now by using new state-of-the-art technologies from dedicated sources of renewable feedstocks, such as landfill gas, methane recapture and a Utah-based project using biochar” stated the Executive Director of Utah Clean Cities, Tammie Bostick. “We are turning climate devastating greenhouse gas emissions into clean energy fuels. As someone who constantly thinks of transportation fuel solutions, to me, this strategy makes good sense for the environment and the economy of Utah.”

Utah is positioned to benefit enormously from Utah’s Inland Port Authority commitment to using hydrogen as a clean fuel with their pilot Project Beehive. Utah sees over 30% of all freight coming in from seven pacific ports shipping goods across the entire nation. Utah is at the crossroads of the west. This means high volumes of trucking and freight are traveling Utah’s rural and urban corridors. The freight transportation sector takes a massive amount of fuel, and most of that fuel is diesel at this point in time. Freight movement is the lifeblood of the economy and it is moving to decarbonize as rapidly as possible. The infrastructure necessary to support that translation must be a priority.

“Our key partners continue to come to Utah’s ‘hydrogen round table’ as we innovate freight movement, clean fuels, and logistics. Utah is leading this important energy sector transition and demonstrates with our commitment to support hydrogen production, storage, fueling sites and of course the off-takers who will use the fuel. We are making world history in Utah today with our legislative leadership, state commitments and industry investment,” said Jack Hedge, President, Utah Inland Port Authority.

Visit https://utahcleancities.org/hydrogen/ to learn more about Utah’s hydrogen future and how Utah is leading the way.

 

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About Utah Clean Cities Coalition: Utah Clean Cities exists to support organizations and fleets in their efforts to contribute to clean air by reducing vehicle emissions. Through the promotion of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, and fuel economy strategies, the coalition has worked to ease concerns about volatile gas prices and rising public and environmental health issues. Working closely with the federal and state government, as well as its stakeholders, UCC leverages its resources to bring funding into Utah to support the development and deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicles. www.utahcleancities.org

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