BioFuels Journal

Washington, DC—Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced August 26 the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

These projects will speed the transformation of the nation’s vehicle fleet, putting more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road, and establishing 542 refueling locations across the country.

The Department of Energy also estimates they will help displace approximately 38 million gallons of petroleum per year.

“The Clean Cities program is helping give state and local governments the tools they need to build a greener transportation system that will create new jobs and help to put America on the path to a clean energy future,” said Secretary Chu.

“Advancing the number of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles on the road will increase our energy security, decrease our dependence on oil, and reduce pollution across the country.”

Under the Recovery Act, the Clean Cities program will fund a range of energy efficient and advanced vehicle technologies, such as hybrids, electric vehicles, plug-in electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles, helping reduce petroleum consumption across the U.S.

In addition, funding will support refueling infrastructure for various alternative fuel vehicles, including biofuels and natural gas.

Other efforts under the Clean Cities program include public education and training initiatives to further the program’s goal of reducing the national demand for petroleum.

The projects announced by Secretary Chu will support a combined total of more than 9,000 light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles and establish 542 refueling locations across the country.

The vehicles and infrastructure being funded include the use of natural and renewable gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hybrid technologies.

And with the cost share contributions from the recipients, every federal dollar spent will be matched by nearly two dollars from the project partners.

Last week, the Department of Energy also announced that it had selected 23 projects for up to $15 million in annual appropriations funding.

Like the Recovery Act-funded projects, the annual Clean Cities projects include grants for vehicles, infrastructure, and education.

Clean Cities is a government-industry partnership that works to reduce America’s petroleum consumption in the transportation sector.

Over the last 15 years, the Clean Cities program has established local coalitions across the country that promote the growth of alternative fuels and showcase the potential of advanced and energy efficient vehicles.

The projects announced are selections for financial award.

The final details and funding level of each project is subject to modification based on further contract negotiations between the selected entity and DOE.

For more information, call 202-586-4940.

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