The Alternative Fuel Trade Alliance welcomed the Department of Energy’s (DOE) announcement of a grant up to $1.6 million to raise public awareness and foster understanding of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. The grant will provide support for a targeted educational plan aimed at Clean Cities Coordinators and related stakeholders.
The Alliance, which includes the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Biodiesel Foundation, the Propane Education & Research Council, the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation and ASG Renaissance, stated, “We are looking forward to working with the DOE to increase the understanding of the importance of cleaner alternative fuels and vehicles to our national effort to reduce oil dependence and cut carbon emissions. It is vital to educate and train Clean Cities Coordinators who are and will be at the forefront of communicating what our fuels and vehicle technologies mean as engines of economic growth and environmental sustainability.”
Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, commented, “This DOE grant will supplement our individual and joint efforts to work with and train coordinators, stakeholders and others at the national and regional levels to enhance their knowledge and expertise on the latest developments and applications for alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies which include ethanol, biodiesel, propane, and natural gas fuels as well as hybrid/electric technologies and idle reduction strategies to improve fuel economy.”
Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, said “This program is unique in that it unites the mainstream alternative fuel organizations in working collaboratively towards a common goal: educating America on all aspects of alternative fuels, and increasing their use. This will benefit our air quality, our energy independence and our economy.”
• According to the Alliance, the grant funds will also be used to:
• Train coordinators as high-level public spokespeople
• Increase awareness of sustainability as it pertains to the stated technologies
• Increase the number of states that enforce fuel quality standards
• Train key stakeholders on fire safety issues
• Increase OEM technician/mechanic training and advanced technology acceptance
• Provide a forum for students interested in alternative fuels on college campuses nationwide
• Increase the availability and consumption of domestic alternative fuels.
The Alliance partners will conduct more than 45 workshops, author a minimum of 20 educational pieces, and participate in a minimum of 64 collective independent stakeholder events, as well as manage two conferences and four press events to increase knowledge about alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies.