$300M in Stimulus Grants Go to Clean Fuels and Vehicles

DOE will provide almost $300 million in Recovery Act funds to put more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road and to build 542 refueling stations at locations throughout the country. To do so, the Energy Department is providing funding for 25 cost-share projects under its Clean Cities program.

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Energy Secretary Steven Chu said, “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.” The department estimates the program will reduce petroleum consumption by roughly 38 million gallons annually. Secretary Chu also commented that the Clean Cities program provides tools state and local governments need to establish a greener transportation system and create new jobs.

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The Clean Cities program provides Recovery Act funding for a wide variety of vehicle technologies, including hybrids, electric vehicles, plug-in electric hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles. Funding for refueling facilities provides for the previously mentioned vehicle types and also includes biofuels. The program is not limited to passenger cars. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles also are included. The cost sharing involves project partners contributions of almost $2 for every federal dollar.

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Grant awards range in size from $5.5 million to $15 million. The awards announced are, at this point, just that: award selections. Final details and precise funding amounts may be modified based on additional contract negotiations between the project partners and DOE. The Clean Cities program is a partnership between government and industry that focuses on reducing transportation-related petroleum consumption. In its 15 years, the program has developed local coalitions to promote the use of alternative fuels and to demonstrate the possibilities of advanced and energy efficient vehicles. Click the link below for information on the individual projects and participants, and the amounts awarded.

   EERE news release

   SGN directory of energy awards