through good times and bad. We know there is still a lot of work ahead, and this is why 

the Clean Cities Game Plan 1998/99 in partnership with industry. All of the hard work a

mountable when we know we have partners who are so committed to the cause.

Many thanks to my colleagues who have helped to cultivate Clean Cities and made C

and interesting place to work, from the Regional Support Office staff—Mike, Steve, Yola

Oakes and Ernie Rios, Mindy, Roxanne, James, and Trish; to my colleagues at headquart

Dorothy, and Rhonda—to the staff at our national laboratories. Of course, I would be rem

mention Shelley Launey, the first program manager for Clean Cities; Tommy Foltz, form

director and alternative fuel Razorback; and Jeff Hardy, the one who left me with his mo

also very appreciative of David Rodgers and the DOE leadership for their support of thi

their guidance and support, we certainly would not be here today.

Again, congratulations for making it to 1998 and fighting a good fight for cleaner air 

dependent on imported petroleum.

Sincerely,

2

Printed with a renewable-source ink on 

at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% pos

BR-540-25273

November 1998

CONTENTS

Marcy A. Rood

Deputy Director

National Clean Citi

Cover Story: Clean Cities 5th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Feature Story: Spotlight on Niche Markets–School Buses . . . . . 

Departments: Federal News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Focus On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

From the Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Clean Cities Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

On the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

From the States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Upcoming Conferences and Events. . . . . . . . . . . . 

Cover Photos:

Buses - W. Gretz - NREL/PIX 03575

Atlanta - DOE/PIX 06694

Providence - T.G. Powell - DOE/PIX 06548

Omaha - DOE/PIX 06694
Bill Clinton was sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States. John Grisham’s “The Firm”

was a box office hit. Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball (for the first time).

And the city of Atlanta was officially designated the very first Clean Cities coalition. What year was it? 

Where We’ve Been

On September 8, 1993, in front of a small crowd outside of Atlanta’s brand new Georgia Dome, Bill

White, [former] Deputy Secretary of Energy, presented [former] Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson with a

plaque officially designating America’s first Clean City. At the time, the city of Atlanta had 48 alternativ

fuel vehicles (AFVs) in operation, eight refueling stations, and the Clean Cities-Atlanta partnership con

sisted of just seven stakeholders. It was an exciting day for everyone involved, and the coalition created

as much fanfare as possible to draw attention to the ceremony and to get the word out about AFVs.

“Back then, nobody really knew about the Clean Cities Program,” said Kent Igleheart, Clean CitiesAtlanta Coordinator. “I don’t think people then envisioned the program would grow as much as it has.

But the program did grow. In fact, the Clean Cities concept caught on like wildfire, and in just 3 mon

by December 1993—the Clean Cities network was already six cities strong. The next year an additional 

cities joined the program. Over 300 people attended the first national conference in St. Louis in 1995, an

double that number attended the second Clean Cities Conference in Atlanta in 1996. By that time there

were nearly 50 cities across the country—the Clean Cities Program had made its mark. 

Where We Are

Just 5 years after its official designation, Clean Cities-Atlanta has already met its year 2000 goal of ope

ating over 2,600 AFVs on Atlanta city streets. Eighty-six refueling sites have been established, and over 3

Clean Cities-Atlanta partners, who are renowned for innovative projects that help spur AFV market dev

opment, have been organized. They’ve paved the way with their fleet identification system and “one sto

for fleets” interactive computer program, the premise of which serves as the basis for the national 

Clean Cities Preferred Fleets Database and Fleet Buyer’s Guide. The coalition has also incorporated as a

501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has received several grants enabling them to pursue multiple projec

with different alternative fuels. 

Over the past 5 years, Clean Cities-Atlanta has garnered a lot of support, which, according to Iglehear

is the key to their great success. At this year’s national conference, Clean Cities-Atlanta also received the

Movers and Shakers Award for being the coalition to add the most AFVs and stations in its area. “With

every project we do, we’re able to bring together a large partnership, which makes for a great deal of suc

cess. We [the coalition leaders] have been the central coordinating point, but everybody’s doing their par

Igleheart said. 

Atlanta isn’t the only city. All across the country, the response has been overwhelming. New cities ar

market players together, developing program plans, and petitioning for Clean Cities status. Designated 

continually bringing in new stakeholders and developing new projects. It seems like just about everyon
coast to the other, stopping to fill up at

only publicly accessible refueling stations?

Bill Fairbairn, from the California Natural

Gas Vehicle Coalition, did just that, traveling from Sacramento, California, to the

Fourth National Clean Cities Conference in

Washington, D.C., in June. 

Where We’re Going

While we’ve come a long way, there is much more

to do. Clean Cities Deputy Director Marcy Rood

detailed the Game Plan 1998/99 strategy at the

Fourth National Clean Cities Conference

in June, emphasizing the importance of

private fleet participation. Since then, the

white pages database has been compiled,

complete with the names of businesses in

each and every Clean Cities community

that potentially have an interest in alternative fuels and acquiring AFVs for their

fleets. The “Clean Cities callers” have been

burning up the phone lines, making thousands of calls, interviewing representatives of these

potential stakeholder businesses to determine if

there’s an interest in alternative fuel use. This list is

then pared down to the “yes” responses and put back

into a database on CD-ROM—and the “yes" list is

longer than you may think. An overwhelming 70% of

the businesses surveyed have expressed an interest in

AFVs. The Preferred Fleets Database provides coordinators with a comprehensive

list of local private fleets that have a definite interest in using alternative fuels—in

other words, ideal recruits for a Clean

Cities coalition. If you don’t already have

it, your coalition’s database is coming

soon. Check with your DOE Regional

Support Office Clean Cities representative

for more information.

The next step involves actually putting the

Preferred Fleets Database to use. The plan is for coali

the AFV Fleet Buyer’s Guide whi

Nan Miller, Dallas/Ft. Worth Clea

Coordinator, was very well receiv

well,” said Miller. “Dallas/Ft.

Worth Clean Cities is housed in

the Council of Governments, so

most of the people we work with

are from the public sector. We we

glad that with this event we were

able to reach the private fleets in

the area.” You can check out the

AFV Fleet Buyer’s Guide on-line 

www.fleets.doe.gov.

Increasing private fleet particip

Cities will remain one of the prog

over the next few years, until the 

tainable. To see more AFVs order

offer rebates to fleet managers in 

Meeting the 100% niche market c

priority, as outlined by DOE’s

Assistant Secretary Dan Reicher a

this year’s Clean Cities

Conference. Niche applications fo

alternative fuels provide an impo

tant foundation for a sustainable

AFV market. Therefore, an impor

tant objective of the national program plan is to target niche markets in Clean Cities communities

for 100% AFV use in 5 years. (See 

of articles on niche markets, p. 8.) 

ects in the works at the national l

nationwide Clean Cities media ca

oping a Clean Cities national non

If Clean Cities keeps growing at t

the next 5 years, who knows ... th

lion AFVs on the road by the program’s 10th Anniversary!

4

Paso Del Norte, TX - 11/17/95

Pittsburgh, PA - 12/5/95

Sacramento, CA - 10/21/94

T.G. Powell 

T.G. Powell - DOE/PIX 06556

P.D.N.C.C.C./PIX 06151
and the 1990 Clean Air Act

Amendments (CAAA) both require

certain fleets to acquire alternative

fuel vehicles (AFVs) and certified

clean vehicles, respectively. If you

must comply with both requirements,

then you may want to consider the

difference between EPAct and the

Clean Fuel Fleet Program (see chart)

before making your purchasing decisions. As recommended by Tommy

Foltz of Clean Fuels Strategies, “The

best option for fleet operators to meet

both requirements with one vehicle is

to purchase a certifiably clean, alternatively fueled vehicle.”

Currently, both the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) and the U.S. Department of

Energy (DOE) have proposed rulemakings for additional AFV/clean

fuel vehicle (CFV) acquisition

requirements that are under consideration. As covered in “The Great

Debate,” Vol. 2 , No. 2 of Alternative

Fuel News, DOE is in the process of

reviewing and analyzing public comments from the Advance Notice of

Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) to

create incentives or mandate local

government and private fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. Ken

Katz, DOE’s manager for the

Alternative Fuels Regulatory Program, said, “the

Department will be weighing its options and developing different scenarios, and we may initiate meetings this fall to discuss the different scenarios before

we make a decision on what the Department will

pursue.” DOE has received more than 80 written

comments, as well as remarks from the 41 individuals

who spoke at the public hearings.

visit www.epa.gov/oms/regs/fuels/cff/cfvnpr-s

EPA’s Clean Fuel Fleet Program and vehicle ac

tions Web site at www.epa.gov/oms/cff.htm.

For more information, or a copy of the

Comparative Alternative/Clean Fuel Provision

the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act, ca

National Alternative Fuels Hotline at 800-423-1

 *Altanta, GA; Metropolitan Washington, D.C.; Chicago-Gary Lake County, IL-IN; Milwaukee-Racine, WI; B

What’s the difference between EPAct and the Clean Fu

EPAct CAA Clean Fuel 

Goal: 

Reduce vehicle emissi

quality by promoting c

infrastructure develop

Goal:

Reduce dependence on foreign oil by 

developing alternative fuels

Alternative Fuel:

Substantially nonpetroleum

(Alternative fuel only)

Clean Fuel:

Any power source on w

can operate (Alternativ

Fleets of 20 or more vehicles Fleets of 10 or more ve

Vehicle must be able to run on alternative fuel

Covers vehicles up to 8,500 lbs

Population of 250,000 or more

Earn and bank credits 

Trade credits nationwide

Penalties:

 Violation - $5,000

 Willful violation - $10,000

 Repeated violation - $50,000

Compliance Dates:

 Federal fleets (75%) by 1999

 State fleets (75%) by 2001

 Fuel provider fleets (90%) by 2001

Penalties: Vary from st

Violation: Not meeting 

for light- and heavy-du

Covers vehicles up to 2

6 ozone or CO nonatta

Earn and bank credits

Trade credits within no

Vehicle must be federa

ILEV, ULEV, or ZEV stan

of fuel type, and opera

Model year phase-in:

 Light-duty (30%) heavy

 Light-duty (50%) heavy

 Light-duty (70%) heavy
6

formed the voluntary National Low

Emission Vehicle

(NLEV) program.

Originally, the 

program was created as a way to help

the northeastern

states address their

smog problems.

However, this 

program has resulted in much more

than that. It is now

a program that will

substantially

reduce air pollution

nationwide, while

providing the automotive industry

flexibility to meet

the new requirements in the most

efficient manner.

This means cleaner

light-duty vehicles

and trucks will be

produced and sold

starting this year!

Because NLEV was

intended to be a

voluntary program,

it could only

become enforceable

with the lawful agreement of the northeastern states

and 23 auto manufacturers. All auto manufacturers

and relevant states have notified EPA that they have

lawfully “opted-in” (see states and auto manufacturers above). Now that NLEV has been agreed

upon by the states and auto manufacturers, the 

standards are federally enforceable—just like any

emission standards.

Environmental effects of the N

will include significant reduction

ozone and emissions, such as pa

benzene and formaldehyde, acet

butadiene. According to EPA, NO

by 496 tons per day in 2007, and 

ic gases will be reduced by 311 to

The program will help the states 

clean air goals and give automak

to meet requirements, while conc

ing economic growth.

Some important things to kee

the continuing importance of AF

improvement:

1. NLEV does not apply to som

ular light-duty vehicles in th

standard-size pickup trucks, 

sport utility vehicles (SUVs)

2. Emissions of medium- and 

and buses are also not affect

3. Gaseous and electric alterna

reduce nonmethane organic 

sions by significantly greate

required by the NLEV progr

4. Automakers can average fle

tions across all NLEVs sold, 

working to introduce low N

AFVs may actually increase. 

to include many of them in N

5. NMOG emissions reduction

presently available original e

facturers’ gaseous fuel stand

vans, and perhaps future mo

are larger than for vehicles a

(Ford Motor Company is exp

a natural gas-fueled large SU

6. NMOG reductions are of gr

metropolitan areas with exis

quality problems.

Connecticut New Jersey

Delaware Pennsylvania

District of Columbia Rhode Island

Maryland Virginia

New Hampshire

These eastern states have lawfully 

opted in to the NLEV program:

BMW of North America, Inc. 

Chrysler Corporation 

Fiat Auto U.S.A., Inc. 

Ford Motor Company 

General Motors Corporation 

Hyundai Motor America 

Isuzu Motors America, Inc. 

Jaguar Motors Ltd. 

Kia Motors America, Inc. 

Land Rover North America, Inc. 

Mazda (North America), Inc. 

Mercedes-Benz of North America 

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. 

Nissan North America, Inc. 

Porsche Cars of North America, Inc. 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Inc. 

Saab Cars USA, Inc. 

Subaru of America, Inc. 

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 

Volkswagen of America, Inc. 

Volvo North America Corporation
New Alternative Fuel

In response to a petition from Pure Energy

Corporation to add their proprietary “P-Series” 

fuel to the regulatory definition of “Alternative

Fuel,” the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s)

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program proposed

a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) to 

classify the proprietary “P-Series” fuel as an 

alternative fuel. 

What are P-Series fuels? The P-Series fuels are

produced from approximately 70% renewable 

biomass (i.e., wastepaper, wood waste, and agricultural waste). Renewable biomass-based fuels reduce

greenhouse gas emissions, tailpipe emissions, and

dependence on foreign oil. The fuels are blends 

of ethanol, methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF), natural

gas liquids, and butane. It is expected that the

ethanol and MTHF will be derived from renewable

domestic feedstocks. The P-Series emissions are

generally below those of reformulated gasoline 

and are well below federal emissions standards.

The fuels are expected to be produced domestically

and use existing distribution infrastructure. 

Pure Energy plans on pricing the fuels to be 

competitive with gasoline.

Beginning in 1992, the Energy Policy Act of 

1992 (EPAct) created a shift in U.S. policy to domestically produce nonpetroleum cleaner burning fuels

to support the requirements for federal, state, and 

fuel provider vehicle fleets to purchase an increasing percentage of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). 

P-Series was developed with the U.S. fleet market

in mind, which is estimated at 10 billion gallons 

per year.

Another added benefit is P-Series works with 

the hundreds of thousands of flexible fuel (flexfuel)

vehicles on the road today. In fact, Chrysler

Corporation’s most popular minivan is flexfuel, and

the Ford Ranger pickup is expected to have the

flexfuel engine in the 1999 model year. According to

originally developed at Princeton University. 

Energy then petitioned DOE for a rulemakin

classify the fuels by definition “Alternative F

as defined in EPAct. The Notice of Proposed

Rulemaking was published in the Federal Re

on July 28, 1998, to designate the new P-Serie

as an “Alternative Fuel.” DOE accepted publ

comments until September 28, 1998. For a cop

of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, visit t

Web site at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fed

a980728c.html. To contact Pure Energy direct

www.pure-energy.com.

DOE Takes Big Step in Enforcin

EPAct Compliance

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as p

of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) impl

tation, is sending notices to potentially covere

parties who have not yet submitted a complia

report for the state fleet and fuel provider rul

is the first visible step in a plan to ensure com

ance with the AFV acquisition rule for state a

provider fleets. The compliance strategy inclu

series of letters notifying parties of possible E

requirments, as well as possible fines for EPA

violations. For more information and to view 

of the letter, go to the DOE Office of Transpor

Technologies Web site at www.ott.doe.gov/

legislation.html.
buses ring a bell of their own. Predictable routes,

centralized refueling, and wide product availability—it’s all there. And who wants their children breathing those harmful fumes? So school

buses and alternative fuels are a perfect match.

Just ask Mike Andre, supervisor of Pupil

Transportation in the Lower Merion School

District just outside Philadelphia. The Lower

Merion School District purchased its first compressed natural gas (CNG) bus in 1995 in an

effort to alleviate the community’s concerns over

pollution and noise in their neighborhoods. “We

met the neighbors halfway and decided to clean

up our act,” said Andre. “We had to replace our

buses anyway, so we figured why not replace

them with cleaner burning fuel? And it’s worked

pretty well.” In just 3 years, the Lower Merion

School District fleet has grown to include 51

CNG buses. 

Alternative fuel school buses are driving 

kids to school all across the country. The

Shenendehowa Central School District in Albany,

New York, operates 27 CNG buses. Nearby

Scotia-Glenville schools operate propane buses,

and further to the south, students in

Montgomery County, Maryland, can ride one of

nine CNG buses to school. The EvansvilleVanderburgh School Corporation in Indiana

operates a fleet of 150 CNG school buses, making it one of the larger CNG school bus fleets in

the nation. 

On the West Coast, the California Energy

Commission’s (CEC’s) Safe School Bus

Demonstration Program is paving the way for

the continuing acquisition of alternative fuel

vehicles (AFVs) for the state’s school bus fleet.

According to Al Deterville, from the CEC’s

Transportation Technologies and Fuels Office,

over 860 pre-1977 school buses have been

replaced with 826 buses that burn cleaner fuel.

Two partnerships, John Deere and Blue Bird

and Crown Coach, are worki

native fuel school buses spec

needs of the School Bus Dem

Over half of these buses are a

fueled—nearly 270 powered 

150 by methanol—and all are 

advanced safety features. For 

about the CEC’s School Bus D

Program, check out: www.en

afvs/schoolbus. 

Another great success stor

Tulsa Public School (TPS) Dis

ed the table talk sessions at th

Conference in June, perhaps y

Rodriguez. His inspiring stor

has succeeded in converting 

school bus fleet to run on CN

In 1988, the Oklahoma Dep

Commerce requested that TP

year pilot program to test the 

tive fuels. TPS agreed and su

ed 24 buses to CNG. Bolstere

cessful bond issues and zero-

the state, the conversions con

pilot ended. Oklahoma Natur

stepped in when conversion 

the limit of the state loan pro

with ONG, TPS also added 4

trucks, which they will own a

lease period. They are also le

13 cars, which are used for dr

Perhaps the most amazing 

that loans and equipment cos

the savings in fuel costs from 

of gasoline and diesel. TPS typ

gallons of gasoline and 29,000 

per month; at $0.32 per gallon 

$0.61 per gallon for conventio

good sense to choose alternati

district has now made it a pol

AFVs first when new vehicles 

8
Market development for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs)–that sounds important. But what does it really mean? Market 

ment is all about identifying specifically what your coalition can do to stimulate fleets to purchase more AFVs. Many Clean 

assumed the important roles of educating and disseminating information when they first got started. But time has revealed 

in most cases, coalitions and AFV advocates must do much more if they really want to get more AFVs on the road.

Market development is all about using limited resources wisely. It means understanding what your coalitions and stake

need to be doing and in what order those things should be done to make AFV purchase decisions for their fleets easier. M

development is really a systematic process for identifying the dominant obstacles to expanded AFV use, customizing progr

address these obstacles in a manner sensitive to the political realities of the region, and then mobilizing (and, in some cas

streamlining) the coalition so it is equipped to get the job done. Marketing and information dissemination are also key, but 

resources wisely means first being clear about those fleets that are the best candidates for AFVs and then targeting inform

and sales at the most promising fleets.

So what’s the “key” to fleet purchase decisions? In real estate, for instance, it’s said there are three things: location, lo

location. With AFVs, it’s cost, cost, cost. The bottom line for purchase decisions with (nonmandated) fleets is whether the 

are worth the price and the perceived risks, which include fuel availability, vehicle servicing, and concerns about safety an

value. So the onus is really on coalitions and AFV advocates to work with their state and local governments, along with th

vate sector (e.g., the alternative fuel suppliers), to design and target innovative programs to make AFVs even more enticing 

fleets. (See Clean Cities Fifth Anniversary “Where We’re Going” article for information on DOE Clean Cities Program plans 

attract fleets, p. 3.)

The DOE Guide to Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentives and Laws is filled with the types of innovative inducements enact

coast-to-coast to make the future brighter for AFVs. These include rebates and grants for vehicles and infrastructure; state 

deductions and fee waivers; reduced fuel taxes; low-interest and revolving loan programs; state and local AFV purchase 

mandates; and local parking and transportation inducements. The third edition of the Guide is expected to be available in

November 1998. Meanwhile, to review current information for your state, visit the AFV Fleet Buyer’s Guide Web site at

www.fleets.doe.gov or call the Clean Cities Hotline at 800-CCITIES.

AFV cheerleading isn’t enough. The success of the AFV movement and coalitions hinges on the ability to move up to th

level; that is, to design and help implement the types of programs that will shift the financial scales in favor of AFV fleet p

decisions. If you are interested in creating a market development plan, or if you feel like your coalition is stuck in low gear 

you want to take it to the next level, give the Clean Cities office a call. They have sponsored market development worksho

the last 4 years for new and existing coalitions coast-to-coast. If you would like to take part in this program, please call yo

Regional Support Office Clean Cities representative.

Environmental Strategies: Consultants in Pollution Prevention, Inc.
a population of over 1.6 million people, was designated as

the 63rd Clean Cities Coalition. (See “Roundup”) The U.S.

Department of Energy has approved the region’s 5- and 

10-year implementation plan, which includes the goal of

increasing the use of alternative fuels along this clean corridor. (See map below.) The corridor stretches from Winnipeg,

southward through Grand Forks-East Grand Forks and

Fargo-Moorhead, in North Dakota. The Red River Valley

Clean Cities (RRVCC) Coalition is also recognized as an

“international” Clean Cities coalition because it brings

Canadian expertise and stakeholders into the Clean Cities

network. Winnipeg Councillor Glenn Murray addressed the

gathering and, on behalf of the city and Mayor Susan

Thompson, announced Winnipeg’s membership as the

RRVCC’s most recent stakeholder, and delivered a check 

for $10,000 to support the coalition. Winnipeg, a vibrant,

culturally rich city of over 700,000, is the center of a growing alternative fuels industry. Winnipeg is home to such

industry leaders as Kraus Industries (compressed natural

gas [CNG] compressor

stations/dispensers);

Centra Energy Services

(fuel-site construction);

New Flyer Industries

(transit buses); and

Motorcoach Industries

(highway buses).

Propane fuels nearly

100% of Winnipeg’s 

taxi fleets and another

RRVCC stakeholder, the

Canadian Forces Base

Winnipeg, has begun

converting vehicles to CNG and propane. Winnipeg will

host the July 1999 Pan-American Games, and the RRVCC

hopes to showcase alternative fuels to the anticipated

100,000 athletes and visitors. 

Another new RRVCC stakeholder, Global Electric

MotorCars (GEM), is the only U.S. manufacturer of the new

vehicles that qualifies for the new class of low-speed vehicle, which has recently been established by the National

Highway Transportation Safety Admini

electric-powered, two-seat “Neighborho

responds to the demands for inexpensiv

transportation to be used for shorter int

Coordinator, Tim Gerlach, stated, “GEM 

since their spring start-up. The Clean Ci

ing them get the word out on their vehi

ing prospective customers in southern U

GEM vehicles are a perfect fit for retirem

communities, parks, medical facilities, a

even commuter applications.”

Among the many unique programs t

implemented throughout the Clean Citi

River Valley has created a feel all its ow

conducted a trial marketing campaign t

and gain the attention of fleet operators

included transit buses carrying the sloga

Gasoline or Diesel?” and “Keep Using E

More!” (These slogans are also displaye

sign at the Grand Forks aiport—what a 

incoming visitors!) The RRVCC also use

News (5,000 copies daily at 85 restaurant

native fuel ads and trivia, as well as mo

theaters. RRVCC has also displayed alte

tional and promotional items in coopera

Players Sports Grill has inexpensive tab

ing folks about Clean Cities and asking 

fun. These are just a few clever ways to 

of your town, city, or region.

10

Dr. Gerald H. Groenewold, Director,

Energy and Environmental

Research Center, addresses stakeholders and attendees.

T.G. Powell - DOE/PIX 06553
pgg 

its in State Implementation Plans (SIPs). EPA defines voluntary emission measures as programs that rely on the actions

of individuals or other parties for achieving emission reductions. Finally, we have a winning solution for some of the

Clean Cities that have struggled for years to get alternative

fuel vehicle (AFV) projects in SIPs. We hope EPA may

become more comfortable with giving credit for air quality

benefits of AFVs because of Argonne National Laboratory’s

work with the Clean Cities Program to develop appropriate

emission reduction models.

To kick off the VMEP, EPA and the U.S. Department of

Transportation (DOT) are sponsoring regional workshops on

developing and implementing effective voluntary emission

reduction programs for metropolitan planning organizations, state departments of transportation and air quality

agencies, and anyone in the community who has an interest

in VMEP. (So that means you, too, Clean Cities stakeholders!) The U.S. Department of Energy is working to ensure

that Clean Cities projects will indeed be covered at these

training sessions. The next workshop is December 3-4 in

New York City. Space is limited. For more information, and a

schedule of other workshops, call the National Association

of Regional Councils’ Janet Oakley at 202-457-0710, ext. 19.

TEA-21 Signed into Law, What Now?

Well, the landmark transportation legislation—the

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)—

reauthorized the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

(CMAQ) Improvement Program over the next 6 years (1998-

2003) with at least $2 billion increase in funds totaling 

$8.1 billion. In the last 6 years of CMAQ, approximately 

$270 million went toward AFVs. The importance of CMAQ

funding was also mentioned by Rodney Slater, Secretary of

the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). “This legislation strengthens proven strategies to safeguard public health

and the environment, such as the CMAQ Improvement

Program, to help communities clean their air, transportation

enhancements to help them improve their quality of life, and

new technologies, such as less polluting vehicles and intelligent transportation systems.” 

Projects that are included in the State 

Plan (SIP) are the highest funding priori

program. Further, the new interim guida

requirement that alternative fuel projects 

SIP to be eligible for CMAQ funding. “T

longer made sense once we had a clear i

Congress supported these projects,” acco

Savonis, FHWA’s CMAQ Improvement 

In addition to the extension of the ethan

2007 with slight modifications, TEA-21 a

authorized efforts under research and te

Surface Transportation Research). Those 

an advanced research program, which w

of transportation-related environmental 

Advanced Vehicle Technologies Program

tered by the U.S. Department of Energy 

will develop advanced vehicles, compon

ture, and bring them to the commercial m

information on TEA-21, as well as the da

scheduled focus groups, visit the Web si

www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/outreach.htm 

www.istea.org.

Private ownership of facilities a

Incremental cost of AFVs (ov

equivalent conventional-fuel

Increment must include all fe

not just CMAQ

Cannot use CMAQ for projec

under the CAA or other fede

Please submit comments by Nove

James Shrouds

Chief Environmental Analys

FHWA, Department of Trans

400 7th Street, SW

Washington, DC 205

Interim Guidance (CM
12

May 28) to 66, with each of the

new designees being the first

Clean Cities coalition in its

respective state, including one

that crosses international borders.

For a current list of Clean Cities,

check out our Web site at

www.ccities.doe.gov.

l Red River Valley—it’s official.

The long wait for Red River

Valley Clean Cities stakeholders

is finally over. The coalition

was originally scheduled to be

designated in December 1996,

but due to an unfortunate series

of natural disasters that

plagued the region over the

past 2 years, the ceremony was

postponed and rescheduled

several times. But on August

10, at long last, Red River

Valley was officially designated

the 63rd member of the Clean

Cities Program.

They did it with style, in an

event that featured a brass band

and included the presentation

of a ZAP electric bicycle donated by Northern States Power

and a mountain bike from the

Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse (a

local nightclub) to the Grand

Forks Police Department. 

Support for Red River Valley

Clean Cities came from all levels. Tom Gross, Deputy

Assistant Secretary for

Transportation Technologies,

served as the presiding U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE)

official; he joined Red River

Puget Sound, WA - 8/13/98

Omaha, NE - 9/18/98

Providence, RI - 9/14/98

Nations; and D

Assistant Secre

and Director, C

attended. Gran

Patricia Owens

Mayor Lynn St

Councillor Gle

also on hand to 

designation.

l Puget Sound. 

coalition was d

member of the 

Program on Au

Seattle, Washin

Street Station, 

compressed na

refueling sites, 

backdrop for t

nizing the coal

develop the al

cle (AFV) mark

DOE’s Chief o

Efficiency and 

presented the 

plaque to Seat

Schell and con

Sound stakeho

Puget Sound C

first designate

Washington St

over 1,500 AFV

plans to have d

by the year 20

recently receiv

Energy Progra

grant to suppo

and to pay for 

cost of two ori

manufacturer 

vans for metro 

vehicles for Se

DOE/PIX 06545 DOE/PIX 06548 DOE/PIX 06693
the year 2002. The coalition is also working to expand

publicly accessible refueling infrastructures through a

universal card system.

l Omaha. The Greater Omaha Regional Clean Cities 

coalition became the 66th member of the program on

September 18, 1998. Nebraska Governor E. Benjamin

Nelson, a long-time supporter of Omaha Clean Cities

and one of the founding fathers of the Governor’s

Ethanol Coalition, was on hand to take part in the 

festivities. In a ceremony outside the Omaha City and

www.evworld.com

EV World's Guide to Original Equipment

Manufacturers (OEM) Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the United

States. While every major car manufacturer is presently

working on advanced technology vehicles, only three

manufacturers currently have electric vehicles (EVs) available to consumers in the United States: Ford, Honda, and

General Motors. Those vehicles are depicted along with

Bombardier's neighborhood vehicle, a short-range, lowspeed vehicle (25 mph), which is beginning to find a role

in running errands in and around gated and planned communities in place of the family car. There are several other

EV options available outside original equipment manufacturers lines, including vehicles from Global Electric

MotorCars (GEM), Solectria, and small-scale conversion

houses and entrepreneurial start-ups that may be of interest. Prospective EV owners should note your state may

offer tax and other incentives on the purchase or conversion of an alternative fuel (including electricity) vehicle

and that many power companies offer special off-peak,

time-of-use electricity rates for recharging EVs at night.

www.navc.org

The Northeast Alternative Vehicle C

is a nonprofit association of private- an

firms and agencies, working toward pr

vehicle technologies in the northeastern 

NAVC, established in 1993, is a princip

profit funding mechanism for advance

research, technology development, and 

the Northeast region.

On the Web

Projected # of AFVs in Clean C

year 2000: 261,663

Current # of alternative refueli

in Clean Cities: 4,343

Projected # of alternative refue

in Clean Cities by the year 200

*As determined by 1998 Clean Cities 

Coordinators’ interviews
14

trucks. These light-duty vehicles are certified to the more

lenient emission standards (and Corporate Average Fuel

Economy standards) because they were originally used for

work trucks, not passenger vehicles. The proposed

changes to California’s LEV regulations, currently being

considered “LEV II,” will further reduce automotive emissions and specifically bring all vehicles under 8,500 gross

vehicle weight (GVW) into conformance with new emission standards. Also proposed are changes to reclassify the

light-duty truck and medium-duty vehicle categories. 

Other proposed modifications will expand the scope of

vehicles that could qualify to partially meet the 10% zeroemission vehicle (ZEV) requirement. Options would

include new propulsion systems with very-low-emission

characteristics, such as hybrid electric vehicles, methanol

reformer fuel cell vehicles, and other clean and durable

combustion engine vehicles that meet certain emission

standards. A new category—super ultra-low-emission

vehicle (SULEV)—would be added to the vehicle emission

category. A system of ZEV credits and multipliers would

be implemented for additional vehicles to count toward

the ZEV requirement. The proposal recommends increasing the stringency for evaporative emissions and setting a

particulate matter (PM) standard of 0.010 gm/mile for

light-duty vehicles and trucks less than 8,500 GVW certified to LEV, ULEV, and SULEV standards beginning in

2004, to provide an upper limit on PM emissions from

vehicles used for personal transportation.

For detailed information about the LEV II proposal,

visit the Web site at www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/levprog/

levii/levii.htm. The Web site will house the staff report,

once released, and will include information on the

November 5, 1998, hearing to consider the LEV II proposal. For more information, call Paul Hughes, California Air

Resources Board’s Manager of LEV Implementation,

Mobile Sources Control Division, at 626-575-6977.

AFV fueling infrastructure. 

The law increases from $1,000- to $2

corporate income tax credits for purcha

sion of a dedicated AFV, or alternative 

tem. Original equipment manufacturer 

is only given if the vehicle is certified a

vehicle by the U. S. Environmental Pro

Also, AFVs can receive from 50% to 90

tal cost equivalent above conventionall

Income tax credits will be given to indi

rations for the expenses associated with 

operation of an alternative fueling stati

incurred up to $400,000 for publicly acc

able fuel; 25% or up to $200,000 for oth

The Arizona Clean Air Fund Program 

was implemented separately in 1996 an

Department of Commerce Energy Offic

by SB 1269. ACAFP can provide grants 

publicly accessible alternative fueling s

to $1,000 for individuals and small bus

install alternative refueling infrastructu

issue grants to aid municipalities and s

AFV conversions. This newly enacted l

ACAFP’s use to include reducing the c

or acquiring AFVs and AFV equipment

programs, and training of AFV service 

of the law can be found on Arizona’s st

www.azleg.state.az.us/legtext/43leg/2r/la
of the alternative fuel vehicle incremental price on a new

vehicle or on the cost of converting a vehicle. 

The rebate is available for vehicles certified by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air

Resources Board to low-emission vehicle standards. To

p

303-620-4288, or visit the OEC Web site 

Propane-Fueled Rabbit Conquers Mt. Washington

America’s oldest motorsports competition, beginning in 1904, hosted the

world’s first alternative fuel stock race car fueled by propane. The race,

"Audi Climb to the Clouds," climbs Mt. Washington in Gorham, New

Hampshire, and covers over 4,500 vertical feet in 7.4 miles winding

through 70 turns to the top of the mountain at 6,120 feet. Gilbert Cox,

driver of the car and president of the Safe Alternative Fuel

Association (SAFA), stated, "This performance demonstrates the

power and viability of propane as an alternative fuel, even in the

demanding environment of stock car racing." The SAFA press release

explained that the world’s first propane and natural gas stock race

cars give a broader exposure to alternative fuels and dramatically

demonstrate their potential through events like the Mt. Washington hill

climb. As emphasized by the owner of Eastern Truck & Auto, the car’s

principal sponsor, "We wanted to increase awareness of propane as an

increasingly accessible alternative fuel. We feel it makes sense to use the

rising popularity of stock car racing as a vehicle for communicating this to the

public." For more information on SAFA, contact Gilbert Cox at 603-529-2876.
16

1998 North American EV & Infrastructure

Conference and Expo (NAEVI 98)

December 3-4, 1998

Phoenix, Arizona

Contact: Kim Pauley 703-318-0300, ext. 551

Congress of Cities Expo

December 3-6, 1998 

Kansas City, Kansas

Contact: David Lee 703-318-0300, ext. 567

Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission 

1998 Annual Meeting

December 6-8, 1998

Salt Lake City, Utah

Contact: Jason Gildeg 405-525-3556

Propane Vehicle Conference

January 25-27, 1999

Las Vegas, Nevada

Contact: Frank Rowe 303-863-0521

Upcoming

Conferences 

and Events

F T W

3 4 5 6 7

14

21

28

13 12 11 10

20 19 18 17

27 26 25

For more information on these events, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center Web site at w

And ... They're 

Get ready for the Fifth N

Clean Cities

Conference and Ex

Where: Louisville, Ken

When: May 23-26, 1

Your postcard with confe

details is on the wa

v

Special thanks 

to the 1998 Conference 

the Washington, D.C. Ener

and the Metropolitan Was

Alternative Fuels Partne

Last year’s conference in th

capital will be hard to b

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? 

Call the National Alternative Fuels Hotline at 800-423-1DOE or

the Clean Cities Hotline at 800-CCITIES

Check out the Alternative Fuels Data Center Web site at

www.afdc.doe.gov or the Clean Cities Web site at 

www.ccities.doe.gov.