Its purpose is to advance the use of cleaner alternative motor fuels in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Nearly 80 cities and 3500 industry, nonprofit and government stakeholders have joined in this movement since 1994. The Twin Cities became involved in Clean Cities in 1995, and although this initial work was unsuccessful in designating the metro area as a 'Clean City,' the E85 fueling network it sparked has grown to become the largest in the nation.
Alternative fuels have a long history in Minnesota.
The efforts of many different individuals and organizations, combined with several other factors have galvanized the current drive to establish TC4. The U.S. General Services Administration and DOE jointly selected the Twin Cities as one of six U.S. cities in which resources will be concentrated to increase alternative fuel usage within the federal fleet. Although carbon monoxide pollution levels have declined, concern over air toxics, ground-level ozone and greenhouse gas emissions are increasing. Private, public, and non-profit stakeholders are working establish the TC4 movement. Presently, E85 represents the strongest alternative fuel and largest number of fueling sites in our region.