Clean Cities Coalition Insider
 
Insider Index
We have a lot to share this month! In this issue, you will find:
  1. Energy Independence Summit
  2. EV Action Plan
  3. West Coast Electric Fleets
  4. Question of the Month
  5. Green Transportation Summit & Expo  
  6. Clean Cities Member Updates  
WWCC Successes Showcased in DC

Western Washington Clean Cities recently attended the Energy Independence Summit (EIS) in Washington, DC! The EIS is a two-day meeting where the nation's Clean Cities coalitions and transportation energy leaders discuss best practices and educate federal policymakers about the need for incentives and other resources to overcome barriers to the widespread use of cleaner vehicles and fuels.

Our delegation - Ben Farrow from Puget Sound Energy, Darren Engle from Blue Star Gas, and WWCC's own Kimberley Cline - also took the opportunity to visit with eight members of Congress. We shared several of the coalition's successes and communicated the challenges the region faces in advancing alternative fuels. 

Specifically, we asked Congress to:  
  • Ensure adequate funding for key alternative fuel programs (such as Clean Cities and the EPA's Clean Diesel grants program). 
  • Preserve the Renewable Fuel Standard and direct the EPA to establish Renewable Volume Obligations.
  • Provide a five-year extension of tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles, production of biofuels, selling of natural gas and propane, and development of alternative fueling infrastructure.
If you'd like to learn more, or to participate in similar efforts in the future, let us know.
State Releases EV Action Plan 

In case you missed it, the Washington State Department of Transportation released last month its EV Action Plan. The plan provides a path forward for elected officials and leaders to drive electric vehicle adoption with the use of smart policies and incentives. 

The EV Action Plan recommends 13 clear-cut actions to increase the number of electric vehicles in Washington and reach the state's goal of 50,000 plug-in EVs by 2020.  
Electrifying the West Coast

The Pacific Coast Collaborative recently launched its latest initiative, West Coast Electric Fleets. West Coast Electric Fleets helps public and private fleet managers access tools, technical assistance and a network of peers to help incorporate electric vehicles into their fleets.

 

You can become a partner by taking the West Coast Electric Fleets pledge - a flexible commitment to procure, or simply consider procuring, electric vehicles. In turn, your organization will be recognized as a leader in transforming the market for electric fleets on the West Coast. 

Question of the Month

What were the trends related to state laws and incentives enacted in 2014?

Green Transportation Summit & Expo: April 21 & 22

Have you registered yet for the 2015 Green Transportation Summit & Expo? Clean Cities members can receive discounted registration. Email Scott for your discount code. Early bird registration is available until March 15.

 

At the Summit, you won't want to miss a presentation coordinated by yours trulys, showcasing the growing biodiesel industry in Washington and Oregon. Attendees will emerge with a more contemporary understanding of:

  • Washington and Oregon's multiple biodiesel assets
  • The environmental and economic benefits of Pacific Northwest biodiesel
  • Common myths and misconceptions of biodiesel fuel
  • How BQ9000 fuel certification programs and ATSM fuel standards are markedly improving biodiesel quality

We hope to see you there!

Clean Cities Member Updates 

Check out what our members have been up to:

Turning a new Leaf! 
The City of Seattle has ordered 35 additional Nissan Leafs. Most of these vehicles will be used by Seattle's parking enforcement division. The remainder will be assigned to Seattle Department of Transportation staff.
 

More green vehicles, please

The City of Bellevue is instituting a green vehicle surcharge for all city fuel use. The per gallon-charge will be deposited into a special account used for acquiring green vehicles and fuel saving technologies.
 

No idle time

Pierce County is installing auxiliary battery and LED lighting packages on medium-duty vehicles to allow idle-free operation when working onsite. The system provides standby operation for up to four hours before depleting the auxiliary batteries.  


Serving the public with efficiency

The City of Everett has deployed Ford Fusion hybrids into their non-pursuit police fleet. The vehicles have dramatically increased fuel economy and are well received by their operators.

Sincerely,

  

Coordinator | Alternative Fuels & Technology 
Coordinator | Partnerships, Policy & Outreach 

 
March 2015
Logo - white with transparent background   
Join us on:
       
Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedIn
Upcoming Events 
 

March 24-26: Vehicle Maintenance & Management Conference, Shoreline, WA


April 21-22, 2015: Green Transportation Summit & Expo, Portland, OR; EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION UNTIL MARCH 15

April 30, 2015: Go Green Seattle Conference, Seattle, WA; EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION UNTIL MARCH 27
 

For more events, click here.

 

Western Washington Clean Cities Coalition
1904 Third Ave, Suite 105
Seattle, WA 98101