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Beginning in 2006, the California Energy Commission has asked all Clean Cities Coalitions to let the public know that it is providing alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure (dispensing station) technical assistance.  This CEC program offers benefits to both potential and current AFV and infrastructure owners.  Please activate this link for further information:  CEC Technical Assistance.

BEYOND A BILLION EVENT:  In October 2005, the Los Angeles Clean Cities Coalition and other regional coalitions celebrated "Energy Awareness Month"  and the fact that a billion gallons of gasoline have been saved due to the use of alternative fuels in vehicles from 1994 to 2004, nation-wide.  This celebration was recognized by a Mayoral Proclamation delivered by Nancy Sutley, Deputy Mayor for Energy and the Environment, City of Los Angeles.  The Deputy Mayor also led a symbolic pumping of the billionth gallon of alternative fuel.   Please click on the Beyond a Billion logo to read a fact sheet on the celebration and to view select photos of the event.  Also, activate the other links below to view the LA This Week news story on the event or to read the Environmental Affairs newsletter article on the event.

Television News Story       Newsletter Article

(Use Quick Time Player for News Story)

LOS ANGELES CLEAN CITIES COALITION BACKGROUND:  In February 1996, the City of Los Angeles joined the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Clean Cities Program by forming the City of Los Angeles Clean Cities Coalition.  In 2002, the City was approved for its 5 year renewal, indicating Los Angeles' continuing commitment to improving air quality. The Coalition supports the voluntary deployment of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and construction of infrastructure to support AFVs and includes 18 Principal Stakeholders and 10 General Stakeholders, who may participate on a project per project basis.  The Principal Stakeholders consist of key City departments. The General Stakeholders consist of government agencies, utilities, and non-profit organizations committed to improving air quality in the Los Angeles area.  The goals of the City of Los Angeles Clean Cities Coalition are to:

• Work to increase the City’s overall AFV fleet inventory by 15%, as a target goal, each fiscal year

• Identify opportunities to maximize the deployment of AFVs in City fleets

• Encourage the adoption of policies that promote the use of AFVs

• Enhance the support for AFV use by facilitating the expansion and increased utilization of AFV refueling/recharging infrastructure in the City 

• Support local job creation and economic development opportunities related to the AFV industry through efforts to deploy AFVs in City fleets and enhance AFV use in the City

Between 1996 and 2001, the number of clean fuel vehicles in the City’s fleet increased from  279 to 807, an average increase of over 23% per year.  During this time, the City also supported the installation of alternative fuel infrastructure, including a fast-fill compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station in downtown Los Angeles, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling station at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and approximately 400 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the Los Angeles area.  In May 2000, the City Council adopted a Clean Fuels Policy (CF 00-0157) that encourages the use of alternative fuel applications in the City.  In addition, the City is required by the Fleet Rules, adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in 2000 and after to acquire alternative fuel vehicles in most City operations when adding or replacing vehicles in the fleet.  Thus, it appears that AFVs will have a continued and increasing role in the City’s fleet.  In 2004, the number of AFVs increased to 2071, an average of 37 percent per year from 2001 through 2004.  As of June 2005, there were over 2400 alternative fuel vehicles in the City's fleet.

Participation in the Clean Cities Program provides the City  with grant opportunities only available to Clean Cities Coalitions and also provides national recognition for the innovative alternative fuel projects spearheaded by the City.  Past DOE grants are listed at this link.  Regarding recognition, the DOE awarded  the City of Los Angeles as one of the Top Ten Clean Cities in 2000.  In addition, the Los Angeles Coalition has been presented with several Clean Cities awards, including the Rainmaker Award for securing the most funding from grants and other sources (1999) and the Gold Star Award for adding the most AFV fueling stations (1999, 2000).  In 2001 the Clean Cities Legal Eagle Award was received for Advancing AFV Legislation.  In 2004, an Excellence in Advancing Propane award was received. 

In 1994, the DOE created the Clean Cities Program to serve several objectives, both locally and nationally, including: 1) progress toward attainment of federal and state air quality standards; 2) enhanced penetration of clean fuel vehicles; 3) energy security and resource conservation; and 4) economic stimulation in areas that have been heavily impacted by the economic recession and cutbacks.  There are currently 88 Clean Cities Coalitions throughout the United States.  DOE requires Clean Cities Coalitions to report regularly on activities and achievements and appoint a Clean Cities Coordinator.  

For information about the Clean Cities Program, please contact the Air Quality Division at heloise.froelich@lacity.org. 

If you are interested in contacting the National Clean Cities Program directly please call their Clean Cities Hotline at (800) 224-8437or (703) 934-3068 or via e-mail at ccities@nrel.gov

Los Angeles Clean Cities Induction Ceremony, 1996

 

For more information on EAD's Air Quality Division, click on the AQD homepage here, or to return to the Environmental Affairs Department's homepage, click EAD homepage.