Department of Energy to Expand Partnership with National Parks
Program announces new pilot programs and are seeking ideas to reduce petroleum consumption
February 25, 2011
The U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities initiative today announced the expansion of the ongoing collaboration with the National Parks Service's Climate Friendly Parks program. The goal of this new partnership is to reduce air pollution and preserve the environment and the National Parks' natural resources. Clean Cities has been working with the National Park Service since 1999 to support the use of renewable and alternative fuels, electric drive vehicles, and other energy-saving practices to help preserve air quality and promote the use of domestic energy resources in the parks. The expansion includes additional support and pilot projects at three national parks. The focus of the partnership is to identify options that assist national parks in reducing gasoline and diesel consumption.
As part of the initiative, National Parks will work with local Clean Cities Coalitions to prepare project ideas focused on purchasing alternative fuel or advanced technology vehicles, installing alternative fueling infrastructure, and educating the public about the benefits of petroleum reduction. The Department will provide technical assistance in developing project proposals which then can be submitted to the National Parks Service for potential funding.
Pilot projects for this new initiative are underway in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Mammoth Cave National Park. With the help of the Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition, Yellowstone National Park is purchasing two hybrid electric buses that run on E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). Additionally, Grand Teton National Park is replacing several of its ranger vehicles with new hybrid vehicles. The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition is assisting Mammoth Cave National Park in the deployment of five propane school buses, five electric utility vehicles, and two propane-capable pick-up trucks.
Clean Cities is part of the Vehicle Technologies Program within DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Established in 1993, Clean Cities supports nearly 100 local coalitions that promote the use of alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles. More information on existing projects and proposing new projects can be found on the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative website. Visit the Clean Cities website for information on other exciting work that's helping to deploy these transportation technologies.
