ChargeWest™ Project Launches to Revolutionize Transportation in the Intermountain West

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Jackson, WY—December 2024—Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities announces the official launch of ChargeWest, the West Electric Highway project. This pioneering initiative will transform transportation across eight states in the Intermountain West by establishing a network of sustainable electric corridors. The project aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions along heavily traveled routes while enhancing access to scenic byways and national parks.

Alicia Cox, Executive Director of Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, says, “We live and regularly travel to and through some of the most beautiful scenic locations in the country and world, not only to simply enjoy the views, but to have an experience in nature. Fostering a way to travel with minimal impact through the use of electric vehicles not only helps the air quality and health of these beautiful places but cultivates the deep connection and sense of place within our pristine ecosystems many are in search of.”

The ChargeWest project has been awarded a substantial $1.5 million contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). This funding will be instrumental in advancing the goals set forth in the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization and the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision for a fully decarbonized transportation system.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Chair of the National Governors’ Association, says, ““The ChargeWest project reflects our commitment to clean energy and a sustainable future. By investing in electric corridors and resilient grid systems, we are reducing our carbon footprint and supporting gateway communities that serve millions of visitors annually. As more visitors drive electric vehicles, this initiative underscores our dedication to preserving the Intermountain West’s natural beauty, including our 19 renowned national parks, while leading the way in electric transportation.””

The objective of ChargeWest is to develop the ChargeWest Western Electric Highway Corridor Strategy and create a blueprint for regional collaboration. This framework is designed to connect all roads with modern, resilient, and renewable fuels such as electricity and clean hydrogen. It will drive advanced transportation, infrastructure solutions for rural communities and strategize deployments throughout the region, while also guiding the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, promoting advanced clean fuel adoption, and preparing high-traffic freight routes for clean hydrogen and electric charging.

Margaret Smith, Technology Manager at the DOE Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), emphasized, “For over 30 years, DOE has collaborated with Clean Cities and Communities coalitions at the state and local level to advance clean transportation solutions. We are proud to fund the ChargeWest project, led by Utah Clean Cities. ChargeWest exemplifies how federal funding can be effectively utilized at the state level, with local leadership spearheading innovative and scalable solutions. By encompassing the Intermountain region, ChargeWest establishes a replicable model that can guide transportation decarbonization efforts nationwide.

Through this collaborative effort, the participating states are setting a new standard for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future. The ChargeWest project is expected to help rural communities drive innovation, create economic opportunities, and build a trained workforce while contributing to a healthier environment. It will also bolster state and local resilience in the face of climate change by using innovation to prepare for a future with zero-emission fuels and resilient infrastructure.

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View the October ChargeWest Project Launch press release, including video links, here.

For additional information about the ChargeWest project and its impact on the Intermountain West region, please contact:

Alicia Cox, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities
alicia@ytcleancities.org

Tammie Bostick, ChargeWest and UCC
Tammie.bostick@utahcleancities.org

About ChargeWest:

ChargeWest is an EV corridor collaborative across eight states in the Intermountain West region. We are committed to improving electric corridors throughout rural gateway communities, state and national parks, and scenic byways. The states involved are Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Learn more at ChargeWestEV.org/

About Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities:

Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities is a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership, dedicated to advancing the nation’s environmental and energy goals by fostering partnerships with public and private stakeholders. Through collaborative efforts, Clean Cities partners work to deploy clean transportation solutions equitably and sustainably.

Learn more at ytcleancities.org

Where We’ve Been

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This fall we had a very busy season and I wanted an easy way for folks to view where we’ve been. Check out the visual below to see the trainings, workshops and conferences we attended and talks we have given. Stay tuned for where we are going!

Review of Ford F-150 Lightning

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This summer, I had the awesome opportunity to drive the Ford F-150 Lightning through a lease managed by Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, and it was such a fun adventure! At first, I had to get used to how quickly it started and stopped, but once I got the hang of it, I absolutely loved the speed and excitement. It turned my everyday errands into little thrill rides!

I took the truck to some beautiful spots like Jackson Lake and Ski Lake with friends, without producing any greenhouse gas emissions. The way it handled the dirt roads was impressive, making it easy to navigate through the bumps and turns. When I headed up the Gros Ventre for a camping trip, it felt smooth and handled the terrain easily. The vehicle has great storage, including a frunk, with plenty of space for out of town trip gear.

It was such a blast to explore nature with an electric truck that’s not only fun to drive but also eco-friendly. Plus, charging the Lightning was super convenient! In Jackson, WY, there are plenty of free public Level 2 charging stations around town. I mainly utilized the DC fast charging stations in the parking garage, where I could charge up in just 30 minutes to an hour. It made it easy to explore without worrying about range.

Overall, the F-150 Lightning really exceeded my expectations. It’s a fantastic option for anyone considering a truck. I can’t wait to share this experience with others who are curious about going electric—it’s a game changer for outdoor adventures in an electric vehicle!

-Bailey Collins, YTCC Project Manager

Electric Vehicle Showcase

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Please join us for an electric vehicle showcase on October 2nd from noon-2:00 pm and 5:30-7:30 pm. You’ll have the opportunity to view numerous electric vehicle vehicles and speak with their owners about their experience driving electric. If you are an EV owner we would love for you to join us! You can volunteer to join by signing up through our google form.

Sign-up to showcase your EV

U.S. Department of Energy Recognizes Local Leader for Advancing Clean Transportation

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With over a decade of experience as an executive director in the Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) partnership, Alicia Cox works tirelessly to ensure that the Wyoming/Montana/Idaho areas have clean transportation options tailored to their unique needs.  

On Thursday, September 12, Cox was honored for her leadership of Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities by being inducted into the CC&C Hall of Fame, which places her among a group of elite CC&C coalition directors who have been recognized for their resolute commitment and contributions to furthering alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in U.S. transportation.

Mark Smith, manager of the U.S. Department of Energy Technology Integration Program, made the announcement on the third day of the Clean Cities and Communities Annual Training Workshop, where coalition representatives from across the nation come together to learn about the latest transportation research, share experiences, and recognize each other’s successes. 

Cox is a great champion for the CC&C mission with a steadfast attitude and warm personality, supporting and promoting the use of all alternative fuels in the Wyoming/Montana/Idaho area. Over the years, she has developed many initiatives, including Drive Electric Greater Yellowstone (now Drive Electric Wyoming and Drive Electric Wyoming, the Electric Vehicle (EV) Experience, the EV Ambassador Program, and EV charging station rebate programs. Cox served as a major partner in DOE’s WestSmart EV, WestSmart EV@Scale, and CORWest projects, which all support EV infrastructure buildout in the Northwest. Additionally, this past year Cox has supported nearly $12 million in successfully funded stakeholder projects through various federal programs, most recently the Town of Jackson’s $5.5 million Department of Transportation Community and Fueling Infrastructure Grant (DOT CFI). 

Cox’s work also expands beyond EVs. She led the development of training and curriculum for local stakeholders in green fleets, a transportation-themed sustainability series focused on alternative fuels, vehicles, and other fuel-saving practices, including renewable diesel, natural gas, idle reduction, rideshare, and transit. 

YTCC’s longstanding efforts around the area’s ski resorts and national parks are especially lauded, given the coalition’s territory includes some of America’s best skiing and two of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are responsible for an increase in local road congestion during the summer months. Another of the coalition’s notable recent projects is the Wheel House Commuter Bike Hub, which reduced emissions and traffic congestion by providing e-bike charging and bike storage so local commuters can get off busy roads during high-tourism season. 

Under Cox’s 10-plus years of leadership, YTCC has displaced a total of 972,646 gasoline gallon equivalents and reduced 9,235 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The coalition fosters relationships with 80 stakeholders from some of the most sparsely-populated states in the country—Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. 

“Thank you all, I love the Clean Cities and Communities coalition network,” said Cox. “You all are my family, and this work is so fun and always changing!” 

Town of Jackson, WY and Partners Awarded $5.5 Million DOT Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant 

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the Biden-Harris Administration announced $521 million in grants to continue building out electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure across 29 states, eight Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia, including the deployment of more than 9,200 EV charging ports. 

This new EV infrastructure will increase access and reliability to communities across the country and provides EV charging to light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. The funds are a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals to support the growth of a convenient, affordable, reliable and Made-in-America national network of EV chargers so drivers can charge close to home, at work, and along significant corridors throughout the U.S. 

The Town of Jackson, along with regional partners, will receive $5.5 million to install publicly accessible EV chargers. The partnership will install Level 2 and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) charging stations, along with necessary electrical infrastructure, at strategic, public locations throughout the Jackson Hole region to serve residents, commuters, and visitors.

YTCC worked closely with the Town of Jackson and Teton County and played a key role in developing the successful grant proposal and coordinating the project partners. 

This project is years in the making. YTCC has worked with the Town of Jackson’s Ecosystem Stewardship Administrator, Tanya Anderson and Charlotte Frei, Regional Transportation Planning Administrator for Teton County over the last several years to strategize towards greater electric vehicle infrastructure in the region. This included a Teton County Electric Vehicle Charging Station Planning Workshop YTCC jointly hosted and faciliated with the Town and the County in September 2022.

We’re thrilled to have substantial federal support for the buildout of a robust regional charging network. The funding will greatly enhance our EV infrastructure, making it easier for people to adopt and rent electric vehicles and contribute to zero tailpipe emission travel through our pristine ecosystem. This project is a testament to the collaborative effort of our regional partners and displays Tanya Anderson, Ecosystem Stewardship Administrator, and Charlotte Frei’s, Regional Transportation Planning Administrator strong leadership”

Alicia Cox, YTCC Executive Director

WY DEQ Announces $1.4 Million VW Settlement Fund Grant Recipients

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The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality recently announced this year’s Volkswagen (VW) Settlement grant proposals for emissions reduction projects across the state. Proposed projects must involve methods to mitigate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles listed within the eligible mitigation actions established in DEQ’s VW Mitigation Plan. 

Join us in congratulating the 6 entities in Wyoming to receive VW Settlement funds. 

This year’s winners will receive nearly $1.4 Million in VW Settlement funds. 

  • Teton County
  • The Town of Diamondville
  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Jackson Hole Airport
  • Jackson Hole Flight Services
  • The Town of Lusk 

According to Keith Guille, DEQ Outreach Manager, the Department received over twelve proposals this year.

YTCC is particularly pleased about this annoucement as we supported each of these applicants in varying capacities, from providing GHG emission reduction calculations, connecting applicants with other stakeholders who have already deployed the technology they are interested in or providing available vehicle options. 

To learn more about the VW emission reduction grant program, click here.

YTCC is pleased to have supported every successful applicant during the application process and is excited to be a part of these sustainable efforts!

Program background information:

In September 2015, Volkswagen admitted that it installed emissions control defeat devices on approximately 500,000 VW/Porsche/Audi 2.0 liter diesel engines and an additional 90,000 3.0 liter diesel engines. These devices were allowed up to 40 times the legal limit of NOx emissions to be emitted from these vehicles.

In October 2016, a settlement was reached between multiple stakeholders in a lawsuit against Volkswagen. At this time, the First Partial Consent Decree for 2.0-liter vehicles was released. As part of that decree, a trustee was required to be appointed to oversee the mitigation process. The decree also required Wyoming to develop a mitigation plan in order to qualify for potential funding from this mitigation trust fund.

In 2018, the State of Wyoming submitted a mitigation plan to the settlement trustee summarizing the state’s plan to utilize the mitigation funds.

DEQ was selected as the lead agency on behalf of the state to oversee the mitigation plan and allocation of funds under the settlement.

The consent decree outlines specific details of how trust funds may be used. Money from the settlement may be used to pay some or all the cost to repower or replace eligible diesel-powered vehicles with new cleaner diesel, alternative fueled, or all-electric engines.

Currently, DEQ has obligated or spent over $7 Million from the settlement.

Two Timely Grants to Advance Your Fleet and Infrastructure Needs

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Currently there are two incredible opportunities to secure funding to advanced electrificiation within your fleet and build the alternative fuel infrastructure you’ve been needing to.

EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program

The Inflation Reduction Act invests $1 billion to replace existing non-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and to train and develop workers.

The EPA’s most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity, offers up to $932 million in funding for eligible clean heavy-duty vehicles.

This program is a one-time program, it will not be offered year after year the way some EPA programs are, so do not miss this opportunity.

The vehicles that qualify are Class 6 or 7 heavy-duty vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 19,501lbs to 33,000lbs. They have a minimum requirement of 3 vehicles per application. I think the minimum can be limiting for smaller, rural communities but there is an opportunity to join forces with another community to aggregate the number of vehicles. 

I’m attaching slides from a webinar I hosted last month and some more resources below:

The application deadline is 11:59PM (ET) on July 25, 2024. The EPA anticipates notifying selectees by November 2024 and awarding the grants by February 2025.

DOT Community Fueling and Infrastructure Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation FHWA has announced $800 million available to fund new CFI applications (Round 2). Applications due August 28th.

Up to $521 million will fund applications previously submitted but not selected under CFI Round 1. (Applications were due July 1st, two applicants resubmitted from our region, we’ll keep you all updated if awarded, fingers crossed.)

This funding opportunity consists of two program areas outlined below:

Community Program

Funds projects to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, and natural gas fueling infrastructure located on public roads or in other publicly accessible locations.

Corridor Program

Funds projects to strategically deploy charging and alternative fueling infrastructure located along designated alternative fuel corridors.

Take me to the DOT CFI Homepage

We regularly meet with our stakeholder to plan for alternative fuel and infrstructure, these current funding opportunities allow folks to ACT on those plans. Don’t miss out on these opportunities. Please reach out to alicia@ytcleancities.org if you want any support on this grant.

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