Congressman Simpson Honored with Clean Transportation Hero Award from YTCC

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Idaho Falls, ID | April 17th, 2023 – Congressman Mike Simpson has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to clean transportation, economic and energy security by Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, a non-profit organization that promotes alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, energy efficient mobility systems and energy security in the region. Simpson was presented with the Clean Transportation Hero award at his office in Idaho Falls on Thursday, April 13th by YTCC staff, board members and stakeholders.

Simpson, who has represented Idaho in Congress for 25 years, has been a longstanding leader for clean energy and clean transportation. He has served on the House Appropriations Committee for well over a decade and has been instrumental in bringing clean energy funding to Idaho. For many years, he was the leading Republican on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the U.S. Department of Energy – he served as Chairman from 2014-2018 and Ranking Member from 2019-2022. Currently, he is serving as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Interior.

Simpson has played a major role in supporting funding for the Department of Energy resulting in support of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a longstanding stakeholder of YTCC. INL’s work includes their motor coach fleet clean transportation research and demonstration projects, which now include the use of renewable diesel in their motorcoaches and one MCI full electric motorcoach. INL’s projects have been of significant benefit to the Greater Yellowstone region in terms of reducing emissions, improving air quality, and providing examples of alternative fuels successfully deployed in this cold weather climate region. 

Additionally, he has helped to increase funding for two critical clean transportation programs that are important to Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities: the EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants, which replace and rehabilitate dirty diesel engines across the country, and the DOE Clean Cities Program, which enables the nation’s 75 Clean Cities Coalitions to help public and private sector fleets transition to clean fuels and vehicles, establish clean fueling infrastructure, and educate key local and state leaders and the public about the many benefits of clean fuels.

The City of Idaho Falls, another key YTCC stakeholder, is a leader in advancing alternative fuels and energy efficient mobility systems. Idaho Falls Power recently deployed an all-electric Ford Lightning F-150 in addition to their 4 other hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Last year the City of Idaho Falls also launched a micro transit system to serve the community, Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT). Under GIFT director, Kade Marquez’s leadership, GIFT operates 3 plug-in hybrid vans for its services. In addition to deployments, on March 16th, the City of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Power, GIFT and YTCC hosted a community electric vehicle charging station engagement lunch. 

Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Executive Director, Alicia Cox said, “Congressman Simpson has been a consistent advocate for energy secure clean transportation in our region and country, and we are pleased to recognize his outstanding contributions with this award. His leadership and support have been instrumental in advancing critical programs and projects that are making a real difference in reducing emissions, improving air quality, and providing energy security in this region and throughout the country. We are grateful for his partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to create a cleaner, more energy secure future for all.”

L-R: Tad Pearson, INL Transportation Services Manager and YTCC Board Member; Alicia Cox, YTCC Executive Director; Representative Mike Simpson; Basil Barna, YTCC Board Member; Bear Prairie, Idaho Falls Power General Manager; Kade Marquez, GIFT Transit Coordinator

Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities is the sole regional designee of the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program. YTCC works to advance alternative fuels, vehicles and infrastructure, and sustainable transportation options to increase energy security and sustainability in the Greater Yellowstone region. For more information about Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, visit their website at www.ytcleancities.org.

Celebrating 20 Years

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YTCC has been celebrating our 20th year anniversary and we continue to do so through this Spring. We compiled a timeline of our work for a poster at our in-person events and would love to share with you all here!

YTCC-20-year-history-5Download

The Good Traveler Partners with Local Environmental Nonprofit Organizations to Provide Air Travelers with Alternative to Certified Carbon Offsets

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Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Contact 

Alicia Cox, alicia@ytcleancities.org 

The Good Traveler Media Contact 

Theresa Corey, theresa@jetsetoffset.com  

Jackson, Wyoming – September 19, 2022 – The Good Traveler announced the launch of a new pilot program in partnership with environmental nonprofit organizations throughout the country. Individuals and businesses now have the option and opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their air travel through mileage-based charitable donations to hyper-local projects working to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Pilot partners include Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities (Jackson, WY), San Diego Foundation (San Diego, CA), Weed Warriors Nature Stewards Program (Seattle, WA), Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers (New York, NY), and HeartLands Conservancy (SW Illinois) with additional partners coming soon. 

The Good Traveler was founded in 2015 by San Diego International Airport (SAN) to help both airports and travelers reduce their carbon footprint. Today, the program has grown to include more than 20 airports, airlines, and fixed-base operators (FBOs) that operate at airports. The program works with these aviation partners to give travelers the ability to purchase certified carbon offsets. All offset funds support emissions-reducing projects in North America that are third-party verified to be of the highest quality. The Good Traveler is currently managed by Jet-Set Offset, a sustainable aviation company that provides the program with transparent, research-based carbon calculations. 

“The Good Traveler Program has grown significantly since the Jackson Hole Airport joined and we are excited to see the program expanding on a local level. We hope this encourages new organizations to sign-up and join us in offsetting emissions”, stated Bob McLaurin, Airport Board President.      

Public consciousness of the environmental impact of flying grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now that travel has resumed and is nearing pre-pandemic levels, The Good Traveler wants to give travelers climate positive offset options through the purchase of certified carbon offsets or by donating locally to impact home or destination communities. It only takes about one minute to sign up online. Travelers can start by visiting www.jacksonholeairport.com/community/carbon-offsetting. The Good Traveler website now features the option to create a profile and save traveler offsetting preference – certified carbon offsets as the site has always offered, or a tax-deductible donation to any one of the environmental nonprofit partners. 

“We are thrilled about this partnership with the Jackson Hole Airport. The Good Traveler’s new offering allows Jackson Hole Airport to support greenhouse gas reducing projects right in their own community. YTCC is looking forward to implementing transportation projects from which residents of Jackson will benefit.” Alicia Cox, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Executive Director.


Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities is honored to be now participating in The Good Traveler as a Nonprofit Partner. For more information visit our website at www.ytcleancities.org. Donations will support sustainable transportation opportunities for residents throughout the Town of Jackson.

Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities is the sole regional designee of the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program. YTCC works to advance alternative fuels, vehicles and infrastructure and sustainable transportation options to increase energy security and sustainability in the Greater Yellowstone region.

Charge West Launch Island Park, Idaho

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Emily Her

Email: emily.her@oer.idaho.gov

Phone: 208-332-1663

Subject: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming ChargeWest™ Event 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ChargeWest™ – West Electric Highway Powers-Up Regional Fast Charging for Eight Western States

Date – September 15th, 12-2 pm at 3753 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429

The ChargeWest™ – West Electric Highway interstate partnership will be celebrated in Idaho on September 15th, 3753 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429. ChargeWest™ is an eight state collaborative between AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, and WY and is the largest EV corridor collective in the nation. This highly collaborative western-centric project brings together the intermountain west states with their Governors, Energy Offices, Departments of Transportation, and regional Clean Cities programs. Together, the project combines the efforts of over 75 partners and is funded by the Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Program and supported by the National Association of State Energy Offices (NASEO).

ChargeWest is committed to improving electric corridors across the western United States; building infrastructure for rural gateway communities, state and national parks, monuments, recreation areas and scenic by-ways through public-private partnership. The ChargeWest™ website provides information on consumer education, laws and incentives with state and federal programming including US DOT’s Charge Forward and National Electric Vehicle Initiative (NEVI) Formula Program with the new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. 

The States of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming will celebrate their EV charging initiatives at 3753 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429, where a new charging station will be installed through the State of Idaho’s Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Program. The first half of the event will comprise of speakers and the second hour will provide the opportunity to view and test drive electric vehicles currently on the market including Tesla models and the Ford Lightning. Speakers for the event include:

  • ChargeWest lead, Tammie Bostick
  • Idaho Governor Brad Little
  • State of Montana Energy Office, Kyla Maki
  • State of Wyoming Business Council, Ron Gullberg
  • National Park Service, remarks delivered by Alicia Cox of Yellowstone Teton Clean Cities Coalition 
  • Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative, Clint Washburn

Governor Little, during his 2019 EV Day Proclamation, said that “zero-emission electric vehicles with clean energy produced in our state protects our health while creating new good-paying jobs, especially in rural communities.” The State of Idaho EVSE Program has allocated funding to install 12 fast charging stations along major travel and tourist corridors, including 3 locations under development in Eastern Idaho in Island Park, Driggs, and Ashton.

As a leading western states, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming continue to explore electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure deployments throughout supporting  the efforts of the Western Governors Association’s Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative, and through REV West .) 

“The intermountain west is becoming one of the most visited places in the United States” says Tammie Bostick, Executive Director Utah Clean Cities, ChargeWest™ project lead. “We want the modern traveler to experience the same highways and byways of our western heritage with today’s new electric fuel horsepower. Drivers can ChargeWest™ with range confidence.” Consumers will see over 100 new electric vehicle models coming to market in the next two years with ranges exceeding 600 miles, which will create confidence in traveling with electric vehicles.

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Charge West Launch Island Park, Idaho

Federal Funding Update

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The bi-partisan infrastructure bill provides a historic level of funding for infrastructure; including roads, bridges, and broadband. Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities (YTCC) is closely following the funding earmarked for electric vehicle charging stations, alternative fuels and infrastructure, transit, and school buses. YTCC’s goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to understand what funding is available and to help you apply for the funding that suits your fleet’s needs.

The chart below displays the federal funds currently available, the federal entity they are available through, and the amount available.


*Both the Low or No Emissions Vehicle Program and Bus Facilities Programs closed applications on May 31st, 2022.

National Electric Vehicle Program (NEVI)

The National Electric Vehicle Program (NEVI) consists of 5 billion dollars that will be provided to individual states to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. The program guidance was released on February 10th and state plans are due on August 1, 2022. Then September 30th, the Federal Highway Administration will approve state plans.

Some requirements for this funding are:

  • The charging stations have to be located along a designated alternative fuel corridor
  • A charging station needs to be located every 50 miles within 1 mile of an interstate
  • Each state needs at least four 150 kW DC (direct current) fast-charging stations with CCS (combined charging system) ports
  • The charging stations must be at or above 600 kW of power to support at least 150 kW per charging port simultaneously 
Learn more about the State of Wyoming’s NEVI Plan submission.
Learn more about the State of Montana’s NEVI Plan submission.
Learn more about the State of Idaho’s NEVI Plan submission.

Grants for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure

The new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program will provide $2.5 billion in discretionary funds over the next five years to deploy electric vehicle charging and hydrogen/propane/natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors and in communities. Grant program must be established by November 15, 2022

  • 1.25 billion dollars is for fueling along designated corridors
  • 1.25 billion dollars is for infrastructure for communities
    • This could fund EV charging, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane infrastructure 
  • There is availability to provide inputs on state plans for this funding through your state’s department of transportation

Learn more about the program HERE.

Carbon Reduction Program

The Carbon Reduction Program will fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources — from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors, to facilitating micro-mobility and biking.

  • Available funds must be obligated for projects that support the reduction of transportation emissions
  • This program requires each state to develop a carbon reduction strategy no later then 2 years after enactment of the program

Learn more about the program HERE.

Clean School Bus Program

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s new Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over the next five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. EPA is offering $500 million through the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates for zero-emission and low-emission school bus rebates as the first funding opportunity. EPA will continue to update this page with additional Clean School Bus Program funding  information and educational resources.

  • $500 million available in 2022 for zero emission school bus rebates
  • Who is eligible to apply:
    • State and local governmental entities that provide bus service
    • Eligible contractors 
    • Nonprofit school transportation associations
    • Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funded school
  • Applications are due August 19, 2022

Learn more about the program and apply HERE.

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program funds grants and rebates that protect human health and improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines. 

  • National, State, and Tribal grants are available for funding

Find more information about the program HERE.

Fiscal Year 2022 Vehicle Technologies Office Program Wide FOA

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) issued a notice of intent for a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for 2022. The activities to be funded under this FOA will support the deployment of clean energy technologies. This will include advancement of electric drive technologies, electrification of non-road vehicles, improvements in off-road vehicle charging, improved efficiency of engines using low-carbon fuels, and deployment of these technologies among diverse communities. 

Learn more about the program HERE.

State of Montana Slated to Receive Nearly $43 Million in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding

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DEQ and MDT to Host Webinar on April 4

 

HELENA—National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding is coming to Montana. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law late last year, includes $7.5 billion to support a national electric vehicle charging network. Of that total, $5 billion will go to states under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI). Montana will receive nearly $43 million through the formula program to fund direct-current fast charging (DCFC) infrastructure along interstate and U.S. highway corridors over the next five years.

The funding will be administered by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in collaboration with the Energy Office at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This partnership will work together to leverage MDT’s expertise in transportation funding and planning with DEQ’s experience in planning and deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure.

“The Montana Energy Office at DEQ has developed expertise in electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the 2017 settlement with Volkswagen,” said DEQ Director Chris Dorrington. “Efficient distribution of these new federal funds will support on-going private investment in this growing area of need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Montana.”

The federal funding can cover up to 80 percent of the costs associated with the electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the remainder will come from private investment—meaning state funds will not need to be used to match. DEQ’s Fast Charge Your Ride Program awarded funding in 2021 using the same cost share model to partner with private entities.

“This is a great opportunity for Montana to combine federal funding with private investment to create 21st century transportation infrastructure,” said MDT Director Mack Long. “Government works best when it works together with the private sector. This program will be a great opportunity to display effective public-private partnerships that serve the traveling public in Montana.”

The funding will initially be limited to highway corridors that have been designated as Alternative Fuel Corridors by the Federal Highway Administration. In Montana that includes Interstate 15, Interstate 90 and Interstate 94, along with U.S. Highway 2 and Highway 93 will be the focus.

Montana must develop and submit an “Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan” by Aug. 1. DEQ will lead the development of the plan in coordination with MDT. A virtual information session is planned for April 4 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone interested in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, sharing information or commenting on the development of the plan is encouraged to attend the webinar.

For more information, visit the following links:

WYDOT Announces Strategy for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding

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22 March 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WYDOT announces strategy for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming will soon receive National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula funds to use to facilitate electric vehicle infrastructure development, especially charging stations, around the state.

The funding is part of the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed by President Biden in November 2021. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is allocated $3.9 million this year and expects $5 million each year for the next four years for a total of $23.96 million for EV infrastructure over five years.

In preparation to execute NEVI funding and other program incentives, the state has developed a Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy and will circulate the strategy over the next month to allow the public and interested parties to provide comments and feedback.

“These stations will not only be powered by Wyoming energy, but will help facilitate tourism around the state,” said Director Luke Reiner. “We want drivers who choose EVs to have safe and reliable ways to charge their vehicles as they drive in our state. This has been an inter-agency effort to maximize available resources for our residents and visitors.”

Wyoming’s interstates have been designated as “Alternative Fuel Corridors” and under the NEVI program must have infrastructure installed first. Corridor infrastructure must adhere to guidelines set by the NEVI Program Joint Office for charger efficiency, location, and accessibility. Once the interstate corridors are complete, remaining funding can be spent along other key routes to popular destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Devil’s Tower National Monument.

No state funds will be used to build, maintain or operate EV charging infrastructure through the NEVI program. Instead, the company who bids on the corridor will pay the required match amount to the Federal funds.

In addition to the NEVI funding, the BIL outlined $2.5 billion in discretionary grants available to eligible applicants, including state and local governments, special purpose districts, tribes and other groups or entities. The state also has VW settlement funds that will be used to provide additional funding for EV infrastructure development in areas not along the alternative fuel corridors.

WYDOT and other state officials have scheduled public meetings around the state in early April to gather public input as well as feedback from potential bidders and other interested parties. Each meeting is expected to have a virtual component so viewers can attend any meeting and see the proposed plan and make comments.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Cheyenne
    • Date and time: April 4, 1-3 p.m.
    • Location: WYDOT Auditorium, 5300 Bishop Blvd.
  • Casper
    • Date and time: April 5, 9-11 a.m.
    • Location: WY Oil and Gas Commission Hearing Room, 2211 King Blvd.
  • Cody
    • Date and time: April 5, 5-7 p.m.
    • Location: Park County Public Library Grizzly Hall, 1500 Heart Mountain St.
  • Riverton
    • Date and time: April 6, 1-3 p.m.
    • Location: Riverton City Council Chambers, 816 N. Federal Blvd.
  • Jackson
    • Date and time: April 7, 9-11 a.m.
    • Location: Ordway Auditorium, Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Lane
  • Rock Springs
    • Date and time: April 7, 5-7 p.m.
    • Location: WYDOT District Office, 3200 Elk St.
  • Rawlins
    • Date and time: April 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Location: Rawlins Family Recreation Center, 1616 Harshman St.
  • Gillette
    • Date and time: April 11, 2-4 p.m.
    • Location: Campbell County Library, 2101 S 4-J Rd.
  • Sheridan
    • Date and time: April 12, 10 a.m. – noon
    • Location: Sheridan County Fulmer Library, 335 W Alger St.

Those interested in making a public comment can also email dot-publicaffairs@wyo.gov. For more information, visit our website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/planning_projects/zero-emission-vehicles/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-(nevi)-program.html

EV Ride and Drive with Johnny Ziem with the Town of Jackson

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Follow along as Johnny Ziem with the Town of Jackson shows off the Chevy Bolt he drives for work and explains the vehicle specs, what he likes best about the Bolt, and where you can charge in Jackson, WY.

Click HERE to watch the video on YTCC’s youtube channel.

Summer 2021 Intern Position Available

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Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for an intern from Summer 2021. The intern program is through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program (CCUWDP). This summer, CCUWDP is offering 40 workforce development program positions across the nation and applications are now available.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students looking to gain experience in the energy and transportation areas. Please pass this information along to anyone you know who may be interested in one of these positions. Applications can be found at https://www.cvent.com/d/zjqf1x with more information below. Applications are due May 17, 2021. If you have any questions, please email alicia@ytcleancities.org.

 

Specific Details:
– Positions are 30 or 40 hours/week (determined by the coalition) for 10 weeks
– Summer 2021 Internship Approximate Dates: June 14, 2021- August 27, 2021
– Stipends range from $3,600 – $6,000 depending on academic level and number of hours assigned by the coalition.
– Must be a current undergraduate (Junior or Senior only), graduate student, or up to one year past graduation

NEW GREEN MATTERS Release – Winter/Spring 2021

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The newest issue of Green Matters in Jackson Hole is live and online, CLICK HERE! Please enjoy the news from this season’s sustainability projects, programs, and people. Sample topics from this issue include the principles of sustainable destination management, details on the next chapter of the RRR Business Leaders (2.0), resource recovery through JH Public Art, an update from the JH Climate Action Collective, guidance on bear-proof trash cans, and lots of announcements from local green leaders and organizations.