Wyoming DEQ Volkswagen Funding
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is now accepting 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 Volkswagen (VW) Mitigation Plan.
More detailed information about eligible mitigation actions can be found in DEQ’s mitigation plan, which is available at https://deq.wyoming.gov/outreach-public-information/volkswagen-settlement/.
DEQ will fund accepted grant proposals from $1,000,000 of funding provided through the Volkswagen Settlement Funds.
In 2019, DEQ awarded over $500,000 VW Settlement funds to Grand Teton National Park, Western Wyoming Beverages, the Jackson Hole Airport, and Sublette County School District #1. YTCC supported both Jackson Hole Airport and Grand Teton National Park on their applications.
This is an open and competitive process. Applicants must submit their proposals to DEQ no later than 5:00 p.m. January 31, 2024, to be considered. Project applicants will be scored on a numeric, 70-point scale. Points will be awarded based on how well applicants demonstrate that their project meets the criteria specified in the DEQ VW Mitigation Plan, as well as the level of detail included in the applicant’s responses to application questions. All project applicants will receive fair and equal consideration.
The following criteria will be used in selection and ranking of proposals
received:
- Greatest NOX emissions reductions.
- Cost benefit – Projects that achieve the highest emission reductions at the lowest cost.
- Potential for achieving measurable NOX emission reductions in nonattainment areas.
- NOX Emission reduction benefits to areas of greater population density.
- NOX Emission reduction benefits to sensitive populations, such as children and the elderly.
Projects Eligible for VW Settlement funds:
- Class 8 Local Freight Trucks (Eligible Large Trucks)
- Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, or Transit Bus (Eligible Buses)
- Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks (Medium Trucks)
- Airport Ground Support Equipment
Please reach out to alicia@ytcleancities.org if you would like to discuss a project.
Apply for the grant HERE.
YTCC hosted an informational webinar with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, you can find the recording HERE.
Renewable Diesel Availability at Public Gas Stations to 3 New States!
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities (YTCC) is excited to announce a significant expansion of its sustainable fuel efforts with Renewable Diesel now available at public gas stations in Belgrade, MT; Jackson, WY; and Nampa, ID. This collaborative effort, with Parkland USA and Farstad Oil underscores YTCC’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a practical way and promoting cleaner transportation solutions in the region.
Renewable Diesel is a premium alternative to traditional diesel fuel that is produced from renewable resources such as animal fats, vegetable oils, and other organic feedstocks. It is a lower-carbon emitting, high-performance fuel that can help reduce the environmental impact of transportation while maintaining the efficiency and increasing reliability demanded by consumers.
“We are thrilled to bring Renewable Diesel to Belgrade, Jackson, and Nampa,” said Jesse Therien, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, Project Manager. Jesse has been working persistently and attentively for over a year to educate fleet managers and station owners in the region about the benefits of Renewable Diesel.
“This endeavor not only supports YTCC’s mission but also aligns with the broader goal of the Biden administration to transition to a decarbonized transportation system”, said Alicia Cox, Executive Director of Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities.
Renewable Diesel offers several key benefits, including:
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Renewable Diesel produces up to 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Improved Air Quality: Using Renewable Diesel can help reduce air pollutants and particulate matter, leading to improved air quality in urban areas.
Compatibility with Existing Engines: Renewable Diesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modifications, making it a practical choice for fleets and individual drivers. It reduces DPF regens and DEF consumption.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Jesse and Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities to be the first to offer renewable diesel in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming,” Cole Mort, Sales Manager Northern Regional Operating Center (ROC).
YTCC is actively working with local gas station owners, fuel distributors, government agencies and businesses to facilitate the introduction of Renewable Diesel at public stations as well as deliveries to specific fleet fueling locations. Through educational outreach and logistical support, YTCC works to make this sustainable fuel option easily accessible to those in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
The success of this partnership will not only benefit the local communities by offering cleaner fuel options but also contribute to the nationwide effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. YTCC recognizes the critical importance of expanding access to domestic sustainable fuels like Renewable Diesel to meet environmental goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Celebrating 20 years of YTCC
Check out this beautiful video highlighting some of YTCC’s work over the past 20 years.
Want to make your building EV Ready? Calculate the costs here!
It is considerably less to install the conduit at time of construction or when re-surfacing a parking lot than retrofitting, but there are still costs involved with running the conduit. What might it cost you to construct an EV Ready parking space? Find out with this calculator.
Celebrating 20 Years
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!
The Good Traveler Partners with Local Environmental Nonprofit Organizations to Provide Air Travelers with Alternative to Certified Carbon Offsets
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
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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Federal Funding Update
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 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.
CNG Video Tour
YTCC created a compressed natural gas (CNG) video tour to show how CNG is used as an alternative fuel in many vehicles and will take you on a tour of the station in Jackson, WY at Lower Valley Energy and the station in Afton, WY called Star Valley CNG. At each station, we will discuss who can fuel, how to fuel, and also explain what fleets use the station and how the station was funded.
Thank you to Energy Conservation Works and Star Valley CNG for partnering on this video. We hope you enjoy our CNG video tour!
You can access the alternative fuel station locator to find CNG stations near you here.