Celebrating 20 years of YTCC
Check out this beautiful video highlighting some of YTCC’s work over the past 20 years.
Congressman Simpson Honored with Clean Transportation Hero Award from YTCC
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.
Visit to Billings, MT Renewable Natural Gas Facility
With a start-up date of December 2010 and at a cost of $10 million, this Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plant has been in operation for more than 12 years.
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.
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.
Electric Vehicle Experience Program Launches
Lower Valley Energy Launches ‘Electric Vehicle Experience’ Program with Local Partners
Lower Valley Energy launches ‘Electric Vehicle Experience Program’ with partners, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, Energy Conservation Works and Teton Conservation District allowing co-op members to borrow an electric vehicle for 1-3 days to determine if an electric vehicle fits their daily driving needs. Live Streamed ribbon cutting, Thursday, September 9th at 1:00pm.
Jackson, WY | September 2nd— Have you wanted to test drive an electric vehicle (EV) but haven’t had the opportunity? Now is your chance! Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities (YTCC) was awarded a grant from Teton Conservation District to offer the EV Experience program, allowing Lower Valley Energy co-op members to test-drive an electric vehicle for free, to learn about the technology and determine if an electric vehicle fits their daily driving needs. YTCC partnered with Lower Valley Energy to host and develop the program as well as Energy Conservation Works to support program development and marketing efforts. Currently dealerships in Jackson and surrounding areas seldom have electric vehicles on the lot available for test-drives, therefore this program was developed to provide access to those interested in testing an electric vehicle.
There are many questions a consumer rightfully has when considering purchasing an electric vehicle. Can I charge at home? How far can an electric vehicle go before I need to charge? Will there be charging stations located where I need them along my route? Is there anything tricky about driving an electric vehicle? How does it handle mountainous terrain? The EV Experience will help answer these frequent questions, through first-hand experience.
“YTCC has provided electric vehicle education and awareness programs since 2012 but the missing piece has always been the ability for folks to get behind the wheel and simply take an electric vehicle for a spin. These test drives help provide the answer to many of the questions a potential EV owner may have. We’re very excited to help provide this resource to our community,” states Alicia Cox, Executive Director of Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities.
“As the local electricity provider, we are excited to participate in this program to help educate our membership on the benefits of electric vehicles,” says Amy Walton, Conservation Manager at Lower Valley Energy.
This free program allows individuals 1-3 days to try the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt with a range of over 250 miles and free charging at numerous stations provided by the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Teton Village Association and local businesses. This iteration of the program will run for 3 years.
“We are very excited to work with our great partners to offer LVE members access to an EV to see how it fits the Jackson lifestyle,’ added Phil Cameron, Executive Director of Energy Conservation Works. ‘We know these vehicles cost less to operate, and with our clean electricity mix, drastically reduce emissions. We’re excited to give more community members a chance to get behind the wheel!”
We are in the midst of an electric vehicle boom with almost every major car manufacturer having made aggressive and financially significant electric vehicle production targets. There are currently 26 all-electric models and 44 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle models on the market. Starting this fall, light-duty pick-up trucks, a vehicle segment of particular interest to our mountainous area, could be available. The roll-out of the electrified version of the United States’ best selling vehicle, the F-150 Lightning, as well as trucks from GM and others, begin spring of 2022, with Rivian slated for truck deliveries this month.
In the United States, transportation is the largest greenhouse gas-emitting sector, with 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions attributed to transportation. Of that amount, 58% of all transportation emissions result from light-duty vehicles. Locally, 65% of our emissions are attributed to ground transportation. Driving an electric vehicle in Teton County reduces lifetime emissions by 96% with Lower Valley Energy’s clean electrical grid-mix and reduces tailpipe emissions to zero. And if you choose to purchase Green Power through Lower Valley Energy, your total emissions reduce to zero.
This program is an excellent example of community partnerships, including those who have worked to offer this specific program but also the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Teton Village Association and local businesses who have invested in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure in this community, allowing for a program such as this to be successful.
Project partners will host a virtual ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 9th at 1:00pm. The program will be live streamed from Lower Valley Energy’s Jackson office. Please join the livestream by visiting Energy Conservation Works’ facebook page.
If you are interested in signing up for the program visit Lower Valley’s website at lvenergy.com. If you are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle or other alternative fuels and would like supportive information and resources, please reach out to Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities staff.
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Lower Valley Energy is the rural electrical cooperative serving Teton County and Lincoln County, WY.
Energy Conservation Works is a joint powers board formed between the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Lower Valley Energy and offers leadership, engagement, and implementation specific to energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and emission reductions.
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.
Grand Teton National Park deploys CNG refuse truck
GTNP Receives a Compressed Natural Gas Refuse Truck
Join Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the new CNG refuse truck
Jackson, WY | June 28, 2021 — Join Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Works for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse truck that Grand Teton National Park has received through the state of Wyoming Volkswagen Settlement funds program.
- Event: The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on June 30th from 3-5 pm at Lower Valley Energy at the local CNG charging station. Ribbon cutting celebration from 3-3:30 pm; networking from 3:30pm-4:00pm and CNG workshop from 4:00pm-5:00pm. The workshop will provide information for individuals and businesses interested in purchasing and operating CNG vehicles.
“We would like to congratulate Grand Teton National Park on the introduction of a CNG refuse truck into their fleet, which will provide cost savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions for park operations. We would also like to thank the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for providing the funding for alternative fuel vehicles in Wyoming through the Wyoming Volkswagen Settlement funds program,” Alicia Cox, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Executive Director.
Grand Teton National Park’s purchase of a CNG refuse truck is the perfect example of selecting an alternative fuel based on a vehicle’s application, as the CNG station at Lower Valley Energy is directly along the refuse truck’s route to the landfill, it is seamless to refuel Grand Teton National Park’s new CNG refuse truck. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s program helps fund the replacement of class 4 and above diesel vehicles with newer alternative fuel or diesel vehicles.
“We’re excited that another fleet can benefit from the cost savings and emissions reductions from fueling with CNG at the Jackson Station”, said Phil Cameron, Executive Director of Energy Conservation Works.
CNG is available locally at Lower Valley Energy, 4000 S HWY 89 in Jackson. It is currently available for $1.80 per gasoline gallon equivalent, offering significant savings to vehicle owners. The Wyoming Business Council, Town of Jackson, and Teton County partnered with Lower Valley Energy to locate and construct the station there.
Clean Cities advances the nation’s environmental, economic, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum use in transportation. Clean Cities is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program.
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities works to displace the use of petroleum and increase energy security and sustainability through the promotion of alternative fuels and vehicles in the Greater Yellowstone region.
Learn more about Clean Cities at cleancities.energy.gov, and learn how to get involved with the Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities coalition at www.ytcleancities.org.
EV Ride and Drive with Johnny Ziem with the Town of Jackson
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.