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

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

Wyoming DEQ Volkswagen Funding

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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:

  1. Greatest NOX emissions reductions.
  2. Cost benefit – Projects that achieve the highest emission reductions at the lowest cost.
  3. Potential for achieving measurable NOX emission reductions in nonattainment areas.
  4. NOX Emission reduction benefits to areas of greater population density.
  5. NOX Emission reduction benefits to sensitive populations, such as children and the elderly.

Projects Eligible for VW Settlement funds:

  1. Class 8 Local Freight Trucks (Eligible Large Trucks)
  2. Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, or Transit Bus (Eligible Buses)
  3. Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks (Medium Trucks)
  4. 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.

Schedule an Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive

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Next month we will be celebrating National Drive Electric Week from September 22nd through October 1st. During this week the EV Experience team will be offering electric vehicle ‘ride and drives’…

Read more

Celebrating 20 years of YTCC

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Check out this beautiful video highlighting some of YTCC’s work over the past 20 years.

Read more

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

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

CNG Video Tour

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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.