U.S. DOT Launches Climate Strategies That Work Playbook

U.S. DOT launched the Climate Strategies that Work Playbook. The playbook outlines a menu of options for climate champions and local leaders to make data-backed choices that are right for their communities.

The Playbook is a new comprehensive resource developed to guide cities, regions, industry leaders, philanthropic strategists, and transportation professionals at every level in implementing the most effective strategies for reducing transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions.

The playbook provides actionable information for 27 transportation-related emission reduction strategies through well-vetted guides detailing benefits, implementation steps, and resources. Informed by the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the playbook emphasizes convenient, efficient, and clean transportation solutions, while also considering equity, safety, and economic growth, ultimately helping communities grow stronger, safer, smarter, and more sustainable.  

Strategies span infrastructure investments, technology applications, and policy strategies. These include active transportation, electric vehicles, and freight operational efficiencies for use by rural and urban communities. The playbook supports users in making evidence-based decisions for climate action planning, helping meet climate and economic development goals while providing mobility choices. 

ChargeWest- Expanding EV Infrastructure Across the Mountain West

Valley of the Sun Clean Cities is proud to be a part of the ChargeWest project!

ChargeWestTM is a collection of Intermountain West states which are committed to improving electric corridors across the western United States; building infrastructure on rural gateway communities, state and national parks, monuments, recreation areas, and scenic by-ways. The states involved are Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Learn more at the ChargeWest homepage

https://chargewestev.org/

Mesa Falcon Field Airport Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The City of Mesa joins with its Falcon Field Airport partners in celebrating the arrival of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a new, emissions-reducing fuel option.

Avflight Mesa, one of the airport's fixed based operators (FBO) that provides aviation fuel and ground handling support, partnered with its sister company, Avfuel Corporation, a leading independent supplier of aviation fuel and services, to establish consistent supply of SAF on the airfield.

The FBO received its first truckload delivery of SAF, specifically, Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM, on Aug. 28. Every truckload carries approximately 8,000 gallons of the sustainable fuel. This volume reduces carbon emissions by 19 tons compared to petroleum-based jet fuel from the time the SAF is created to the time its burned. That provides the same environmental benefit as taking 4.5 passenger vehicles (personal cars, vans, SUVs, trucks) off U.S. roads for a year.

The introduction of a consistent SAF supply elevates Avflight Mesa, and by extension, the airport, as a leader in eco-conscious aviation operations, enabling its customers to immediately and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Avflights Mesa location is the first of its 26 FBOs situated around North America and Europe to adopt SAF. (https://mesanow.org/news/public/article/3377?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery)

Notice of Intent- Tribal Funding Opportunity

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy issued two Notices of Intent (NOIs) to release a combined $30 million in Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) later this summer.

The first NOI will support Tribal clean energy planning and development, and the second NOI will support Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) planning to transition to clean energy.

Through these planned FOAs, the Office of Indian Energy will continue its effort to advance Tribal energy sovereignty and maximize the deployment of clean, reliable, affordable, and local energy solutions.

DOE anticipates issuing the following two Tribal energy funding opportunities in late summer 2024.

Tribal Clean Energy Planning and Development NOI (DE-FOA-0003400) 

This planned FOA will solicit applications for the planning, assessment, and development of clean energy projects on Tribal buildings or Tribal lands, to:  

1. Conduct Tribal clean energy planning

2. Comprehensively assess the feasibility and viability of deploying clean energy technology on Tribal lands, or

3. Conduct clean energy project design and development activities for deployment on Tribal buildings or Tribal lands.

Under the planned FOA, the Office of Indian Energy anticipates making approximately $25 million available with awards that range from $100,000 to $2,500,000. 

A 10% recipient cost share is anticipated to be required under the planned FOA. However, the Office of Indian Energy may provide an opportunity for eligible applicants to request a cost share reduction from 10% to 0% based on poverty rate and median household income of the Tribal community relative to the statewide median household income. 

Download the NOI (DE-FOA-0003400) for Tribal Clean Energy Planning and Development – 2025.

TCUs Planning for Clean Energy Transition NOI (DE-FOA-0003402)

This planned FOA intends to provide financial support to TCUs to plan the transition of their campuses to clean energy.

Under the planned FOA, the Office of Indian Energy anticipates making approximately $5 million available with awards that range from $100,000 to $250,000 for planning grants. 

No recipient cost share is anticipated under the planned FOA.

Download the NOI (DE-FOA-3402) for Tribal Colleges and Universities Planning for Clean Energy Transition – 2025. 

Breaking Down Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Costs Article

Check out this article by “School Bus Fleet” on the costs and benefits of different alternative fuel infrastructure. School Bus Fleet talked to experts on several alternative fuels and has a basic breakdown of what pupil transportation providers can expect to pay when making the switch. Use the link below to read this informative article.

https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/10214040/breaking-down-alternative-fuel-infrastructure-costs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240801_1708:66aa977c9a9cfd20d9067f4e:ot_NL-SBF-Newsline-Thursday-20240801&omid=1161648733&cid=653a328d240a1c3feb0862df