July 2026

In This Issue

  • Alternative Fuel Highlight: Sustainable Aviation Fuel

  • Alt Fuel Resources

  • Funding Opportunities

Alt Fuel Highlight: Sustainable Aviation Fuel

While our coalition usually focuses on ground transportation when working to reduce emissions, it is also important to consider emissions from air transportation. Air transportation accounts for 2% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and 12% of all CO2 emissions from transportation worldwide. One solution to reducing these emissions is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an alternative fuel made from non-petroleum, bio based renewable feedstocks. These feedstocks can include food waste, municipal and agricultural waste, fats, greases and oils. SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel at different levels between 10% and 50%, depending on the feedstock and can be used in existing aircraft and infrastructure. It can also reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% when compared to conventional jet fuel.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is currently being adopted by airlines and airports throughout the USA and Europe. SAF is even being used here in Arizona by Sedona Airport and Scottsdale Airport. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 24.5 million gallons of SAF was used in 2023.

Research on different SAF feedstocks, production techniques and blends are still being conducted. In fact, researchers from the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) just released new research evaluating the potential of five emerging aviation fuels, including SAF. The report, An Overview of Potential Future Aviation Energy Carriers, was funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and explores the production potential of five fuels: SAF, liquid hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, liquefied ethane, and Jet X.

If you would like to learn more about SAF, research and case studies, check out the DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

Alt Fuel Resources

Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery and Recycling Fact Sheet

Argonne National Laboratory has prepared a revised EV Battery and Recycling fact sheet. It highlights new challenges and opportunities related to the use of lithium-ion batteries and provides valuable information for those making decisions about EVs and fleet deployment. Download the fact sheet at https://www.anl.gov/esia/reference/ev-batteries-and-recycling.

Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) School Transportation Resources

Visit PERC’s School Bus page to learn about propane for school buses. Read case stories, and download the School Transportation One Sheet with quick facts about propane school transportation. PERC has many more resources, articles, event and training updates on their website. https://propane.com/

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi): Alternative Fuel Training

AFVi provides quality technical training and consulting on alternative fuel vehicles and fueling for the transportation industry. They offer training for drivers, vehicle technicians, first responders, and more. Courses can be in person, live online, or on demand e-learning. Upcoming training includes CNG Fuel System Inspector Training in August. Learn more at https://afvi.com/training/

ChargeWest Ride Your Range- Scenic EV Roadtrips by State

The ChargeWest group has put together guides on scenic EV roadtrips for each of it’s participating states. Across the eight-state collective, the West’s legendary scenic byways are now easier than ever to explore. Each route is matched with EV charging, sorted by trip distance so you can pick your path, from quick scenic loops to all-day excursions. Plan your next EV road trip here: https://chargewestev.org/ride-your-range/

National Fire Protection Agency- EV Safety Guides, Training and Resources

The National Fire Protection Agency has a wealth of resources on EV safety including training courses, studies and downloadable safety and reference guides. Below are just some of the reference materials offered.

-Electric and hybrid vehicle quick reference guide- Fire service edition

-Article on Fire Safety for Electric Vehicles and Other Modern Vehicles in Parking Structures

-Online Training Course-Electric Vehicle Community Preparedness -- Public Edition

Access even more resources here: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/energy-transition/Responding-to-Electric-Vehicle-Fires

Electrification Coalition EV School Bus Resource Page and EC Tech Desk Monthly Resource

The Electrification Coalition (EC) has an updated Electric School Bus Resource Page that includes a step-by-step school bus electrification guide for school district fleet managers. The page also provides practical tips for community engagement, funding identification, and procurement. https://electrificationcoalition.org/schoolbus/

The EC Tech Desk is a monthly resource compiled by the EC’s technical services team that aims to curate transportation electrification’s most relevant news, tools, and resources in a brief, readable format. See the latest edition here: https://electrificationcoalition.org/ec-tech-desk-13/

Funding Opportunities

Funding Announcement for Grants for Buses and Low or No Emission Program

On July 27, 2026, FTA announced the availability of $610 million under the FY26 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs, which include the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program and the Low or No Emission Program.

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities, including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities. Funding is provided through formula allocations and competitive grants. Of the announced funding, approximately $21 million is authorized under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.

The Low or No Emission competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. Of the announced funding, approximately $589 million in funding is authorized under the Low or No Emission Program. Learn more about the program at https://www.transit.dot.gov/lowno

Applications are due by September 21, 2026.

Learn more

June 2026

In This Issue

  • Alternative Fuel Highlight: Propane

  • NAFA Green Fleet Awards Applications Open

  • ChargeWest EV Training Event Success

  • Upcoming Events

  • Additional Articles and Resources

Alt Fuel Highlight: Propane and Renewable Propane

Propane auto gas is a domestically available, high energy, low cost, cleaner burning alternative fuel that can be used to power many types of vehicles. It is the world's third most common transportation fuel, behind gasoline and diesel and is produced as a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Propane has a high octane rating, produces fewer emissions and has lower fuel, infrastructure and maintenance costs.

When used as a vehicle fuel, propane can offer life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions benefits over conventional fuels. Argonne National Laboratory's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model estimates that propane use can reduce GHG emissions by nearly 13%, and when derived as a byproduct of natural gas production, it can reduce petroleum use by 99%.

Renewable propane is also an option for fueling vehicles. This propane is made from non-petroleum feedstocks such as natural fats, vegetable oils, and various types of grease. It is chemically identical to conventional propane and can be used as a drop-in replacement fuel in all propane applications. This renewable propane can have a carbon intensity four times lower than that of conventional propane.

Propane is a just one of many alternative fuels that can be used in the transportation sector to help lower harmful emissions and improve air quality in our communities.

To learn more about propane check out the Propane Education and Research Council website and the Alternative Fuels Data Center.

NAFA’s Green Fleet Awards - Applications Open

NAFA Fleet Management Association's Green Fleet Awards recognize peak-performing fleet sustainability efforts and honors fleets who have enhanced practices to make a positive impact on the environment. This annual honor recognizes organizations that execute groundbreaking and inventive programs for their green initiatives.

The Green Fleet Awards is free to enter and is open to both government and commercial fleets in North America. Government fleets consist of all federal, state, and local government fleets, including fleets that are operated by local government personnel or contracted services. The Green Fleet Award is a comprehensive set of criteria specifically tailored around the challenges and requirements of fleet professionals.

Applications close Friday, July 17, 2026.

Apply

ChargeWest EV Training Event

ChargeWest™ led by Utah Clean Cities and Communities through the U.S. Department of Energy Transportation Technologies Office, just completed a very successful EV safety training event this month.

The ChargeWest National First Responder EV and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Training, was held June 3–5, 2026, at Dixie Technical College and the Fire and Public Safety Training Center in St. George, Utah. Over the course of three days, firefighters, emergency responders, state agencies, and National Park partners came together for hands-on training focused on electric vehicle incidents, lithium-ion battery safety, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and emerging transportation technologies.

The training brought together 80 participants from nine western states, including 65 trained first responders and 20 National Park Service fire chiefs and fire leaders representing seven national parks, including Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite and Grand Canyon, as well as more than 40 gateway and rural communities across the West.

As the amount of EV’s on the roads continues to grow, trainings such as this one are critical to helping emergency responders handle the unique safety challenges these vehicles present. VSCCC is proud to be a part of the ChargeWest project and its efforts to increase EV safety training opportunities in our region.

Watch a video recap of the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zaotn-GSmsQ&t=13s

Upcoming Events

The Transport Project 2026 Industry Summit

TTP26 – The Transport Project’s 2026 Industry Summit is the dedicated gaseous fuel in transportation alternative fuels conference and show focused on the North American market.
Attendees will learn how gaseous-fueled vehicles (GFVs) save money and reduce emissions for commercial light, medium, and heavy-duty fleets. Increasing renewable natural gas (RNG) and related gaseous fuel alternatives including hydrogen will be featured, and public policy, regulatory activity, and tax treatment impacting the transport field will be highlighted.  Learn more and register HERE.

Interesting Alt. Fuel Articles

May 2026

In This Issue

  • Reducing Emissions with Autonomous EV’s-Waymo

  • Cummins Forever Rising Tour

  • Upcoming Events

  • Funding Opportunities

  • Member Spotlight: Salt River Project (SRP)

Reducing Emissions with Autonomous Electric Vehicles - Waymo

Waymo is an autonomous ride hailing service available here in Phoenix as well other cities across the country. Our coalition first tried using Waymo’s ride service last year and we were so impressed that we now use it whenever we need to travel into the city for business. We admit we were a little nervous our first ride, but it ended up being a great experience. You simply pull up the app, request a ride and a completely driverless vehicle shows up to take you to your destination. We found the app easy to use, our car clean, and the drive itself to be safe and smooth. On top of all that, we could feel good knowing our Waymo ride was emission free.

Waymo’s autonomous fleet is fully electric so they produce zero tail pipe emissions. This means Waymo is not only a fun, futuristic experience but also a zero emission way to get around. For cities like Phoenix that struggle with poor air quality, services like Waymo can reduce the number of ICE vehicles on the road and help lower emissions. According to Waymo’s site, the service provides up to 500,000 fully autonomous EV trips per week across all of it’s service areas and those rides in turn prevent an estimated 530 tons of CO₂ emissions. (Waymo Sustainability Page) Individuals and businesses that use Waymo to travel are helping improve their local air quality.

Services like Waymo are one of the many ways to reduce emissions in our cities. Other ways include use of alternative fuels, public transportation, carpooling, walking, biking and more. As transportation technologies continue to advance, we look forward to seeing even more options that help improve our air quality.

See Waymo’s Phoenix Service Area Map

Interested in Waymo for Business Learn More

Cummins Forever Rising Tour Event in Phoenix

VSCCC was able to attend the Cummins Forever Rising Tour stop in Phoenix last month. The Forever Rising Tour made stops at eight cities across the country. Each stop brought the latest Cummins technology to attendees and featured immersive ride-and-drive experiences. The tour highlighted Cummins 2027 X15, X15N, and X10 engines. The tour stop here in Phoenix allowed us to learn more about the innovative Cummins X15N engine, talk to drivers of trucks using these engines, visit with vendors and and even take a test ride in a CNG fueled big rig.

At the event we were able to talk with several drivers of the CNG X15N engine powered trucks. We really appreciated them sharing their insight and honest opinions with us. Overall, they had lots of positive things to say about the vehicles including, how smooth, quiet and fume free the trucks were compared to diesel. After taking a ride in a truck ourselves, we also agreed it was very comfortable and appreciated the lack of diesel fumes. The drivers also mentioned that the CNG trucks were comparable to their diesel counterparts in performance and other aspects.

One of the negatives the drivers mentioned was having less CNG fueling station options than diesel. Drivers taking part in the Cummins cross country tour said there was a lack of reliable CNG fueling infrastructure across some parts of the country. They all agreed that there is a need for expanded natural gas fueling infrastructure before we see a major increase in long distance CNG trucking.

Natural gas as either CNG or RNG is an alternative fuel with many benefits. It reduces harmful emissions and fuel costs when compared to diesel and is one of the best alternative fuels for use in heavy duty vehicles. With technologies like the Cummins X15 engine, CNG can be a viable option for long distance heavy duty vehicles too.

Visit the DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center to learn more about CNG and RNG.

Learn more about the Cummins X15 engine at https://www.cummins.com/en-na/engines/products/x15n

Learn about some of the vendors at the event:

Hexagon Agility: https://hexagonagility.com/

Opal Fuels: https://opalfuels.com/

Upcoming Events

Arizona Technology Council annual E-Mobility and Clean Energy Summit

Thursday, June 18, 2026

12-4:15PM

SkySong ASU, Scottsdale Innovation Center

Arizona Technology Council’s E-Mobility and Clean Energy Summit will cover topics on AZ’s current and future clean energy and mobility technologies. Topics include clean energy policy, scaling clean mobility technologies, research, education, workforce development and more.

Learn more

Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference

August 25-27, 2026

Durham Convention Center, Durham NC

Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference brings together leading fleets and technology providers to showcase the latest and greatest transportation technologies, fuels and trends. The conference includes a strong focus on data driven decisions and tools. The expo and conference sessions are a source of on-the-ground experiences for increasing fleet efficiency and resiliency, while reducing emissions and costs.

Learn more

Funding Opportunities

FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for $18,954,885 in competitive grants for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Public Transportation on Indian Reservations (Tribal Transit) Competitive Program. The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, also referred to as Tribal Transit Program (TTP), provides funds for planning, public transportation capital projects, operating costs, and more. The goal of the program is to enable Tribes to buy transit vehicles, upgrade bus facilities, and to expand or improve transit service. Applications due by August 25, 2026.

Learn more

Salt River Project (SRP), is a not-for-profit organization that provides water and power services to more than 2 million people in central Arizona. SRP strives to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable utility services to its customers. In order to achieve this, the utility has set ambitious sustainability goals for itself. For example it has a goal of achieving a 30% carbon emission reduction within their fleet by 2035. Their fleet is working towards this goal by transitioning some vehicles to EV’s. Not only is SRP taking advantage of new technologies such as EV’s in it’s own fleets, it is also providing customers with resources to help them adopt these technologies as well. For example, customers with EV’s can qualify for a home EV charger rebate and take advantage of their Electric Vehicle Time of Use Price Plan.

April 2026

In This Issue

  • Technical Response Service and Clean Cities

  • Technical Assistance Programs

  • Webinars and Training Opportunities

  • Upcoming Events

  • Member Spotlight: Town of Queen Creek

Technical Response Service and Clean Cities and Communities

The Technical Response Service (TRS) is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Laboratory of the Rockies, and works closely with The Clean Cities and Communities Network. For over 20 years, the TRS has been providing Clean Cities and Communities coalitions, industry stakeholders, and the public with alternative fuels and transportation technologies information and resources.

How Can The Technical Response Service Help You?

The TRS is your one stop shop for answers to all your alternative fuel questions. Their team has experts in a wide range of topics including economics, vehicle availability, regulations, infrastructure development, mobility systems, case studies and more. They can also connect you with experts from the national laboratories to provide even more in-depth technical assistance or additional resources.

Some examples of questions that the Technical Response Service can help answer are:

  • What driver education resources are available for fleets looking to train their employees on Electric Vehicles?

  • What are the initial equipment costs and total costs of ownership for propane school buses and electric school buses?

  • What funding and incentives are available in my region for alt fuel vehicles and infrastructure projects?

  • Do you know of any case studies demonstrating renewable diesel use?

These are just a few examples of the questions and topics that TRS can assist with.

The TRS is an invaluable resource for Clean Cities Coalitions and anyone else looking into alternative fuels and technologies.

Email the Technical Response Service at technicalresponse@icf.com or call 800-254-6735 for assistance with your questions about alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and energy efficiency strategies.

Technical Assistance Programs

Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO), formerly known as the Bioenergy Technologies Office, and the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) are launching the 2026 Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance program for state, local, and Tribal governments. The scope of this year’s program has been expanded to include additional municipal solid waste materials such as electronics, industrial wastewater, and other byproducts.

U.S. waste streams present significant logistical and economic challenges for states, counties, municipalities, and Tribal governments. However, waste is also a resource that can be used as an unconventional additional source of energy, advanced materials, and critical minerals.

This program provides no-cost technical assistance to states, counties, municipalities, and Tribal governments with the most relevant data to guide decision-making—providing local solutions to the various aspects of waste management, taking into consideration current handling practices, costs, and infrastructure. It is designed to help officials evaluate the most sensible end uses for their waste, whether repurposing it for on-site heat and power, upgrading it into transportation fuels, or using it for material and mineral recovery.

Program technical assistance includes:

  • Waste resource information

  • Infrastructure considerations

  • Techno-economic comparison of energy, material, and mineral recovery options

  • Evaluation and sharing of case studies (to the extent possible) from similar communities/projects

The 2026 Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance application portal is now open and applications will be accepted through May 30, 2026. For information on applicant eligibility and how to apply, please visit NLR’s technical assistance webpage.

NLR’s “Energy to Communities” Expert Match Technical Assistance Program

National Lab of the Rockies Energy to Communities (E2C) Expert Match provides innovative, cross-cutting technical assistance to help communities build abundant, reliable, and affordable energy systems. This no-cost, short-term program connects eligible entities — including local governments, utilities, community-based organizations, schools, and nonprofits — with national laboratory experts to address near-term energy questions.

In partnership with Clean Cities and Communities Coalitions and national laboratory experts, E2C Expert Match has capacity to support 4–5 applicants with transportation and mobility-specific questions.

Here are a few examples of questions we can help with:

  • How should our community plan and site public EV charging infrastructure, and what funding sources are available?

  • What is the best approach for transitioning a municipal or transit fleet to electric vehicles, and how do we assess total cost of ownership?

  • What battery storage or microgrid solutions can help a transit agency manage EV charging demand?

  • What workforce development and job creation opportunities accompany a regional transportation electrification effort?

Apply by May 1, 2026.

Apply

Training OPPortunities

Please join the Renewable Fuels Association and TRANSCAER® for Ethanol Emergency Response and Train-the-Trainer webinars.

Ethanol Emergency Response Webinars

April 29, 2026, May 12, 2026 and August 20, 2026

11:00 AM-3:00 PM CDT

Three Emergency Response webinar dates available. Attendees will receive in-depth information on proper training techniques that emergency responders and hazmat personnel need to effectively respond to an ethanol-related emergency. Certificates of Completion will be awarded to all attendees at the end of the Webinar.This is a one day training. These sessions are FREE to attend and open to the public.

Register

Ethanol Emergency Response - Train the Trainer Webinars

April 16, 2026 and June 17, 2026

11:00 AM-1:00 PM CDT

The webinar is open to all individuals interested in learning how to teach ethanol emergency response, but will be tailored toward ethanol production facility employees, ethanol safety professionals, railroad safety professionals, emergency responders, firefighters, police officers, emergency management professionals, etc.

Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the training.

Register

ChargeWest EV First Responder Training

Three-day, hands-on training for first responders serving high-traffic corridors, gateway communities, and National Park regions across the Intermountain West. Instruction reflects current best practices and field experience from leading trainers and front-line fire departments.

This training event is hosted by the ChargeWest Project, which is a collaborative of 8 states working to bring EV infrastructure and resources to routes and communities across the Intermountain West.

Learn more and apply to attend at https://chargewestev.org/ev-safety-training/

Apply

Upcoming Events

The Future of Sustainability in Arizona Event

Join sustainability leaders, innovators, and community advocates for a dynamic event exploring how Arizona can build a more resilient and equitable future in the face of climate and environmental challenges. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the program will highlight forward-thinking strategies shaping the region’s path ahead.

From addressing extreme heat to advancing clean energy solutions, this event will explore how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen communities, protect natural resources, and support long-term economic vitality. With Arizona facing rising temperatures and increasing environmental pressures, the need for adaptive, community-centered solutions has never been more urgent.

Participants will also examine the critical role of water security and the importance of designing healthy, livable communities that prioritize well-being, access, and environmental balance.

This event invites policymakers, designers, researchers, and community members to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and help shape a more sustainable future for Arizona.

Register

Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Event

April 25, 2026 9am-1pm

Academic Learning Academy, 4827 N Country Club Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Join the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association for the Phoenix-area Drive Electric Earth Month EV Ride & Drive in celebration of Earth Day.

Hosted in partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, DRIVE Electric Native Nations, and Salt River Project, this event is your opportunity to explore the benefits of driving electric while supporting the SRPMIC community’s Earth Day celebration.

What to Expect

  • Test drives in a variety of electric vehicles (EVs)

  • Ride-along experiences with knowledgeable EV owners

  • Informational booths and EV education resources

  • Opportunities to ask real owners about charging, road trips, incentives, and ownership costs

Whether you’re EV-curious, actively shopping, or already driving electric, this event is designed to provide hands-on experience in a friendly, no-pressure environment.

Register

Queen Creek is a unique community known for its friendly, hometown atmosphere, and strong sense of agricultural heritage. This culture is woven throughout the community’s neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational opportunities. Bordered by several other bustling cities and San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Queen Creek is a growing city that offers amenities as well as natural desert beauty to all those who live work or visit there.

March 2026

In This Issue

  • Alt Fuel Highlight: Natural Gas (CNG and RNG)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Upcoming Webinars

  • Member Spotlight: City of Scottsdale

Alt Fuel Highlight: Natural Gas (CNG and RNG)

Natural Gas is one of the cleanest burning fuels available today for use in vehicles. For example, using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in heavy duty vehicles produces 27% less carbon dioxide emissions and emits 13-17% less greenhouse gases than diesel. (NGVAmerica) 

Two forms of natural gas are used in vehicles, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Both are domestically produced, relatively low priced, and commercially available. Natural gas traditionally comes from deposits underground, but it can also be made from renewable resources.

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is made by processing biogas that has been produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. This organic matter can be animal manure, landfill waste, solids from wastewater and food waste. RNG created from these sources is fully interchangeable with natural gas and can be used in place of CNG as a vehicle fuel and more. RNG is considered carbon-neutral, or even carbon negative, because its production process can capture more greenhouse gases than it emits.

Natural gas is an important alternative fuel that is domestically available, cost effective and low emission. Learn more about the benefits of natural gas by visiting the DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center. Also check out Southwest Gas’s RNG webpage to learn more about local Arizona RNG projects.

Upcoming Events

The 2026 Mobility & Tech Expo provides an opportunity for fleet owners, operators, and businesses across all sizes and sectors—whether they are beginning their electrification journey or already making progress towards electrified transportation — to learn more about local resources for fleet electrification, transition planning, and the latest electrification equipment supporting this shift. Hear from experts, build your network who can help you electrify, and learn how electrification can improve your bottom line!​

Register

Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Event

April 25, 2026 9am-1pm

Academic Learning Academy, 4827 N Country Club Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Join the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association for the Phoenix-area Drive Electric Earth Month EV Ride & Drive in celebration of Earth Day.

Hosted in partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, DRIVE Electric Native Nations, and Salt River Project, this event is your opportunity to explore the benefits of driving electric while supporting the SRPMIC community’s Earth Day celebration.

This event represents a unique opportunity to support an EV ride and drive hosted in partnership with a local Tribal community, currently the only such event participating in the national Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM) program anywhere in the United States. Your participation helps expand equitable access to EV education and hands-on experiences in communities that are often underrepresented in clean transportation initiatives.

What to Expect

  • Test drives in a variety of electric vehicles (EVs)

  • Ride-along experiences with knowledgeable EV owners

  • Informational booths and EV education resources

  • Opportunities to ask real owners about charging, road trips, incentives, and ownership costs

Whether you’re EV-curious, actively shopping, or already driving electric, this event is designed to provide hands-on experience in a friendly, no-pressure environment.

Learn More

Upcoming Webinars

Fleet Electrification and Total Cost of Ownership: Building the Case for EVs in a Post-Incentive Era

Thursday, April 23 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Join the Electrification Coalition’s first webinar in their Fleet Electrification Webinar Series, Fleet Electrification and Total Cost of Ownership. Federal incentives that once made fleet EV adoption an easy sell have largely disappeared, but EV fundamentals like fuel savings, reduced maintenance, resale value, and operational efficiency still present a solid business case without depending on federal dollars. This webinar equips fleet managers, procurement officers, and sustainability leads with a practical TCO framework to evaluate light, medium, and heavy-duty electrification decisions. Attendees will leave with a roadmap for electrification that stands on its own financial merits.

Register

The city of Scottsdale is ranked as one of the most desirable communities to live and work in and is also a popular tourist destination in Arizona. Scottsdale has also been a long time member of Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition and shares our goal of improving air quality through the use of alternative fuels. Over the years the city has worked to reduce emissions and continues to explore sustainable solutions for its fleet and operations. For example, the city uses Compressed Natural Gas in its solid waste trucks and bus trolleys and will soon be using Renewable Natural Gas in these vehicles for even greater carbon reduction.

VSCCC strives to provide alternative fuel information to all people within our region. In order to increase our outreach abilities we are working with local agencies to share our newsletter and clean fuel resources with an even greater audience. We are proud to partner with the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona's Air Quality Department, ASU's Sustainable Cities Network and Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

February 2026

In This Issue

  • Proposed Changes to Electric Vehicle Charger Buy America Requirements

  • ADEQ Heavy Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Program

  • EPA Seeks Public Comment on Clean School Bus Program Revamp

  • Upcoming Events and Webinars

Comment Period Open for Proposed Changes to Electric Vehicle Charger Buy America Requirements

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has published a Federal Register notice on the Proposed Modification of the Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers. FHWA is seeking comments on whether it should modify the waiver to increase the cost threshold of components manufactured in the United States for EV Chargers used in Federal-aid highway projects such as the NEVI program, from 55 percent to up to 100 percent of the cost of all components.

Under the proposed modification, all such EV chargers would have to undergo final assembly in the United States, and the domestic content requirement that the cost of all components of an EV Charger that are purchased or installed with funds made available or administered by FHWA would be raised from 55 percent to up to 100 percent of the cost of components of the EV Charger.

If finalized, this proposed modification of the February 21, 2023 waiver would be immediately applicable to projects for EV Charger acquisition or installation that are obligated after publication of a final notice. This proposal is designed to provide a strong incentive for manufacturers to shift more rapidly toward domestic manufacturing processes.

The comment period ends on March 16, 2026.

Submit Comments

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Rebate Program for Heavy Duty Zero Emissions Vehicles

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is launching a Pilot Program for Heavy Duty Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV), which offers a $50,000 rebate to 20 eligible organizations that purchase qualifying all-battery electric heavy duty vehicles beginning March 3, 2026.

The pilot program aims to improve air quality while helping organizations transition to cost-effective, zero emissions vehicles. ADEQ encourages organizations using heavy duty vehicles like large walk-in trucks, city delivery vehicles, or bucket trucks to apply. 

Applications will be accepted from March 3 through June 15, 2026, for vehicles purchased and delivered after March 3, 2026. 

The ZEV Pilot Program has very specific terms and conditions. Learn more on the ZEV program webpage. https://azdeq.gov/zevpilot

EPA Seeks Public Comments on Clean School Bus Program Revamp

The Environmental Protection Agency is re-evaluating the Clean School Bus Program to provide school districts with increased choices and affordable options for school buses. The EPA is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek feedback from fleet operators, manufacturers, school officials, and energy producers on a broad range of fuel options that school bus sectors could use. These fuel options include biofuels, compressed natural gas, liquified natural gas, and hydrogen. The EPA intends to use the information gathered from the RFI and lessons learned from previous funding rounds to revamp the CSB program for the 2026 grant funding round.

EPA will hold a 45-day public comment period on the RFI, which will include an informational webinar on March 3, 2026. To comment on the RFI or register for the informational webinar, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus.

Upcoming Events

Work Truck Week is the leading annual event where the commercial vehicle industry meets each March in Indianapolis. It brings together chassis OEMs, fleets, upfitters, equipment manufacturers, distributors, truck dealers, engineers, and product leaders to see innovations, exchange knowledge, and build partnerships. For more than 25 years, this event has evolved from a traditional trade show into a dynamic, industry-wide experience.

Learn more

The EV Charging Summit & Expo, will take place March 17–19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada with 200 speakers and over 5000 attendees. From commercial to government sectors, participants converge to explore real-world solutions, cost-saving technologies, and proven strategies for scalable EV charging.

Register

The 2026 Mobility & Tech Expo provides an opportunity for fleet owners, operators, and businesses across all sizes and sectors—whether they are beginning their electrification journey or already making progress towards electrified transportation — to learn more about local resources for fleet electrification, transition planning, and the latest electrification equipment supporting this shift. Hear from experts, build your network who can help you electrify, and learn how electrification can improve your bottom line!​

Register

More than 2,100 fleet professionals from across the industry rely on NAFA’s Institute & Expo (I&E) for networking, learning and exploring the latest products and services. I&E offers three days of unparalleled education, impactful conversations, and dynamic products and services from 230+ industry’s leading suppliers. I&E is the industry’s largest gathering of fleet professionals, providing the opportunity to share insights and perspectives on the many facets of the fleet professional’s day-to-day responsibilities and strategic leadership roles. I&E provides the opportunity for fleet professionals to gain tools, resources, and knowledge needed to maximize their fleet operations.

Registration savings are available through March 13.

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Upcoming Webinars

Learn how fleets are optimizing high-horsepower operations using RNG and the 15L natural gas engine to achieve strong performance, improved maintenance outcomes, and positive total cost of ownership. Speakers will share real-world lessons from operating natural gas vehicles across demanding routes and conditions.

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VSCCC is proud to have Arizona Public Service (APS) as a member of our coalition. APS provides electricity to 1.3 million customers across Arizona. The utility is committed to providing affordable and reliable energy to its customers while also doing their part to advance the use of clean energy. APS has set a goal of providing 100% clean carbon-free energy to its customers by the year 2050. The company is also helping its customers adopt clean energy by providing resources on EV’s as well as energy efficient upgrades and practices.

VSCCC strives to provide alternative fuel information to all people within our region. In order to increase our outreach abilities we are working with local agencies to share our newsletter and clean fuel resources with an even greater audience. We are proud to partner with the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona's Air Quality Department, ASU's Sustainable Cities Network and Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS!

City of Phoenix