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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
