In This Issue
Clean Cities and Partner Updates
Technical Assistance and Learning Opportunities
Upcoming Events
Clean Cities and Partner Updates
Clean Cities and Communities Now Part of New Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation
There has been a recent organizational realignment of several DOE offices, including the one where Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) is housed. Clean Cities and Communities is now a part of the new Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. This reorganization does not affect the main goals of our coalition and the Clean Cities and Communities network. Our coalition continues to work toward our goal of improving air quality in our region through the use of alternative fuels and transportation. You can see the press release about the organizational realignment as well as a new organizational chart at https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-organizational-realignment-strengthen-efficiency-and-unleash.
National Renewable Energy Lab Renamed National Lab of the Rockies
The U.S. Department of Energy has renamed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) the National Laboratory of the Rockies. The mission of the lab is to be a leader in research, innovation, and strategic partnerships in order to deliver integrated solutions for an affordable and secure energy future.The renamed lab continues to perform important energy research and provide access to useful data, technical resources and other programs.
Technical Assistance and Learning Opportunities
NLR’s 2026 Executive Energy Leadership Academy
The Executive Energy Leadership Academy, hosted by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly known as NREL, provides energy industry professionals and community leaders with exclusive, in-depth information about the laboratory’s research and programs so they can better design energy technologies at their organizations. Participants travel to NLR's main campus in Golden, Colorado, for four multi-day sessions held June–September. There is no cost to participate in the program; however, participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. Applications due Jan. 9
Salt River Project’s Clean Current Webinar
“Power Up Your Business: Panel on EV Charging & Demand Response”
January 13, 2026 at 11:30 AM MST
As electric vehicles (EV) become more mainstream, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the charge. Join SRP for a 1-hour webinar featuring an expert panel discussion on EV charging strategies and utility programs designed to help save costs and future-proof infrastructure. Learn how to align EV charging with business goals, leverage demand response programs, and take advantage of rebates and incentives.
Panelists include leaders from Evolve EV Charging Solutions, Breathe EV, and SRP, moderated by Ian Cooper of ICF.
Webinar - Future of Autonomous Mobility in the U.S.
Jan 22, 2026 11:00 AM
Join EVNoire and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) for a timely discussion on the current state and future trajectory of autonomous vehicle deployment in the United States. This webinar will share key findings from EVNoire’s first-of-its-kind national AV attitudes and awareness study, examine emerging trends and community impacts, and highlight best practices for operators, OEMs, utilities, cities, and regulators. Participants will engage in a practical dialogue focused on building public trust, safety, accessibility, and cross-sector collaboration as AV adoption continues to scale nationwide.
Upcoming Events
Register now for the annual National Propane Education and Training Conference that is being held on February 25-26, 2026 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Fort Lauderdale Florida. During this two-day event, propane professionals interested in industry-specific safety, education and resources will gather to hear the most up to date information to help keep safety a priority across the country.
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.
