DOE invested nearly USD 15 million and the additional amount of money is provided by program partners. “Clean Cities Atlanta received one of the largest grants issued by the Department of Energy for this program,” said Don Francis, Clean Cities Atlanta Coordinator.
The project will help to reduce the demand for petroleum-based fuels by deploying 200 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles for over the next two years. It is worth mentioning that CNG stations that will be implemented will be accessible to the public.
This program also will provide a template for the expanded use of locally produced renewable transportation fuel and advanced technology vehicles in a variety of applications. Atlanta International Airport is part of this plan. Aviation General Manager at Hartsfield-Jackson, Louis Miller, said: “Moving toward an all-CNG-fuelled Airport shuttle bus fleet is an important step in reducing the city’s overall carbon footprint. And it brings us closer to the overall goal of having 12 per cent of the city fleet operate on alternative fuels”.
Designated the first “Clean City” by the DOE, in 1993, Clean Cities Atlanta served as the central coordinating point for alternative fuel vehicle activities in the metro Atlanta area. Through this partnership with DOE’s Clean Cities Program, the coalition of federal, state and local agencies, utilities, public interest groups, and public and private fleets promote a cleaner air while also reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign petroleum.
