This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.

November 21, 2012

Energy Department Announces New Clean Cities Projects

The Energy Department on November 19 announced 20 new projects to help states and local governments cut red tape and develop the infrastructure, training, and regional planning to help meet the demand for alternative fuel cars and trucks that run on natural gas, electricity, and propane.

Through the Department's Clean Cities initiative, these projects address a range of community infrastructure and training needs, such as providing safety and technical training for fleet operators, mechanics, first responders, and code officials. These projects will also streamline permitting and procurement processes, as well as help public and private fleets integrate petroleum reduction strategies into their operations. For example, the City of Austin, Texas, has been selected for an award of $500,000 to streamline infrastructure procurement, conduct electric and natural gas vehicle safety training, and host workshops to help fleet users. In Kansas City, Missouri, the Metropolitan Energy Center will leverage a federal investment of approximately $815,000 to support vocational training programs for code officials and fleet managers, and will also establish a Green Fleet Technical Assistance and Certification program for the region. See the complete list of projects and the Energy Department press release.