Clean Cities Program Saves 375 Million Gallons of Gas in 2006

 

According to a recent report from the the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Laboratory (NREL), Clean Cities coalitions around the nation displaced an equivalent of 375 million gallons of gasoline in 2006.  According to NREL, this number was 50 percent more than the 250 million gallons of gasoline displaced in 2005.  During 2006 and 2007 the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition has been taking steps to displace large amounts of petroleum in the AACOG region.  Several highlights from 2006 and 2007 include HEB opening an E85 pump on IH-35, which dispenses at least 1,000 gallons of Ethanol a week to San Antonio area residents.  In addition the CPS Energy continues to expand the use of E85 in the majority of their fleet vehicles.

 

The City of San Antonio has also taken very proactive steps to meet the Clean Cities goals in 2006 and 2007. The City of San Antonio has purchased around 50 hybrid electric vehicles during this period and has recently passed two City Ordinances aimed to displace petroleum use.  On May 17^th the City Council passed an Ordinance to amend the City Code establishing the Hybrid Taxicab Replacement Program.  As of November 2007 there are 26 hybrid taxicabs on the San Antonio streets representing 7 different taxicab companies.  In addition on May 31^st the City Council passed two Ordinances for the purchase of 15 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered refuse haulers and 1 CNG refueling site located at the northeast service center.

 

These efforts demonstrate great leadership by private and public organizations to further the Clean Cities and national goals of reducing dependence on petroleum fuels. For more information on how you personally, or your organization can become part of the Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition, please contact Andrew Hudgins at 210.362.5228 or ahudgins@aacog.com.