Clean Cities investment could be legacy

By Parris Glendening
Senior Advisor

Nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will pay for 25 cost-share projects to speed the transformation of the nation’s vehicle fleet and displace approximately 38 million gallons of petroleum per year.

The projects, according to a press release, are part of the Clean Cities program and will put more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road, and establish 542 refueling locations across the country.

“The Clean Cities program is helping give state and local governments the tools they need to build a greener transportation system that will create new jobs and help to put America on the path to a clean energy future,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said. “Advancing the number of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles on the road will increase our energy security, decrease our dependence on oil, and reduce pollution across the country.”

As most European countries and other parts of the world are already engaged in this type of support program, these projects are a major first step for America to play catch-up with regard to alternative energy and green infrastructure. It’s also a unique opportunity to see long-term impact at the state and local level from ARRA money, most of which will provide crucial short-term economic recovery. This program has the potential for generating the same sort of presidential legacy as Glacier National Park provided Teddy Roosevelt. But it’s the tip of the iceberg. In order for America to compete worldwide, the program needs dramatic expansion.

Under the ARRA, the Clean Cities program will fund a range of energy efficient and advanced vehicle technologies, such as hybrids, electric vehicles, plug-in electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles, according to the press release about the recent projects. The funding will also support refueling infrastructure for various alternative fuel vehicles, including biofuels and natural gas.

Clean Cities is a government-industry partnership that works to reduce America’s petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. The program has established local coalitions across the country that promote the growth of alternative fuels and showcase the potential of advanced and energy efficient vehicles.

Former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening serves as a Senior Advisor for NSI, where he works with the NSI team to develop winning legislative and marketing strategies for NSI’s clients. He spent eight years as Governor of the State of Maryland, (1995-2003) where he made the environment, especially, smart growth-- education and inclusiveness the heart of his legislative, administrative and personal agenda. Mr. Glendening also serves as President of Smart Growth Leadership Institute, part of Smart Growth America, a nation-wide coalition of nearly 100 organizations promoting a better and more healthy way to grow; one that protects open space and farmland, revitalizes neighborhoods, keeps housing affordable, and makes communities more livable.