Purpose 

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to set forth the agreements, respective responsibilities, and procedures necessary to carry out the objectives of the DOE Clean Cities program which accelerates the introduction and expands the use of alternative fuels and fuel blends and alternative fuel vehicles, accelerates the sales of hybrid vehicles, promotes informed consumer choice on fuel economy, and encourages the use of idle reduction technologies for heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles. 

Policy

Signatories under this MOU undertake their best efforts to achieve the specific goals and objectives set forth below.

Stakeholder Responsibilities

Signatories to this document agree to fulfill their voluntary commitments to the Clean Cities Program as delineated in the updated goals and objectives 

Capital District Clean Communities Mission Statement:

The Capital District Clean Communities coalition is a public/private partnership with the goal of reducing dependence on foreign petroleum resources, reducing vehicle emissions and enhancing the development of an AFV marketplace in the region.  This mission statement is on target with the National Clean Cities focus:

• Increase the number of Alternate Fueled Vehicles (AFV’s) in the marketplace
• Increase the use of fuel blends (diesel/biodiesel, ethanol/gasoline, and compressed natural gas (CNG)/hydrogen),
• Accelerate sales of hybrid vehicles,
• Promote informed consumer choice on fuel economy, and
• Encourage the use of idle reduction technologies, including vehicle retrofits, for heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles.

Toward this end, the CDCC has identified several goals that will be pursued in the next program period (5 years).

 Goal 1: Recruit Additional Stakeholders and Improve Public Awareness of the Alternative Fuel Market

 Objectives: The CDCC will

1.      Provide an open forum for stakeholders and other interested participants to present information on alternative fuel vehicles and funding opportunities

2.      Act as a clearinghouse of information on alternative fuels and distribute material to stakeholders through mailings, email and at stakeholder meetings

3.      Schedule and hold quarterly stakeholder meetings

4.      Actively identify new stakeholders through mailings and networking with existing stakeholders and through other forums, such as daily activities at the Metropolitan Planning Organization (which hosts the CDCC)

5.      Actively reach out to neighboring counties (outside the four counties of the Capital District) to identify stakeholders that may be interested in the program.  Brown Coach in Montgomery County and the City of Oneonta in Otsego County are two such entities that CDCC has been in contact with.

6.      Participate in area workshops and conferences that are associated with the Clean Air/Alternative Fuel theme.

7.      Maintain and improve the CDCC website (www.cdtcmpo.org/cdcc/cdcc.html), and ensure that the website, at a minimum, includes a link to the National Clean Cities website, a list of stakeholders, meeting notes and meeting notices.

 Goal 2: Increase the Number of Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Retrofit Vehicles in the Region

 Objectives: The CDCC will

1.      Continue to work with New York State agencies with fleets in the Capital District area to support their plan for the acquisition and utilization of clean-fueled vehicles.

2.      Continue to work with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in introducing them to the alternative fueled vehicle market options, particularly the Hybrid-Electric transit bus.

3.      Actively research and monitor funding opportunities that can be used to support and expand the inventory of alternative fuel vehicles in the area.

4.      Continue to work with the Albany County Airport Authority in advancing their alternate fuel vehicle plan.

5.      Work with the Metropolitan Planning Organization to put forth a diesel retrofit program to area municipalities using CMAQ funds.

6.      Provide an open forum for stakeholders and other interested participants to present information on alternative fuel vehicles and funding opportunities

7.      Act as a clearinghouse of information on alternative fuels and distribute material to stakeholders through mailings, email and at stakeholder meetings

 Goal 3: Increase the Number of Public Alternative Fuel Fueling Stations in the Region

 Objectives: The CDCC will

1.      Continue to work with NYS OGS and NYSDOT to help identify area fueling needs and help justify opening area stations to the public as demand for fuel increases

2.      Continue to work with the Albany County Airport Authority (ACAA) in creating a justification to open the ACAA CNG fueling station to the public as the need arises

3.      Provide support, as needed, to NYSERDA and State agencies in garnering interest in opening ethanol and bio-diesel fueling stations in the area.

4.      Actively research and monitor funding opportunities that can be used to support and expand the fueling infrastructure.

 Goal 4: Provide Information and Assistance on Grant Opportunities and Funding

 Objectives: The CDCC will

1.      Actively research and monitor available grant opportunities

2.      Provide information to stakeholders on available grant opportunities

3.      Coordinate the development of grant proposals on behalf of stakeholders

4.      Provide technical assistance to stakeholders in the development of proposals

5.      Ensure that stakeholders are aware of the CMAQ program and of funding opportunities through CMAQ

 Background

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to energy use in the American transportation sector that is more efficient, less dependent on foreign sources, less environmentally disruptive, sustainable, and safe. 

The Energy Policy Act of 1992, supplemented by the 1993 Executive Order 12844: Federal Use of Alternative Fuel Vehicles, and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, all establish guidelines for effecting a favorable energy and environmental situation in the transportation sector.  The DOE Clean Cities program is an umbrella to structure and achieve Energy Policy Act program goals and to coordinate objectives of governments and other Federal directives, such as the Clean Air Act.

Authority

This MOU is authorized under the following laws and regulations:  Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, which permits DOE to use the facilities of public agencies, requires DOE to consult with the heads of other agencies on the use of their facilities, and allows DOE to enter into cooperative projects with other public and private agencies; the Energy Policy Act of 1992, Section 505, Voluntary Supply Commitments, which requires DOE to obtain voluntary commitments to help achieve replacement fuel goals from fuel suppliers, fleet owners, and vehicle suppliers.  Under this MOU, these groups, united with other local stakeholders, signify their commitment to contribute to the goals of the program. 

Policy

Signatories under this MOU undertake their best efforts to achieve the specific goals and objectives set forth below

MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM GUIDELINES

This MOU commits the undersigned to work together toward achievement of Clean Cities goals and the goals and objectives below.

 Clean Cities Coordinator Responsibilities

•           Coordinate and document coalition activities

•           Maintain database of stakeholders, community fleets, AFVs, and infrastructure

•           Assist with overall implementation of the goals and development of new goals and objectives

•           Coordinate meetings and reporting activities

•           Participate as a member of the Steering Committee

•           Delegate and monitor activities/responsibilities to other key stakeholders

•           Act as a liaison between the Steering Committee, working groups and USDOE

•           Work directly with the DOE Regional Support Offices to report coalition activities, progress, concerns, issues, etc.

•           Provide assistance in public education activities

•           Maintain and update, in concert with the coalition, the Program Plan

•           Monitor and disseminate Federal/State/local legislative and incentive information to the coalition

•           Assist with recruitment of stakeholders

•           Represent Clean Cities and the coalition at other local functions and DOE events

 DOE Responsibilities

•           Provide a Federal advisor

•           Provide program implementation and MOU drafting guidelines

•           Guide placement of Federal AFVs responding to Clean Cities recommendations and resource matching plans

•           Direct the award of Federal funds and grants as available

•           Provide information, general assistance and material for public relations and promotional activities

•           Provide training for coordinators, fleet operators and other participants