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The United States consumes approximately 20 million barrels of petroleum per day, about three-fourths of which is used for transportation. Transportation also has a significant economic impact on American businesses and families, accounting for nearly one-sixth of the average household's expenses (second only to housing). Improving efficiency and reducing costs in this sector can make a notable impact on our economy. Increasing the use of alternative fuels, electric vehicles, and advanced vehicle technologies can also reduce the emissions that impact our air quality and public health

Stakeholders are partners in the mission to implement alternative fuels. Our stakeholders are a mix of government, private sector, community organizations, and citizens themselves. Together we collaborate to promote sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of life in urban, suburban and rural settings. Being a stakeholder gives you access to regular newsletters, resources and a network of other organizations and people!

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Clean Communities of Western New York (WNY) was founded in 1994 as a direct outgrowth of the broader Clean Cities and Communities initiative, which had its origins in key environmental legislation and government policies aimed at promoting alternative fuels and reducing vehicle emissions.

History and Origins:

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, U.S. federal laws such as the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 laid the groundwork for the creation of programs that would support the transition to cleaner, alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). These laws encouraged the use of alternative fuels and the reduction of emissions from vehicles, leading to the creation of the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) in 1991. The AFDC's mission was to collect and disseminate data related to alternative fuels and vehicles, helping to guide the public and industry toward more sustainable transportation options.

In 1992, the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 was passed, which required certain vehicle fleets, especially in government and public sectors, to acquire AFVs. This policy further spurred the federal government to establish Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) programs at the local level, designed to support fleets and communities in the transition to alternative fuels and cleaner vehicle technologies.

Impact and Continued Growth:

The success of Clean Communities of WNY mirrored the broader goals of Clean Cities and Communities nationwide. With support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), the WNY chapter was able to integrate technical resources, funding opportunities, and data-sharing to enhance the use of alternative fuel technologies in the region.

Through its efforts, Clean Communities of WNY has fostered a cleaner, more sustainable transportation infrastructure in Western New York, and remains an important player in supporting local environmental and energy goals.