In an effort to make alternative fuels more mainstream, the NBB is participating in a U.S. DOE grant to educate consumers on the merits of cleaner burning American fuels.

The Alternative Fuel Trade Alliance is in year one of a two-year, $1.6 million grant to raise public awareness and foster understanding of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. The alliance includes the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Biodiesel Foundation, the Propane Education & Research Council, the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation and ASG Renaissance.

The grant provides support for a targeted educational plan aimed at Clean Cities coordinators and related stakeholders. Clean Cities coordinators are at the forefront of communicating how alt fuels and vehicle technologies power economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Joe Jobe, NBB CEO, said, "This program unites the mainstream alternative fuel organizations in working collaboratively towards a common goal: educating America on all aspects of alternative fuels, and increasing their use. This will benefit our air quality, our energy independence and our economy."

The group is in the midst of hosting a series of educational workshops nationwide. The target audience includes fleets, petroleum marketers, auto dealers, policy makers and more. It has already hosted three events with two more planned, one July 22 in Casa Grande, Ariz., and the other Sept. 9 in Denver.

The program is also providing resources and hosting training specifically for Clean Cities coordinators. NBB and RFA hosted two in-depth media training sessions for coordinators in June, with NBB subcontractor Dewey Square Group leading the training.
The DOE Clean Cities Program network includes 87 active coalitions covering 80 percent of the U.S. population, with a mission to reduce petroleum consumption.