Gazette
“Driving the way toward energy independence”

April 2026 - Volume 8, Issue 74

Welcome!

Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Announces New Executive Director


Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Lisa Iadicicco as the organization’s next Executive Director. As a U.S. Department of Energy-designated Clean Cities and Communities coalition, PRCC supports Western Pennsylvania’s transition away from petroleum to cleaner, alternative fuels.


“We are thrilled to have a dynamic and experienced leader like

Lisa guide Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities through its next era,” said Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Board Chair William Sapon.

Lisa Iadicicco Joins PRCC

(Photo credit: PRCC)

“We are confident that her strong community focus and proven ability to grow mission-driven organizations will help advance clean transportation solutions in our region.”


Iadicicco brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, strategic planning, and partnership development. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Hope Grows, where she expanded and diversified funding streams and strengthened programming for family caregivers. Previously, she led the national nonprofit Women In Bio, growing its membership, national reach, and enhancing its financial sustainability. 


“I’m delighted to join Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities at such a pivotal time for clean transportation,” said Iadicicco. “I look forward to building on PRCC’s strong foundation as a convenor and provider of technical expertise on alternative fuels in Western Pennsylvania and continue to expand our services.”


Iadicicco also brings private-sector and consulting experience, including senior leadership roles with the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Iadicicco has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Purdue University and has completed the Women’s Entrepreneurship Certification from Chatham University, as well as the TLP Leadership Program.


Iadicicco assumed the Executive Director role in April from Richard Price who retired in January after leading the organization for 15 years. Under his leadership, PRCC strengthened regional partnerships and advanced clean transportation initiatives that positioned the organization for continued growth and impact.

Federal News:

Energy Department and Argonne Join GM, Stellantis and MathWorks to Launch EcoCAR Innovation Challenge


The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) selected 20 universities to participate in the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge and announced the two vehicle platforms chosen for the program. Managed by Argonne, the EcoCAR Innovation Challenge is the 15th installment of DOE’s Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) series, which challenges university students to design and build intelligent mobility solutions and innovative products using emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence for engineering tools, machine learning, and exascale computing.


Read More

The 15th ecoCAR Innovation Challenge

kicks off this month!

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)

State News:

Shapiro Administration Invests $1.47 Million to Help Local Communities Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Reduce Energy Costs, and Improve Air Quality


The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is investing more than $1.47 million through the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) program to help communities purchase alternative fuel vehicles, build infrastructure to support electric vehicles, save on fuel costs, and improve air quality across Pennsylvania. The projects will deploy 47 alternative fuel vehicles and install three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.


Read More

PA-DEP Announces 2025 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Awards.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)

PA Gov. Shapiro Joins Lawsuit Against EPA Over Repeal of 'Endangerment' Finding on Greenhouse Gases


Pennsylvania joins 38 plaintiffs in a lawsuit aimed at challenging the Trump Administration's repeal of the "Endangerment" Finding - a suite of regulations that offered guidance on greenhouse gas reductions. The repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency's Finding is being described as the "single largest deregulatory action in American history."


Read More

PA Governor joins lawsuit regarding greenhouse gas emissions regulations.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)

PennDOT Launches "EVs in Focus" Video Series


The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) released the “EVs in Focus” video series, which helps answer questions Pennsylvanians may have about EVs. Three videos are currently available covering the topics of Battery Fires, The Electric Grid, and Environmental Impacts. Two more videos on the topics of Cost to Charge and Winter Weather will be released soon.


Read More

PennDOT releases new video series

focused on EV Education.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com

Upcoming Events:

Events:


Practical Implementation of B100 Biodiesel Webinar

April 22, 2026

11:00 a.m.

Register


Ethanol Emergency Response Webinar

April 29, 2026 or May 12, 2026

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

via Webinar

Register



Board of Directors Meetings:

May 6, 2026

July 1, 2026

September 2, 2026

November 4, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.



Three Rivers EVA Club Meetings:


May 16, 2026


June 20, 2026


July 18, 2026


August 15, 2026


September 19, 2026


October 17, 2026


November 21, 2026


December 19, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


Find additional details on the club website at: https://www.threeriverseva.org/

Join CCAC's West Hills Center for a fun, family-friendly event celebrating 60 years of CCAC serving our community!


Whether you're a classic car enthusiast, a supporter of student success, or simply looking for a great community event, the Car Cruise promises something for everyone. Even better, all proceeds from the event will support CCAC student scholarships, helping more students access education and training that leads to rewarding careers.


Event highlights:

-1960s cars receive special commemorative dash plaque

-First 100 cars receive dash plaque

-Music and entertainment

-Raffles and prizes

-Food trucks and refreshments

-A great day of cars, community, and celebration


CCAC 60th Anniversary Car Cruise

May 16, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

CCAC West Hills Center, Oakdale

Register



For questions about this event or other upcoming classes, please contact Bob Koch at 412-788-7378 or

rkoch@ccac.edu.

Member News:

Thank You for Renewing!


We’re proud to recognize and thank Peoples Natural Gas for renewing their membership with Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities!


As a long-standing leader in the region’s energy landscape, Peoples continues to play an important role in advancing alternative fuel solutions, particularly in the development and adoption of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and fueling infrastructure. Through initiatives like hosting Alternative Fuel Vehicle Summits and supporting fleet transitions, Peoples is helping businesses reduce emissions, lower fuel costs, and diversify energy use across our region. 


We appreciate their continued partnership and commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.


Job Opportunities:

Outreach and Education Coordinator, Allegheny County:

Allegheny County is seeking an Outreach and Education Coordinator to focus on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) through collaboration and community partnerships. The incumbent will foster continued engagement with stakeholder groups and community partners as the county moves from planning into implementation, development, and implementation of CAP monitoring protocols, collaborative fundraising, and development of outreach materials. In addition to maintaining external partnerships and engagement, the Outreach and Education Coordinator will also be responsible for supporting internal engagement, including the county’s internal Green Team, through regular communication and the organization of educational and engagement opportunities.


Learn More and Apply

Feature Stories:

A fleet of EV delivery trucks charging.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)

The Business Case for EV Fleets is Getting Hard to Ignore


A new European study finds that corporate fleets can save up to 50% on total vehicle operating costs by switching to electric. Light commercial fleets can achieve the greatest savings.


Read More

Industry Headlines:

IONNA picks up the pace on charger installs.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)

Forecasters anticipate increases in the use of renewable diesel.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)



Tesla, Schmesla: Let's Talk About Workhorse Electric Trucks

CleanTechnica

3/18/26


Most EV Fast Chargers Are Built in Months. IONNA Just Built One in Five Days.

Inside EVs

3/23/26


World's First Solid-State Battery-Powered Electric Motorcycle Production Begins

Interesting Engineering

4/1/26


Used EV Sales in the U.S. Rise in Q1 on Falling Prices, Rising Fuel Costs

EV

4/6/26


ACEEE Study Examines Best Ways to Decarbonize Heavy-Duty Freight Sector

Daily Energy Insider

4/1/26


USDA Delivers Final Rule on Regenerative Agricultural Biofuel Feedstocks to OMB

Ethanol Producer Magazine

4/6/26


Fuel Retailers: "Price that consumers pay at the pump should serve as regulatory North Star of Biofuel Policy"

PR Newswire

4/7/26


EIA Increased 2027 Renewable Diesel, Biodiesel Production Forecasts

Biodiesel Magazine

4/7/26


Industry Conferences:

ACT Expo

May 4-7, 2026

Las Vegas, NV


The largest fleet technology show! Supporting the commercial transportation industry, find every solution, every expert, and every connection you need.


Learn More


MAATSE

July 21-23, 2026

Harrisonburg, VA


Three dynamic days of innovation, collaboration, and insight into the future of transportation in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Join for insights, networking and technology showcases.


Learn More


Funding Opportunities:



Amazon Sustainability Pilot Program

Lower-Carbon Fuels for Hard-to-Decarbonize Transportation Applications


Offers climate tech innovators a unique opportunity to validate and pilot their innovative solutions to help advance environmental sustainability across Amazon's buildings and transportation operations in North America.


Deadline to Apply - May 7, 2026



Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program


500 rebates available to Pennsylvania based consumers for new or used electric and alternative fueled vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles. Rebates good for between $500 and $3000 depending on vehicle type and income eligibility.


Offer runs July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 or until funds are exhausted.



Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP)

Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program


Approximately $5 million in funding available to school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania that want to transition to cleaner fuel transportation.

Available in two funding rounds.


Deadline for Round 2 - October 7, 2026 at Noon



PRCC Membership:

Now is the Time to Become a Member or Renew Your Membership!


If you'd like to work together with other clean fuel leaders in the Western PA region to accelerate the transition away from petroleum-based fuels, then PRCC Membership may be a fit for you! We offer a variety of membership packages to fit every need and budget level.


Reach out to us for more information at any time:

Email Kristen Sabol, Interim Executive Director, coordinator@pgh-cleancities.org.

Thanks to All Our Sustaining Members:
Platinum Level Members:
Gold Level Members:
Silver Level Members:

Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC)

is a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition

in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership

Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  Youtube