Gazette
“Driving the way toward energy independence”
| | December 2025 - Volume 7, Issue 70 | | |
Electric Vehicles on display during the Castle Shannon First Responders Training Session in June.
(Photo credit: PRCC)
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Happy Holidays from all of us at Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC)!
It’s been quite a year for alternative fuels in Western Pennsylvania! Working together as a coalition, we’ve collectively achieved more than 15.5 million gasoline gallons equivalency and over 103,000 tons of reductions in greenhouse gases, exceeding our goals of 16% and 20% reductions respectively. That’s an amazing accomplishment in a year that saw administrative and policy changes, delays and some minor setbacks on the road to sustainable transport. Despite any challenges, PRCC continued to pursue its mission of educating Western Pennsylvanians about the benefits of clean fuels. We hosted 14 webinars, 7 committee meetings and at least 6 Ride N’Drive events. We also launched efforts to expand the reach and service of the organization deeper into the Central Region of PA. Our team grew and participated in trainings at the National level and our Board held its first Strategic Planning retreat. Finally, we celebrated our 30th Year as a Coalition at Odyssey Day with a record number of vehicles on display.
As we pause to look back on this year’s activities, our Board and Staff would like to extend our appreciation to all of our members, stakeholders, volunteers, and partners. Thank you for all your generous contributions to the Coalition and to the Region’s air quality. We’re super excited to kick-off a new year of programming together with you; and, we hope you will continue to support us.
May 2026 be prosperous for all and may you enjoy a happy and safe New Year!
| | PRCC kicked off 2025 with a webinar focused on electric construction equipment and two sessions with Stakeholders designed to gather feedback on our Strategic Plan. In February we attended Transportation Energy Partner's Energy Independence Summit and Capitol Hill Day (above) to advocate for clean fuels in Washington DC. Our intern also attended a national retreat at Argonne Laboratory with the Accelerate program. | | |
The month of March was marked by a Clean School Bus webinar and preparations for three listenings sessions in Centre County designed to gather feedback about electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure locations (above). We also resumed meetings of the Gaseous Fuels Committee and held our annual Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM) event for Earth Day in Murrysville with the Three Rivers Electric Vehicle Association.
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In May, Ride N'Drive season got underway with two events focused on EVs. The first was an EV Show N'Tell Event at the University of Pittsburgh (above) and the second was a Car Cruise with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)'s West Hills Center. We also continued our series of listening sessions in Centre County.
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PRCC also participated in events hosted by our Stakeholders throughout the year, including this Laugh N' Learn session focused on Natural Gas held in Braddock, PA (above) and the North Hills Council of Governments Equipment and Vendor Event. Late Spring also saw webinars with the Drive Electric PA Coalition, Ingevity and Charge@Work.
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In July we hosted Western Connecticut Clean Cities and Communities for the EV Coast-to-Coast workshop focused on cross-country travel by EV (above). Our Community Initiatives in Transportation Equity (CITE) series also hosted webinars and a Land Remediation workshop. In August we collaborated with CONNECT on offering a webinar focused on the AFIG opportunity.
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September was busy with the Electric Avenue at Pistons in the Park and a Press Conference with CCAC. Finally we honored Executive Director Rick Price (above) during our 30th Anniversary celebration at Odyssey Day and celebrated National Drive Electric Month with one of our largest alternative fuel vehicle displays to date. The year wound down with ongoing webinars and Committee meetings.
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FTA Announces $2B in Funding for Clean Transit Projects
The Federal Transit Administration announced approximately $2 billion in competitive funding to 165 projects in 45 states and the District of Columbia through the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities and Low or No Emission Programs. In a pivot from previous years, the majority of funding will go to CNG and hybrid buses. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), on behalf of three rural transit agencies, will receive funding to buy new CNG buses to replace older buses that have reached their useful life.
Read More
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CNG buses in the Commonwealth get a boost from FTA programs.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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Trump Says He Will Repeal Biden-era Fuel Efficiency Standards for Cars and Trucks
In early December, President Trump announced changes to federal fuel economy standards, arguing that they "imposed expensive restrictions." The changes roll back the latest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (Cafe) standards to 34 miles to the gallon. The move is being proposed to increase auto production and purchasing as well as jobs.
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The Trump Administration rolls back federal fuel economy standards.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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NLR Readies Nation's First Intermodal Freight System Model
Researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formerly known as NREL) are developing the first-ever modeling tool for national intermodal freight movement, infrastructure planning, and logistics planning. Known as INFORMES, the first comprehensive model of the intermodal freight system will allow for streamlined, cost-effective freight transportation on a national scale.
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The INFORMES model is set to improve intermodal freight transport across the nation.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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16 States Sue Trump Administration Again Over Billions in Withheld Electric Vehicle Charging Funds
A new lawsuit against the Trump Administration is seeking to recover over $2 billion in funding for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program and the Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator program. Sixteen states - all Democratic - are part of the move.
Read More
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Legal move seeks to recover funding for electric vehicle infrastructure.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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Clean Energy Grew 5x Faster Than Rest of Pennsylvania Economy, Added 3K Jobs in 2024
Clean energy jobs in Pennsylvania grew more than five times faster than the rest of the state's economy in 2024, raising the total number of clean energy workers in the state to over 104,000, according to the Clean Jobs Pennsylvania report, released by the national, nonpartisan business group E2, the Energy Efficiency Alliance and PA Solar Center.
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Clean Energy jobs rose in Pennsylvania throughout 2024.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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PRCC Events:
Stakeholder Session: Strategic Plan Update & Listening Session
Jan. 29 - 11 a.m.
via Zoom Webinar
Register
Transportation Energy Partners Energy Independence Summit
Feb 9-12, 2026
Washington DC
Learn More
Board of Directors Meetings:
January 7, 2026
March 4, 2026
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:
With heavy hearts, we are saddened to share the news that Jonathan Belak, president of the Three Rivers EVA, has passed away. Jonathan was a kind and generous contributor to numerous PRCC events in recent years; and our thoughts will remain with his family at this time. No club meeting will be held this month. We will provide an update on future club meetings when more information is available. Please join us in offering our deepest condolences.
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PRCC joins the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium and the Community College of Allegheny County – West Hills Center in offering training classes.This year, we are expanding our curriculum offerings focused on alternative fuels and we'd love to hear from you!
Workforce Development Efforts are now underway to begin offering the training curriculum for electric vehicle mechanics and maintenance service personnel. The first courses have now launched with small cohorts of students in Spring and Fall 2025. A number of partners are supporting this new program which integrates key learnings from OEMs based in Germany! Now plans are underway to integrate a charger maintenance program curriculum. Donated equipment is needed. Please reach out to us if you can help.
For questions about these or other upcoming classes, please contact Bob Koch at 412-788-7378 or
rkoch@ccac.edu.
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United Parcel Service Saves Money While Retaining Power and Performance with Renewable Natural Gas
A new Clean Cities & Communities case study features recent work with the United Parcel Service (UPS) and renewable natural gas. UPS has been an alternative fuel adopter for more than 20 years and has identified RNG as a good fit for its Class 8 trucking fleet. Their project with Virginia Clean Cities and the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation is reducing diesel fuel use by 474,000 gallons annually and saving $1 million per year.
Read More
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A United Parcel Service vehicle is filled with natural gas at a fueling station.
(Photo credit: United Parcel Service)
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EV Project Manager
Help drive the future of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure! Bruce & Merrilees Electric has a current job opening for a full time EV Project Manager.
View Job Posting
| | | | Technology Spotlight: Propane | |
The Energy Powering Paratransit Fleets that Keep Communities Connected
Paratransit fleet providers find a safe and reliable fuel solution in propane autogas. With cleaner emissions, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and a vehicle range that can handle a full day's schedule, propane is helping to power the community! This case study of the Cherokee Area Transit Service (CATS)'s adoption of propane highlights the fuel's strengths as a clean, affordable option backed by decades of experience and reliability.
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Paratransit providers are choosing propane autogas for its affordability and reliability.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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First Highway Segment in U.S. Wirelessly Charges Electric Heavy-Duty Truck While Driving
Engineers at Purdue University tested a patent-pending system that leverages the roadway itself as a wireless charger for charging heavy-duty electric trucks at highway speeds. The experimental highway segment is near West Lafayette, Indiana and was built in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Transportation and the ASPIRE Center, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. In testing, the unique high-power system delivered 190 kilowatts to a truck traveling at 65 miles per hour.
Read More
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ASPIRE Center researchers make a breakthrough with in-road wireless charging for HD trucks.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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Clean Fuels Conference
To be held on January 19-22, 2026 in Orlando, FL, the Clean Fuels Conference connects key players of the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry for one can't miss event! Clean fuels for land, sea and sky come together for a week of expert sessions, exhibits and showcases.
Learn More
| | To be held January 19-22, 2026 | |
MAATSE Save the Date
Save the date for the inaugural Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia! In July 2026, MAATSE will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies shaping mobility across the region.
Learn More
| | MAATSE Launches July 21-24, 2026 | | |
Safety advocates argue improvements to guardrails are needed for electric vehicles.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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LNG export capacity surges across the U.S. and Qatar.
(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com)
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PennDOT NEVI Plan - Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity
Focuses on deploying Charging Stations along roadways in Pennsylvania to support long-distance travel. These locations are also expected to serve the communities and regions near the charging station locations. An Informational Webinar was held on October 16, 2025.
Applications must be received by January 30, 2026, at 5:00PM EST
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.
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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 Rick Price, Executive Director, coordinator@pgh-cleancities.org.
| | Thanks to All Our Sustaining Members: | | |
Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC)
is a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition
in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership
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