January Question of the Month

Question of the Month: How many gas gallon equivalents (GGEs) of petroleum were reduced through Clean Cities Coalition efforts across the nation in 2014?

Answer: Clean Cities Coalition and their stakeholders averted more than 6.8 million tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 658 million gasoline gallon equivalents (MGGEs) of petroleum in 2014 alone. Coupled with fuel saving from National Clean Cities Programs a total of 1,021.5 billion GGEs of petroleum were displaced in 2014. 

Each year, U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities coordinators characterize the membership, funding, projects, and activities of their respective coalitions. After evaluation and analysis, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) summarizes and publishes these findings. The latest summary of the data is now available in the Clean Cities 2014 Annual Metrics Report.

The Clean Cities 2014 Annual Metrics Report includes data submitted about sales of alternative fuels; deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles; idle reduction initiatives; fuel economy activities; and programs to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

Clean Cities' petroleum-use reduction in 2014 led to a substantial reduction in GHG emissions, the pollutants that contribute to climate change. Coalition efforts averted more than 6.8 million tons of GHG emissions in 2014. In addition, coalition efforts saved nearly 658 MGGEs petroleum in 2014 alone—19% higher than the reported petroleum savings total in 2013.

As of 2014, Clean Cities has saved more than 7.5 billion gallons of petroleum and more than 48 million tons of GHG emissions since its inception in 1993.

The increased use of alternative fuels and the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) accounted for the most substantial displacements of GHG emissions and petroleum. In 2014, the use of alternative fuels and AFVs, in addition to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in electric vehicles, helped avert more than 2.1 million tons of GHG emissions. These savings are equivalent to removing 464,992 cars from the road.

Alternative fuels (used in AFVs and in biodiesel blends) and HEVs also accounted for approximately 553 MGGEs in 2014, or 86% of the total petroleum savings. This was an increase of 19% over the amount of petroleum that was saved in 2013. In 2014, the average AFV saved 859 GGEs of petroleum and avoided 3.3 tons of GHG emissions—a 10% and 2% (respectively) increase from 2013.

For more information, read the full report or see the Clean Cities Goals and Accomplishments page

Kendall Septon, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
technicalresponse@icfi.com
800-254-6735

IRS Issues Guidance for 2015 Alt Fuel Credit Claims

IRS Notice 2016-05 issued on January 14, 2016 establishes the procedures for claiming the $0.50 credit for alternative fuel sold or used in calendar year 2015.  As expected, the notice requires that a single one-time claim for all alternative fuels (including CNG and LNG) should be made no later than  August 8, 2016.  Claims should be made using Form 8849(Claim for Refund of Excise Taxes) accompanied by Schedule 3 (Certain Fuel Mixtures and the Alternative Fuel Credit).

The notice indicates that taxpayers who filed protective or anticipatory claims in 2015 must refile their claims; the IRS will not consider the previous claims perfected by the extension of the tax credits.  Claims for 2015 may be submitted as early as January 15, 2016 but February 8, 2016 is the official start date for filing such claims and the date that will be used for determining whether the IRS owes interest on late payments to taxpayers.     

To file a claim, a person must be a registered alternative fueler.  If you previously submitted claims to the IRS then you are likely registered.  First time claimants who are not registered must file Form 637 (Application for Registration) prior to making claims for credits. Persons intending to file the claim should seek advice from tax counsel or an accountant to ensure that claims are properly submitted.

·         Notice 2016-05 is available:  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-16-05.pdf

·         IRS tax forms can be located here. 

If you have any questions regarding the tax credits the IRS point of contact:

Excise Tax Branch 

U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel 

Phone: (202) 317-6855 

http://www.irs.gov/ 

Happy New Year - Letter from UCCC Executive Director

Dear Members, Stakeholders and AFV supporters!

It is about time I said, “Thank You!”

Thank you for all you do! Over the past two decades the Utah Clean Cities Coalition has accomplished some pretty amazing things and none of it would not have been possible without your incredible support. In 2014 alone, the efforts of our dedicated stakeholders reduced over 13 million gasoline gallon equivalents in the state of Utah, and we are eagerly looking forward to our 2015 annual survey results.  You have made Utah a leader in the alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technology field. Whether you are a CNG crazy, an EV crazy, among the dedicated LNG heavy-duty gang, a provider of bio-fuels, or you make conscientious transportation choices like our Idle Free cities, you have made a tremendous difference! Our communities are cleaner and healthier because of your efforts.

It is that time of year when you take stock of the past and plan for the exciting challenges of the new year. UCCC and its partners have much to be proud of, whether its Utah’s #1 ranking CNG Infrastructure per capita, recognition by the DOE for the most improved LNG statewide infrastructure, national recognition of our public transportation system, or the new progressive programs for EVSE infrastructure developments spearheaded by members of UCCC’s EV taskforce. The list goes on. The number one common denominator?

Outstanding leadership. At the Federal level with our own Senator Orin Hatch sponsoring the Clean Air Act in 1991. At the state level with many state legislators helping to implement new incentives to build our economic base and clean the air with the use of alternative fuels, most currently Rep. Snow, Rep. Arent and Rep. Handy. At the local level with the mayors that support the Governor’s annual idle free declaration. Partnered with the many business leaders and community members committed to smarter and cleaner transportation, we have made Utah a leader in the nation for alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles– we are so proud! Thank you for your efforts!

I would be remiss not to thank our own leadership, the UCCC Board of Directors and Operating Committee, for their dedication to our mission, donation of their time and resources and their invaluable guidance. We are excited to welcome David Duey back as chair of the Operating Committee for 2016, and we would thank Steve Anderton for all of his hard work as chair in 2014 & 2015. We wish him well and look forward to working with him in his new position as Managing Director, of Transmission and Distribution Support Services at Rocky Mountain Power.

I am looking forward to the New Year.  Tammie Cooper has settled in as the Communications and Northern Coordinator, and together we are ready to take 2016 by storm. Our number one goal is to reconnect with stakeholders and learn how we can be of the most value to you. This year will be a time of reevaluation, rejuvenation and implementation.

Utah is a leader because of all of your efforts and we have been noticed! We will continue to move forward with cleaner alternative fuels and vehicle technologies, to increase our energy independence, to ensure the stability of our local economy, and to strive to never be ranked among dirtiest states in the nation for air quality again.

In closing, idle less and continue to be the best!

Sincerely,

Robin Erickson
Executive Director & Southern Coordinator
Utah Clean Cities Coalition