Gov. Doyle: Announces Partners for $15 Million Recovery Act Clean Energy Grant

Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Eva Robelia, Office of Energy Independence, 608-261-6592

33 Communities to Receive Awards for Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle announced today 33 Wisconsin public and private fleets will receive grant awards through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the purchase of alternative-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles.

The awards are from a $15 million Recovery Act award Wisconsin received from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program last August. The state is using the funding to partner with communities through the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program to reduce the state’s dependence on petroleum, create new jobs, and help communities and businesses improve their energy efficiency and save money.

“This major funding will build on Wisconsin’s clean energy leadership and help law enforcement agencies, cities, counties and private businesses across the state switch to clean energy vehicles and save money,” Governor Doyle said. “We’ve now assembled the largest team of fleet partners nationwide in our effort to speed the transformation of Wisconsin’s vehicle fleet.”

The program’s fleet partners are poised to put 340 alternative-fuel and advanced-technology vehicles on the road throughout the state. A variety of technologies will be employed by the various partners, including propane, CNG (compressed natural gas) and a myriad of electric-drive vehicles ranging from neighborhood-electric, hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and full electric. In addition, 11 alternative fuel refueling stations will be implemented around Wisconsin, including two propane, four CNG, two E-85, two solar-electric, and one biodiesel. Approximately 13 new plug-in charging stations will be a part of this program as well.

The State of Wisconsin, through its Office of Energy Independence, received the largest of 25 cost-share projects awarded nationwide through DOE’s Clean Cities Program.

The Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program aims to achieve significant reductions in fuel and emissions in the state by supporting the increased use of alternative-fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles – and the installation of the infrastructure necessary to directly support these new vehicles. DOE estimates that the initiative will help displace over 1.6 million gallons of petroleum per year.

Since taking office, Governor Doyle has advanced an aggressive agenda to position Wisconsin as a leader in a growing clean energy economy. Wisconsin has adopted renewable portfolio standards, invested in clean energy job creation, led the advancement of research in cellulosic ethanol and biomass, and made great strides to increase energy efficiency in homes, businesses and government buildings. As a result, Wisconsin has seen a rapid expansion in alternative energy production and real growth in clean energy jobs.