At the Federal level, several funding sources hold a great deal of promise to help jump-start the alternative fuels revolution in Ohio. Up to five billion dollars in federal funds will soon be available for cleaner vehicles, alternative refueling stations and smart electric charging systems, making this year an unprecedented opportunity to drive Ohio forward. Those prepared to take advantage of 2009 funding opportunities will be positioned for success.

Recognizing the competitive nature of these opportunities, Clean Fuels Ohio is pursuing a robust and aggressive strategy to secure long term funds for Ohio’s alternative transportation energy future. To accomplish this vision, Clean Fuels Ohio is forming an advanced transportation energy leadership coalition comprised of industry, environmental and local government contributors. This coalition will act to:

• Develop an alternative fuels vision and message;

• Analyze how the federal Recovery Act, state grant programs, federal budget appropriation opportunities and transportation bill reauthorization can be accessed for maximum advantage;

• Engage in regular direct advocacy sessions with Ohio’s Congressional Delegation both in Ohio and Washington;

• Leverage Ohio Congressional relationships to support grants for Ohio through Recovery Act grant funds, the federal budget bill, and transportation bill appropriations;

• Educate state policy makers and others through a high-profile conference in Columbus on June 3rd and 4th, 2009; and

• Advocate sessions with federal and state agencies to gain funding for coalition members.

In addition to the coalition’s work, Clean Fuels Ohio will work to bring stimulus dollars to Ohio. The recent passage of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act has exponentially increased funding for major alternative fuel and vehicle grant programs. The bill includes:

• $300 million for DOE Clean Cities Grants (for alternative fuel vehicles and hybrids, as well as CNG, propane, E85 and biodiesel refueling stations)

• $400 million for vehicle electrification projects (PHEVs, infrastructure, airports, and many others) $300 million for diesel cleanup grants (retrofits, replacements, repowers)

• $300 million for federal fleets to purchase “green” vehicles

• And undetermined amounts for alternative fuel and vehicle funding as part of energy efficiency block grants and allocations to state energy offices.

Over the coming months, Clean Fuels Ohio will work to ensure that Ohio is poised to take full advantage of these extraordinary opportunities. For more information on our work at both the federal and stage levels, please visit our new funding initiatives website, Driving Ohio Forward.