WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced March 8 that up to $5 million is available this year to help expand the use of alternative-fuel vehicles. The funding is intended to help streamline and quicken permitting processes and coordinate alternative-fuel vehicle and EV infrastructure deployment across state, regional, and local governments.  

According to the DOE, the funding will help cut red tape and streamline permitting processes for homeowners and businesses, provide training for mechanics and first responders, and support community planning to expand fueling infrastructure for alternative-fuel vehicles.

Selected projects will also help communities build a workforce with the skills to support these vehicles and infrastructure by training first responders and mechanics. In addition, they will provide resources, such as educational materials and tools, to help consumers understand the economic and environmental benefits of alternative fuel vehicles and choose the right vehicle for their needs.

Proposed projects should: address barriers to the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles, provide safety training, coordinate initiatives, and drive market development and transformation to make alternative-fuel vehicles and fueling infrastructure widely available. This funding opportunity does not provide for the purchase or installation of vehicles or infrastructure. The Department strongly encourages organizations to form teams that include one or more active designated Clean Cities coalitions, as well as other partners with relevant experience and expertise.

Clean Cities anticipates 10 to 20 projects this year, which will be completed within the next two years. For more information and application requirements for this funding opportunity, please see the announcement in the Clean Cities Financial Opportunities section, or visit the DOE's Funding Opportunity Exchange website under Reference Number DE-FOA-0000708.