# Clean Cities Act: Plain Language Summary

The Clean Cities Act creates a federal program to help communities switch away from gasoline and diesel vehicles to alternative fuels like electric power, hydrogen, natural gas, and biofuels. The Department of Energy would establish local and regional coalitions in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories to coordinate these efforts. These coalitions would receive federal funding to support projects that reduce oil consumption, improve air quality, and build the infrastructure needed to make alternative fuel vehicles practical for everyday use.

The program focuses on making alternative fuels accessible to everyone, with special attention to rural areas and communities that have historically faced pollution and environmental health problems. The coalitions would work on practical projects like installing charging stations for electric vehicles, setting up fueling stations for other alternative fuels, educating the public about these options, and training fleet managers (like those running delivery trucks or buses) to switch to cleaner vehicles. The bill also includes training for local officials and firefighters to ensure they understand the safety requirements for these new fuel types.

The federal government would provide at least 80 percent of the funding for these projects, meaning local communities would only need to contribute 20 percent. The bill authorizes $200 million per year for ten years to support this work. Of that money, 35 percent goes directly to keep the coalitions running, 50 percent funds specific projects (with at least 40 percent of that reserved for rural and disadvantaged communities), and 5 percent supports technical assistance organizations that help the coalitions succeed.

For most people, this bill means more options for cleaner transportation in your area and potentially lower fuel costs over time as alternative fuel infrastructure becomes more available. It particularly aims to help lower-income communities and rural areas that might otherwise be left behind in the transition to cleaner vehicles.

Clean Cities Act

McEachin, A. Donald

Clean Cities Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a Clean Cities Coalition Program. Under the program, DOE must make awards to clean city coalitions or nonprofit organizations for projects and activities that reduce petroleum consumption, improve air quality, promote energy and economic security, and encourage deployment of a diverse, domestic supply of alternative fuels in the transportation sector. DOE must also ensure that there are active coalitions working in all states, the District of Columbia, and the territories. In addition, DOE must provide technical assistance and training to the coalitions, provide opportunities for communication and sharing of best practices among the coalitions, and maintain and publish a centralized database of information about the activities and accomplishments of the coalitions.