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FORT LAUDERDALE – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) applauds the state’s
Clean Cities, partners in a nationwide coalition under
the U.S. Department of Energy, as they celebrate today
the conservation of more than one billion gallons of
petroleum through the implementation of alternative
fuels, clean energy vehicles and conservation
strategies.
“As community leaders, it is the duty of local
organizations, businesses and government to pave the
path for environmental stewardship,” said DEP Southeast
District Director Kevin Neal. “It is our responsibility
to develop partnerships and look for opportunities to
make the future of fuel technology a reality for Florida
and the nation.”
Since its inception in 1993, the U.S. Department of
Energy's Clean Cities Program -- with 88 coalitions
nationwide -- has helped conserve enough petroleum to
fuel two million cars for a year. As a founding member
of the Gold Coast Clean Cities Coalition, DEP’s
Southeast District is doing its part, with nearly a
dozen alternative fuel vehicles currently and plans to
purchase six more by 2006.
“With more than 20 million vehicles on Florida’s
roads, the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles go
beyond saving money,” said Neal. “Motorists driving
hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are conserving
the state’s precious energy resources and protecting air
quality.”
The state of Florida is leading the way in clean
energy vehicles with the third largest number of
registered hybrids in the country. Under the direction
of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida’s state agencies have
committed to purchase alternative fuel and clean energy
vehicles. More than 22 percent of the Department of
Environmental Protection’s fleet is comprised of “green”
transportation with more than 90 hybrid vehicles and
more than 290 alternative fuel vehicles.
The goal of the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean
Cities Program is to advance the economic, environmental
and energy security of the United States by adopting
practices that reduce petroleum consumption in the
transportation sector. Clean Cities carries out this
mission through a network of volunteer coalitions, which
develop public/private partnerships to promote
alternative fuels and vehicles, fuel blends, fuel
economy and hybrid vehicles.
For more information visit
www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities .
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