National Parks Initiative
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) partners with the National Park Service (NPS) through the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative. The initiative supports transportation projects that educate park visitors on the benefits of shifting to affordable, domestic alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and fuel-saving technologies and strategies. Since 2010, VTO and Clean Cities and Communities coalitions have partnered with NPS on 35 projects to put alternative fuel and fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, reduce vehicle idling, and improve vehicle efficiency. These actions support and coincide with NPS's efforts to reduce vehicle congestion, air pollution, and resource degradation, and to preserve the long-term quality of the parks.
Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Lake at Grand Teton National Park. Courtesy of NPS
In 2011, Grand Teton National Park added five hybrid electric vehicles to its fleet. Subsequently in 2014, the park added one plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and installed three electric vehicle charging stations. The installation of the charging stations supports an initiative to grow a larger regional electric vehicle infrastructure network. This initiative introduced charging stations and electric vehicle use to the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and set the stage for government agencies, local business, residents, and visitors to begin using charging stations throughout the area. Working with Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, the park has launched an extensive education and outreach effort designed to eliminate unnecessary engine idling, reduce fuel consumption, and improve local air quality.
See how the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative supports parks transportation projects.