Georgia, Pennsylvania Coalition Leaders Unveiled as Newest Clean Cities Hall of Fame Inductees

Sept. 1, 2016

Clean Cities-Georgia Coordinator Don Francis and Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Coordinator Rick Price are the latest inductees to be named to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Cities Hall of Fame, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the Clean Cities mission of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and petroleum use in U.S. transportation.

National Clean Cities Director Dennis Smith and Co-Director Linda Bluestein inducted the pair into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame on September 1, 2016, while in Knoxville, Tenn., where representatives from nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions from across the country gathered for the annual Clean Cities Coordinator Workshop.

Under Francis and Price's leadership, in 2015 their coalitions averted more than 79,000 tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions combined through use of alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and fuel efficiency measures. Those same efforts saved more than 24.8 million gallons of petroleum combined in 2015. These accomplishments have contributed to the Clean Cities program's ability to save more than 7.5 billion gallons of petroleum since its inception in 1993.

Francis and Price have each earned the respect of their community and stakeholders over the years for their credibility and wide knowledge of alternative fuels and vehicles, as well as their dedication and passion to the Clean Cities mission of minimizing GHGs and reducing the use of petroleum in transportation.

Specifically, Francis played a key role in pushing the state of Georgia to become a national leader in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and related infrastructure. Thanks in large part to his promotion of the state of Georgia's wildly successful Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, the state experienced skyrocketing growth in EV registrations—from 1,469 to 10,482 in just 12 months (from March 2013 to March 2014), making the state second only to California’s 77,222 EVs.

Price has similarly demonstrated an undeniable skill for leading statewide educational efforts. In 2014, Price spearheaded the inaugural Tri-State Alternative Fuel Conference and Expo, which was the first educational trade show and conference of its kind in the area to promote the use of alternative energy sources in an effort to revolutionize the transportation industry, boost local and national economies, and protect the environment. Additionally, Price created a hugely successful partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County to provide alternative fuel vehicle training and has held workshops aimed at helping fellow coordinators secure project grants.

To read more about Francis and Price's accomplishments, visit the Clean Cities Hall of Fame.