In Georgia and across the country, families and businesses are feeling the impact of rising gas prices. At the same time, the United States is spending about $1 billion a day to import oil — money that we should be investing in American energy and American jobs.
In the coming decades, the price of oil will rise, driven by growing demand from developing countries. In the past, America’s policy has been to hit the panic button when prices go up and the snooze button when they go back down. This is not a sustainable solution for our economy or our security.
President Barack Obama is committed to easing the burden of gas prices for Georgia’s families and to putting America back in control of our energy future. As he works to do what he can to ease the immediate pain, he has a long-term plan to reduce oil imports by one-third in a little more than a decade. Instead of relying on others, we’ll rely on America’s vast clean energy resources and unrivaled leadership in technological innovation. Our “all of the above” approach includes increasing domestic production, diversifying our transportation energy choices, and developing more efficient vehicles that will save you money.
For example, we secured an agreement from all the major auto companies to raise the fuel economy of passenger cars and trucks. As a result, new cars will get better gas mileage that will save a typical driver about $3,000. The administration’s investments in electric vehicles, advanced biofuels, high-speed rail and public transportation are giving consumers more choices in the vehicles they drive and how they get from place to place.
But meeting the president’s goal is not something Washington can — or should — do alone. That is why the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program is working with state and municipal governments, small businesses, schools, community organizations and others to reduce the amount of gasoline used in our vehicles.
As one of the leaders of the Clean Cities program, Atlanta already is working to transition its transportation fleets to more fuel-efficient, alternative vehicles. By partnering with the federal government, local businesses, fleet owners, nonprofits and others, Clean Cities-Atlanta saved more than 21 million gallons of gasoline from 2005 to 2009.
With the help of a Clean Cities grant, UPS, headquartered in Atlanta, was able to purchase an additional 50 compressed natural gas delivery vans and 20 hydraulic hybrid trucks to service the company’s operations in and around the city. Already, UPS owns one of the largest private fleets of alternative fuel vehicles in the industry — 1,914 in total, including vehicles powered by fuel cells, natural gas and propane. UPS recently has purchased another 130 hybrid electric vehicles for deployment later this year, furthering its commitment to reducing petroleum consumption and setting a model for other major companies across the country.
Clean Cities-Atlanta, in partnership with the Center for Transportation and the Environment, recently celebrated the grand opening of Atlanta’s newest E85 station, located near Georgia Tech. The two organizations are working with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to introduce two new biodiesel stations, so that metro Atlanta residents have easy access to renewable fuels that can save them money.
Nationwide, the Clean Cities program is delivering results in nearly 100 communities. Thousands of buses are being converted from gasoline and diesel to natural gas and home-grown biofuels. Flex-fuel vehicles and biofuels stations are popping up on highways across the country. Thousands of electric vehicles and charging stations are coming onto the roads, and much more.
Since its launch 18 years ago, the Clean Cities program has helped save nearly 3 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel. These public-private partnerships have reduced air pollution, saved money for businesses, schools and local governments, and spurred innovation in the U.S. automotive industry.
Local communities can help lead the way to a stronger energy future. By working together through programs like Clean Cities, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help protect Georgia families from pain at the pump.
Steven Chu is the secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.
About the Author
