About our Coalition
| Creation | |
|---|---|
| The Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition was created in a ceremony at Old Faithful in September, 2002 becoming one of some 90 coalitions around the USA designated by the Department of Energy to address the U.S.’ dependence on imported crude oil and help find solutions to the nation’s energy challenges. Yellowstone National Park serves as the coalition’s cornerstone and highest profile stakeholder in collaboration with gateway communities, other parks and agencies and the private sector. One of the few truly rural Clean Cities programs, the Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition encompasses southwest Montana, eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. | 
Historical Old Faithful Inn |
| The Clean Energy Coalition is a nonprofit corporation with a board of 12 directors and administered by a coordinator. More than 100 "stakeholders" participate in Clean Energy Coalition events ranging from email information sharing to periodic meetings and special events.
The Clean Cities program grew out of Department of Energy initiatives in response to Congress passing the 1992 Energy Policy Act signed by then-President George H.W. Bush. One of the Act’s goals is to reduce the amount of petroleum used by the transportation sector by promoting the use of alternative fuels and technologies such as ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, propane and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The Act mandated that a portion of all vehicles purchased for state and federal government use be Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs), capable of burning one or more of the alternative fuels as well as gasoline. |
Historical Lake Yellowstone Hotel |
| Mission | |
| The coalitions’ collective mission is to displace the use of petroleum in the transportation sector, improve air quality through reduced harmful exhaust emissions and increase U.S. energy security. Clean Cities advocates using renewable fuels and advanced energy technologies, driving hybrid vehicles, and reducing truck and bus idling practices. Yellowstone National Park is a pioneer in the use of alternative fuel—especially biodiesel—and has acted as a prime source of information for the public. Several million visitors annually are exposed to the possibilities of alternative fuels, seeing them in use in park vehicles and in stationary installations generating power and heating water.
The Clean Energy Coalition is introducing proven alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and natural gas to fleet managers, fuel distributors and the general public within its region of responsibility. A side benefit for this particular area is an improved agricultural economy. |
Early yellow touring bus |
| Regional Transit | |
| In recent years discussion has focused on a Tour/Transit District in the region. The District’s centerpiece is the distinctive "Yellow Bus" styled after the historic touring buses that Yellowstone used in its early days. The antique styling belies a modern, state-of-the-art vehicle burning low-or-non-polluting fuel. It utilizes sophisticated onboard information systems for sightseers and transit users, and allows for jurisdictional sharing of the buses between the Park and its gateway communities.
The Modern "Yellow Bus" (right) retains the flavor and spirit of the touring bus that was popular in the early days of Yellowstone. Modern bus is a high-tech, flexible fuel or alternative fuel vehicle with sophisticated electronic and communications gear to enhance rider experience while visiting Yellowstone. |
Modern Bus |
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition
PO Box 11756 Jackson, WY 83002
307.413.1971
