Prestigious NPS award recognizes the outstanding support coalition partners offered in the completion of 30 sustainable transportation park projects.
The National Park Service (NPS) recently recognized 19 Clean Cities coalitions with 2015 Director’s Partnership Awards for their support of sustainable transportation projects in parks across the country. The Director’s Partnership Award recognizes the outstanding achievements carried out by national park partners nationwide. Recipients of the Director’s Partnership Award are helping to transform the world—one trail, site, community, and person at a time.
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Cities program and the NPS partnered together through the Clean Cities National Parks Initiative (CCNPI) to reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions in national parks. Together, Clean Cities coalitions and parks across the country, with help from park concessioners and neighboring communities, have completed 30 projects through the initiative. These projects have enabled park visitors and employees to improve idle reduction; use electric cars, shuttles, and buses; use propane-powered mowers and trucks; charge electric vehicles; and learn about sustainability through education programs, outreach, and online resources.
The awards are shared across 27 national park units, 19 Clean Cities coalitions, DOE, and NPS staff coordinators. The contributions of regional staff, sustainability coordinators, fleet managers, and administrative staff, also supported partnership project achievements. These contributions helped establish meaningful local partnerships and foster sustainable communities.
Since the CCNPI began five years ago, each of the participating parks and coalitions have worked together to help NPS make progress to reduce fuel consumption, increase use of alternative fuels and technologies, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase outreach to staff, partners, and visitors. These activities and actions support both the NPS Call to Action to “Go Green” and the “Green Our Rides” goal of the NPS Green Parks Plan.
Practicing green transportation strategies—at home or within a national park—is one of the easiest ways to reduce GHG emissions. Everyone can do their part by driving more efficiently, reducing idling time, participating in climate-friendly commuting, using alternative fuels, or driving a higher-efficiency vehicle.
To learn more about how you can make an impact and support the NPS sustainability goals, see the “Green Your Ride” fact sheet and infographic. View the Green Our Rides Video to learn how you can get involved.
Clean Cities coalitions receiving their 2015 NPS Director’s Partnership Awards. Photo courtesy of Argonne National Laboratory
- Andrew Hudgins, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- For more information:
- Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
- technicalresponse@icfi.com
- 800-254-6735