Spotlight
Clean Energy Alliance
| USF News
USF's Patel School of Global Sustainability, the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County and TECO Energy are joining forces to promote the use of clean energy for transportation through the Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition.
More than 100 people representing private industry, government and education turned out for the August signing ceremony at the Patel School. A ring of vehicles which run on compressed natural gas were parked outside as an example of how large institutions such as TECO and Tampa International Airport are already turning to clean energy.
"As a major national research university, we can bring the latest information and technologies to the forefront of our community's transportation challenges," said USF President Judy Genshaft. "More importantly, as an educational institution we can help our community consider clean, sustainable solutions to our transportation problems."
The U.S. Department of Energy started the Clean Cities Coalition to foster regional communication, information sharing and public education on the benefits of reducing petroleum use. More than 100 Clean Cities coalitions have been established nationally.
The EPC and TECO Energy are kickstarting the effort with financial and in-kind support. USF's Patel School will coordinate efforts under the guidance of Stephen Reich, a 30-year veteran in the field of transportation finance and energy, with a special emphasis on alternatively fueled transportation. The Patel School staff will carry out the outreach and assist with research efforts.
Along with reducing petroleum use, the new coalition could have wideranging impact on quality of life in the region, including improving community health.