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Clean Cities director pitches alternative fuels, highlights VW and DERA funding for rural transit
Summary
Colin Messer of the Land of Enchanted Clean Cities Coalition briefed SCRTD on alternative fuel options, technical assistance, training opportunities and potential VW/DERA grant funding; he recommended propane as a practical rural option and offered coalition support for pilots and training.
Colin Messer, director of the Land of Enchanted Clean Cities Coalition, told the board Wednesday that his DOE‑funded coalition can support the district with technical assistance, training, and help accessing mitigation funds such as Volkswagen (VW) settlement and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) programs.
“We were born out of the Energy Policy Act of 1992,” Messer said, describing the coalition’s history and its role helping transit agencies evaluate alternative fuels. He praised the district’s choice of Gillig battery‑electric buses and said the coalition is “fuel neutral” — able to work with electricity, renewable natural gas, compressed natural gas, propane and other alternatives.
Messer recommended propane as a practical fuel for rural transit where electric or compressed natural gas may be less feasible. “Propane is really good for rural New Mexico transit,” he said, noting propane technology can work well for cutaway buses and can lower operating costs when implemented correctly.
Messer also highlighted funding opportunities. He told the board there is VW mitigation money remaining and noted other diesel emissions reduction funding that county and city governments can use. “On that VW and DERA money, there is money out there still… I think there's another $1,000,000 out,” Messer said.
Beyond funding, Messer offered the coalition’s training resources and case‑study support. He said the coalition can host webinars and in‑person training at the district’s Summit Parkway facility and can help develop local match packages for grant applications. Messer cited an example of compressed natural gas fueling stations along I‑40 and I‑10 and said case studies demonstrate demand once fueling is available.
District staff and Messer discussed potential pilot projects, vehicle retirements and the prospect of converting or testing vehicles on alternative fuels. Staff said they would follow up to share information with member cities and explore opportunities to pursue grants or pilot programs.
