Tri-State Clean Fuels Network (TSCFN) is a voluntary group comprised
of government agencies, equipment providers, public and private
fleets, fuel providers and universities dedicated to increasing
the use of clean fuels and vehicles in Southwest Ohio, Southeast
Indiana and Northern Kentucky.
OUR MISSION
Designated as a Clean Cities Coalition, TSCFN is a member of a
nationwide network of over 80 coalitions, founded by the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE). These coalitions work to expand local clean fuel
vehicle and infrastructure markets, increase the use of idle reduction
technologies and practices, increase the use of blends and expand
hybrid vehicle markets.
OUR HISTORY
In 1994, the Greater Cincinnati Clean Cities
effort was initiated by the City of Cincinnati to facilitate
local participation in
the National Clean Cities Program. Ten months later, in February
1995, the Greater Cincinnati group held its first stakeholder meeting.
Attendees included groups from the public and private sectors interested
in improving and protecting the quality of life for the region’s
citizens. In August 1995, the Ohio Kentucky Indiana (OKI) Regional
Council of Governments assumed the leadership role of the organization’s
effort.
STEERING
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Gerald
Checco, Cincinnati Park Board Richard Corbett,
Cincinnati TDI Volkswagen Owners Darlene Radcliffe, Cinergy David Jones, Cinergy James Schwab, City of Cincinnati Hart Moore, Griffin Industries, Inc. Rick Geise, Griffin Industries, Inc. Kenneth Edgell, Hamilton County Department
of Environmental Services Don Chapman, Kenton County Airport Board Ronald Lykins, Lykins Oil Company Steve Krebs, Lykins Oil Company Michael Brown, Metro Sallie Hilvers, Metro Allen Freeman, OKI Regional Council of
Governments Sarah Woller, OKI Regional Council of
Governments Stephanie Hines, Ohio State University
Extension Clermont County Stephen Proffitt, Mid-Valley Supply Greg Mendell, University of Cincinnati
Support for the local
program solidified as stakeholders formalized their commitment to
the program in writing. Work groups produced a plan to become recognized
by the DOE as a designated Clean Cities Coalition. In August 1996,
the Greater Cincinnati group submitted a final plan to the DOE. The
plan received approval in September 1996, and the Greater Cincinnati
group was designated an official Clean Cities Coalition, becoming
the Tri-State Alternative Fuels Coalition (TSAFC) at a formal ceremony
held in January 1997.
TSAFC focused on the implementation of the
National Clean Cities goals and supported its mission by conducting
and participating in numerous outreach and education initiatives designed
to promote clean fuels, their uses and their air quality and health
benefits. TSAFC also served as a liaison between clean fuel providers,
suppliers and end users as well as fleet managers and automobile manufacturers.
In 2003, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners
gave approval for the Department of Environmental Services (DOES)
to house
and spearhead the activities of TSAFC. In December 2003, DOES hired
a
coordinator, secured funding for the program and began providing
in-kind services to TSAFC. Through the coordinator’s
efforts, the Clean Cities designation was renewed and the name
was changed
to the Tri-State Clean Fuels Network. TSCFN continued its work
in mobilizing local stakeholders to expand the use of clean
fuels and
build a local clean refueling infrastructure.
In March 2005, a new coordinator came on board to oversee fulfilling
the responsibilities and commitments of TSCFN. A formal steering
committee, with monthly scheduled meetings, was established. Under
the leadership of the steering committee, TSCFN launched a membership
drive which resulted in the recruitment of 16 dues-paying stakeholders.
TSCFN has remained focused on the goals and mission set by the DOE
and continues to evolve as it strives to move forward to become a
catalyst for change in the Greater Cincinnati area.
