Clean Cities Awards Recognize Regional Alternative Fuel Leadership

OKLAHOMA CITY -– The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Zach D. Taylor, Jr. Clean Cities Vision Awards honor Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition stakeholders accomplishments in promoting and deploying alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies.

This year’s award winners are Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) and Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA).

Western Farmers, provider of electric service to member cooperatives throughout the state, has been a driver in the development of a statewide charging station network.

“WFEC has led innovative electric vehicle (EV) projects that have made Oklahoma a national leader on electric vehicles. Their strategic approach to accelerating adoption of EVs has helped move Oklahoma into the #2 state (per capita) for fast charging stations,” said Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director.

Similarly, OMPA is being recognized for investments in EV fuel fleet growth. OMPA and their members have added electric vehicles and charging stations across the state, helping drive the clean air benefits of electric vehicles.

“Oklahoma’s cities are uniquely positioned to help businesses and families benefit from EVs. Not only when it comes to fuel savings, but clean air and economic opportunity,” said Eric Pollard, ACOG Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coordinator.

In addition to the deployment awards, ACOG honored Amy Walton of the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) for her work educating policy makers on the economic development potential of electrification and advanced vehicle technologies.

A Stakeholder of the Year Award was presented to Phil Jones, ADA and Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Edmond. Mr. Jones was integral in the installation of a network of electric vehicle charging stations around Edmond and implementation of bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure projects through an ACOG grant.

This year’s award luncheon marks the 25th Anniversary of the Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition and was sponsored by OG&E and OnCue.

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy, established the Coalition in 1996. The Coalition’s primary goal is to advance the use of alternative fuels and fuel savings technology in vehicle fleets across the state.