The Clean Energy Coalition is a nonprofit corporation with a board of 12 directors and administered by a coordinator. More than 100 "stakeholders" participate in Clean Energy Coalition events ranging from email information sharing to periodic meetings and special events.

The Clean Cities program grew out of Department of Energy initiatives in response to Congress passing the 1992 Energy Policy Act signed by then-President George H.W. Bush. One of the Act’s goals is to reduce the amount of petroleum used by the transportation sector by promoting the use of alternative fuels and technologies such as ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, propane and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The Act mandated that a portion of all vehicles purchased for state and federal government use be Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs), capable of burning one or more of the alternative fuels as well as gasoline.

The Clean Energy Coalition is introducing proven alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and natural gas to fleet managers, fuel distributors and the general public within its region of responsibility. A side benefit for this particular area is an improved agricultural economy.

Regional Transit
In recent years discussion has focused on a Tour/Transit District in the region. The District’s centerpiece is the distinctive "Yellow Bus" styled after the historic touring buses that Yellowstone used in its early days. The antique styling belies a modern, state-of-the-art vehicle burning low-or-non-polluting fuel. It utilizes sophisticated onboard information systems for sightseers and transit users, and allows for jurisdictional sharing of the buses between the Park and its gateway communities.

Press Release
December 3, 2009
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition Welcomes Phillip Cameron as new Executive Director

(Jackson, WY) The Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition (YTCEC) has announced the addition of Phillip Cameron as its new Executive Director. A 501 [c] [3] non-profit, YTCEC has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program, whose mission is to displace the use of petroleum in the transportation sector.  YTCEC supports this program by advocating the use of alternative fuels, encouraging new technologies such as hybrid & electric vehicles, supporting public transit, and promoting idle reduction practices for all vehicles.  YTCEC also seeks to reduce exhaust emissions and improve U.S. energy security by reducing dependence on imported crude oil.

            “With Phil as our first full time Executive Director, YTCEC has taken a major step forward in helping the Yellowstone-Teton region build a more efficient and sustainable energy infrastructure”, according to YTCEC Board President Basil Barna of Idaho Falls.  YTCEC Board members are from Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, and they represent a cohesive network of individuals and businesses dedicated to promoting clean energy choices throughout the tri-state area.  Barna added, “Phil’s employment with YTCEC strengthens our network and will make it easier for local communities to get help with reducing energy costs and finding clean energy options.” 

Cameron has lived in the area for nearly eight years and brings a diverse professional experience to this position with his strong background in environmental outreach and education, grant writing, community service work, and resource management. His volunteer experiences further exhibit his deep commitment to regional conservation efforts. Cameron says, “This region has long been at the forefront of conservation. The high-profile of the Yellowstone-Teton area offers an excellent opportunity to take a leadership role in defining a more efficient, diverse, and sustainable transportation future.”

 A graduate of Teton Science Schools’ Professional Residency in Environmental Education, Cameron has experience, in both board and staff positions, with several local and regional conservation focused non-profit organizations.  Most recently as Western Wolf Coalition’s Wyoming Coordinator, he implemented outreach efforts in support of wolf restoration throughout Wyoming.  He also sits on the Board of Directors at the Murie Center and is the Board Chair for Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited. When speaking about this new position, Cameron added, “I am both honored and excited for this opportunity to build upon the strides that the Coalition has already made in addressing the efficiency and diversity of regional transportation. I look forward to working with the citizens, businesses and agencies of the region to support Yellowstone-Teton Clean Energy Coalition’s goals. “

In The News, From National Biodiesel Bulletin, October 2, 2006:

	Yellowstone Celebrates More Than a Decade on Biodiesel
	As winter approaches, one of the nation’s most prominent cold spots celebrates more than a decade of use of soy biodiesel year-round. Farmer-leaders recently joined U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Park Service and National Biodiesel Board (NBB) officials at the DOE Central Regional Clean Cities Workshop near Jackson, Wyo., to recognize the successful use of soy biodiesel and other biobased products in Yellowstone National Park, as well as Grand Teton and other national parks. "Yellowstone and Grand Teton Park are perfect examples of well-tested, practical uses for soy biodiesel blends year 'round," said Chuck Myers, United Soybean Board (USB) director and soybean farmer from Lyons, Nebraska. "The successful uses in these parks have yielded valuable information for other diesel users as well." Since 1990, the soybean checkoff program has sponsored research, development and promotion of soy biodiesel, and Yellowstone represented the first national park to use biodiesel. The park boasts over 300 pieces of machinery operating on soy biodiesel, the centerpieces being the park's well-known yellow buses and a 1995 Dodge pickup. Yellowstone's trademark yellow tour buses have evolved into a high tech, biodiesel-powered riding experience including on-board electronic and communications gear. The pickup has been running on 100 percent biodiesel for more than 10 years and 181,000 miles. This is no small feat, with an elevation of 6,241 ft., the mountainous region surrounding the park experiences a variety of extreme weather throughout the year. Ernie Oakes, Regional Clean Cities project manager, said that Yellowstone’s biodiesel use demonstrates the goals of Clean Cities well. "With the Clean Cities Program, we are working with community leaders to educate them on how they can implement programs to decrease the use of petroleum in their community," said Oakes. "Biodiesel blends have been a cornerstone of this program, specifically soy-based biodiesel produced in the United States."