LCF Newsletter
LCF Clean Fuel News | Late Summer 2026
Letter from the Executive Director
It feels like change is only constant for our coalition!
After nine years with Louisiana Clean Fuels, we recently said goodbye to Tyler Herrmann as he headed west to join Drive Clean Colorado. At the same time, we welcomed Robin Narez as our new Office and Outreach Manager, and Elizabeth Linehan has stepped into a new leadership role as Clean Cities and Communities Co-Director. I am incredibly grateful for the team we have built and excited about what comes next.
You may notice some other changes, too. We are looking for new, engaging ways to connect with our stakeholders, provide useful information, and bring people together.
Our inaugural Fall Fuels Fest on October 16 is a great example. We are heading to Jimmie Davis State Park for an afternoon of alternative fuel vehicles, exhibitors, networking, live music from Amanda Shaw, and, because this is Louisiana, a jambalaya cook-off! We intentionally designed this as an affordable, informal event where you can make new connections, catch up with old ones, learn something, and have some fun along the way.
We are also taking the Clean Fuels Summit online December 2–3, which will allow us to bring together speakers and participants from Louisiana and across the country without the cost and travel associated with a traditional conference.
And if you have been following us on social media, you have probably noticed that we are having a little fun with our #PainAtThePump Challenge. Fuel prices are something almost everyone can relate to, and there are a lot of ways to use less fuel and save money without buying a new vehicle. Carpooling, transit, reducing idling, improving driving habits, alternative and renewable fuels, hybrids and EVs are all tools in the toolbox.
As our industry and funding landscape continue to change, LCF is changing with them. But our commitment to providing unbiased information, practical technical support, trusted connections and real-world solutions for Louisiana remains the same.
I hope you will join us at Fall Fuels Fest, tune in for the Virtual Clean Fuels Summit, or simply reach out and let us know what is happening with your fleet or organization. We want to hear from you.
See you soon,
Ann Vail, Executive Director
Louisiana Clean Fuels
Announcements
Welcome Robin Narez to LCF!
Robin Narez is the Office and Outreach Manager for Louisiana Clean Fuels, where she supports clean transportation initiatives and stakeholder engagement across the state. She was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University. She spent seven years with the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, where she developed and led a statewide K–12 energy education outreach program. Through engaging STEM-based lessons, she helped teachers and students explore topics such as energy conservation, electricity, nuclear energy, and the science behind oil and natural gas formation. Please join me in welcoming Robin to the team!
Elizabeth Lineman, LCF Grants Manager, named Clean Cities Co-Director
Please join me in welcoming Elizabeth Linehan as a new Clean Cities and Communities Co-Director for Louisiana Clean Fuels! She may not be new to the Coalition, but she is to this exciting new role! Elizabeth joins Ann Vail in leading the Coalition, effective August 1, 2026. Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth in her new role with Clean Cities and Communities!
Farewell to Tyler Herrmann
After nine fantastic years, we are bidding farewell to one of LCF's longest-standing team members, Tyler Herrman. Tyler and his wife Katie have relocated to Colorado, and while we will miss him dearly, we couldn't be happier for them on this new chapter.
During his time with LCF, Tyler expertly managed our technical support efforts, calculated fleet emission reductions, and led our annual fleet activity report - among so much more. What set Tyler apart was the genuine passion and care he brought to every stakeholder relationship. The City of Donaldsonville holds a special place in his heart, and that dedication showed in everything he did.
The good news? Tyler hasn't left the Clean Cities world behind. He's joined the Drive Clean Colorado team and is carrying that same commitment to clean fuels into his new role. We encourage you to stay connected with him at [email protected].
Tyler, thank you for everything! LCF is better for the years you gave us. We'll be cheering you on from Louisiana!
Clean Fuels Conference & Workshops
October 16, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Jimmie Davis State Park, Pavilion #3 — Chatham, Louisiana
Join Louisiana Clean Fuels for the inaugural Fall Fuels Fest — a fun, outdoor, clean transportation networking event set on the shores of Caney Creek Reservoir at the beautiful Jimmie Davis State Park in Chatham, Louisiana! This one-of-a-kind event brings together fleet managers, business owners, municipal leaders, fuel providers, vehicle manufacturers, and clean energy advocates from across Louisiana for a day of networking, live entertainment, great food, and friendly competition. Advaned tickets are $5 per person ($10 at the door) — children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult.
Explore an outdoor alternative fuel vehicle display and exhibitor expo, taste your way through a Jambalaya Cook-Off judged by Cajun fiddler and Louisiana legend Amanda Shaw, and cast your vote for the best bowl in North Louisiana! Every registered attendee receives a sampling ballot — earn bonus door prize drawing tickets each time you taste at a participating vendor's tent and when you cast your final vote. Enjoy live Cajun music by Amanda Shaw and her guitarist, check out the vendor displays, play a round of frisbee golf or volleyball, hang out by the beach, and stick around for door prize drawings.
Outdoor Exhibiting spaces and sponsorships are available online:
Clean Fuels Funding Announcements
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of $610 million to invest in America’s bus service network.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply for approximately $21 million in competitive grants for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program (Bus Program) under Federal Assistance Listing Number 20.526 and approximately $589 million in competitive grants for the FY 2026 Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) under Federal Assistance Listing Number 20.526.
- Date Posted: July 27, 2026
- Date Closed: September 21, 2026
- Opportunity ID: FTA-2026-010-TPM-BUS and FTA-2026-011-TPM-LWNO
Grant programs: Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program (Bus Program) and Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program); jointly referred to as the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs.
Jointly referred to as the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs, this NOFO provides funding for the following purposes:
- Approximately $21 million to support transit agencies in buying, leasing, and rehabilitating buses and vans, and building bus facilities.
- Approximately $589 million to support transit agencies in buying or leasing low-emission or no-emission buses, purchasing equipment, and constructing supporting facilities. For these funds, FTA intends to prioritize low-emission projects over zero-emission projects, to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Eligible Programs:
Bus Program
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Eligible activities include capital projects to purchase, lease, or rehabilitate transit buses and related equipment; and acquire, construct, lease, or rehabilitate bus-related facilities.
Low-No Program
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Eligible activities include capital projects to purchase or lease zero-emission or low-emission transit buses; and acquire, construct, rehabilitate, and lease required supporting facilities such as recharging, refueling, and maintenance facilities.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the application criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible and must do so by September 21, 2026.
Complete proposals must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov (Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program (Bus Program) or Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low-No Program) “APPLY” function by 11:59 pm Eastern time September 21, 2026.
Upcoming Webinars
Save the date for the 2026 Virtual Clean Fuels Summit, bringing together fleet professionals, industry leaders, government agencies, utilities, and clean transportation experts for two days of practical education, discussion, and connection.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available, with registration, speakers, and the full agenda coming soon. Save December 2–3 and join us online!
LCF Projects and Programs
Feeling the Pain at the Pump? Join the Challenge!
High fuel prices continue making headlines, and many Louisiana families, businesses, and fleets are feeling the impact.
That's why Louisiana Clean Fuels has launched the #PainAtThePump Challenge, a fun social media campaign designed to help educate the public on ways to save money on transportation while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
We know many of our partners offer solutions that can help reduce or stabilize transportation fuel costs. Whether your organization promotes idle reduction, route optimization, ridesharing, transit, alternative fuels, renewable fuels, hybrid vehicles, EVs, or other fuel-saving technologies, we invite you to share your story.
In partnership with the Clean Transportation Network (CTN), coalitions across the US and local organizations such as the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) and Commuter Krewe are sharing transportation tips, success stories, and even a few laughs through short videos that highlight real-world solutions to high fuel prices. If you haven't seen these hilariously informative videos our LCF staff have created, its time you checked them out. (Lola the "know it all" intern shares fuel saving tips while carpooling)
Follow Us!
Resources
Small Changes Can Add Up
Many people assume fuel savings require buying a new vehicle, but some of the most effective strategies cost little or nothing to implement. Examples include Carpooling with coworkers or neighbors, using public transit, or reducing unnecessary idling.
One often-overlooked fuel-saving strategy is also one of the easiest is... Check Your Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy, increase safety, and extend tire life. According to fuel economy experts, keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve gas mileage by an average of 0.6%, with savings reaching as much as 3% in some cases. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel economy by approximately 0.2% for every one-pound-per-square-inch (psi) drop in the average pressure of your tires.
Properly inflated tires also provide better handling, improved braking performance, and longer tread life. Check out fueleconomy.gov for more fuel saving tips!
Renewable Natural Gas Database and Tool Update!
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) has updated the Renewable Natural Gas Database. A resource that tracks biogas projects upgrading gas for pipeline injection or use as vehicle fuel. The database helps fleets, policymakers, and clean fuel stakeholders see where RNG projects are operating or in development across the country. With new information added, this is a good time for partners to revisit the tool and explore how renewable natural gas is being used in transportation and other energy applications. For organizations evaluating lower-carbon fuel options, especially in sectors where electrification may be more difficult, the updated database can support planning, market awareness, and clean fuel decision-making.
Explore the updated database: www.anl.gov/esia/reference/
Calendar of Events
| Event | Date | Location |
| Fall Fuels Fest (Jambalaya Cookoff & Expo) | October 16, 2026 | Chatham, LA |
| GTSE and RE+ (Conference & Expo) | November 16-19, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Virtual Clean Fuels Summit | December 2-3, 2026 | Online |
| National Drive Electric Month | Sept 11- Oct 10, 2026 | Nationally! |
Industry News
Mass transit, bike lanes, EV infrastructure face substantial cuts in DOT proposal
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy proposed eliminating the Highway Trust Fund’s mass transit account, which provides funding for public transportation, in a July 22 letter outlining the administration’s priorities that was sent to six senators serving on committees with influence over the next surface transportation legislation.
Duffy also proposed cutting funding for Complete Streets activities that focus on safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, bicycle lanes and grants for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. A competitive grant program to fund solutions to traffic congestion in U.S. cities would eliminate public transit system improvements and tolling programs from eligibility.
None of the members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where the legislation was drafted, were copied on Duffy’s letter.
Read more here.
About LCF
Louisiana Clean Fuels is a designated coalition in the US Department of Energy's Clean Cities and Communities partnership, supported by the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy and member organizations. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving fleets for 25+ years.
The mission of Louisiana Clean Fuels, Inc. is to advance the nation’s environmental, economic, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce emissions and diversify transportation fuel options. Our goal is to show how advanced technologies and alternative fuels can help meet business and environmental goals. By providing objective data, technical resources, and the right connections, we help fleets find reliable solutions that will stabilize or lower fuel costs.
