CWCCC was formed in 1994 as part of the Clean Cities program. Clean Cities is a federal program committed to encouraging public and private fleet operators to convert to alternative fuels where economically practical to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. Approximately 90 communities across the U.S. have formed coalitions and are working together to advance the goals of the national Clean Cities program. Since launching nationally in 1993, Clean Cities and its stakeholders have displaced more than 1.6 billion gallons of petroleum.

The primary objective of the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition is to "promote the use of domestically-produced alternative transportation fuels" because it best captures the entire scope of the Clean Cities program. The promotion and use of these alternative fuels benefits the United States through clean air and energy independence. All subsequent objectives and actions outlined within the CWCCC, Inc. Strategic Development Plan complement and advance this goal.

Q:	What does displacing 1.6 billion gallons of gas really mean?
A:	1.6 billion gallons of gasoline can fuel roughly 3.2 million cars for one year, which amounts to saving $4.8 billion (using an average $3 per gallon for unleaded gasoline, in 2005 dollars).