Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities: A Year of Growth and Achievement
2024 has been a landmark year for the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition (CWCCC). From welcoming new members to launching impactful programs and supporting regional clean energy efforts, CWCC has continued to join the charge toward a cleaner, greener future in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
New Members: Expanding Our Network
This year, CWCCC proudly welcomed members like The Truck Shop, Bollinger Motors, and Premier Truck Group to our coalition network. These new members bring valuable expertise and innovation to our growing community, strengthening our collective mission to advance clean transportation solutions.
Events and Programs: Connecting and Educating
CWCCC hosted the Spring Into Workplace Charging Webinar Series, promoting the EMPOWER project to support and install employee charging infrastructure. We also coordinated educational sessions and provided discounted access to the Green Transportation Summit and Expo (GTSE)Â in Tacoma, the Pacific Northwest's premier clean transportation event. Additionally, CWCCC attended the Clean Cities & Communities National Meeting, where we shared valuable takeaways and insights while networking with coalitions nationwide.
Membership Corner: Spotlighting Innovation and Success
This year, we celebrated the achievements of members like Omega Morgan, AAA Oregon Idaho, and The City of Newberg, recognizing their contributions to sustainability and innovation. Bollinger Motors achieved a major milestone with its B4 chassis cab, which received EPA certification and delivered its first electric trucks.
We also highlighted the first battery electric Freightliner eCascadia in Oregon operated by TITAN Freight Systems, with plans for additional deployments. ConMet celebrated 60 years of innovation and introduced new freight efficiency technologies, while Cherriots launched electric buses along NE Lancaster and finalized a $148 million budget to support sustainable transit.
Clean Fuels Resources and Successes
CWCCC supports regional decarbonization through partners like the Fleet Decarbonization Accelerator, which helped fleets transition to cleaner energy solutions during its fall cohort.
The EMPOWER Program also recognized workplace charging success stories with updated resources and tools available at workplacecharging.com. Statewide, Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program, and utility EV incentives made progress in making clean energy adoption pencil.
Regional Success: Advancing Sustainability
CWCCC highlighted critical funding opportunities to support clean transportation projects. Oregon's Medium-Heavy Duty Zero Emissions Vehicle Rebate and federal tax credits for clean commercial vehicles provided essential resources for fleet transitions. Additionally, we emphasized funding opportunities like the $10 million program to repair and upgrade public EV chargers in Oregon, the $5 million Clean Bus Planning Awards (CBPA), and the NEVI Round 1 Grant Opportunity to expand EV infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
From welcoming new members to promoting clean fuel innovations and securing vital funding, 2024 has been a pivotal year for CWCCC. With continued efforts in fleet decarbonization, member engagement, and clean energy initiatives, we are reaching even greater progress in 2025.
Together, we’re building cleaner, greener fleets for Oregon and Southwest Washington!