Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC) coalition is a voluntary organization dedicated to encouraging the use of clean fuels and clean vehicle technologies in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Alternative fuels in use in the Chicago area include gaseous fuels like natural gas and propane and biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel along with some hydrogen. Electric vehicles and charging stations for EVs are becoming prevalent throughout Chicago, its suburbs and the entire state of Illinois. To find EV charging stations and alternative-fuel stations in the Chicago area, visit the Alternative Fueling Station Locator.

Alternative technologies include things such as hybrid-electric vehicles, hybrid-hydraulic vehicles, idle reduction strategies and advanced fuel-economy improvements.

Clean fuels and clean vehicle technologies help improve air quality and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

History and Organization

CACC is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program. CACC is one of nearly one hundred Clean Cities coalitions across the country that participate in this program. CACC received its designation as a Clean Cities coalition in 1994 -- the tenth coalition nationwide to do so.

CACC members represent government, businesses, educational and research institutions, fuel providers, utilities and environmental organizations.

CACC's current bylaws can be viewed here (PDF).

Coalition Objectives

CACC's goal of encouraging the use of clean fuels and clean fuel vehicles in the Chicago metropolitan area is achieved through the following objectives:

  • Coordinate efforts to obtain funding to implement clean fuel and petroleum displacement projects;
  • Initiate and support legislation and programs that effectively promote clean fuels, clean fuel vehicles, idle reduction, enhanced fuel economy and other clean technologies;
  • Develop fueling infrastructure in the Chicago metropolitan area to support a diverse clean fuel market;
  • Educate the public and regional fleet operators about the operation and benefits of clean fuels, clean fuel vehicles, idle reduction technologies and hybrid-electric vehicles;
  • Incorporate as many clean fuel vehicles as possible in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Lake Michigan Clean Cities Consortium

In addition to collaborating with Clean Cities coalitions around the country and with regional and national U.S. Department of Energy program leadership, CACC works especially closely with the two other coalitions in the loosely constituted Lake Michigan Clean Cities Consortium. To our north, Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area, and to our southeast, South Shore Clean Cities, are CACC's steady partners in educational events and special conferences. If you find yourself in the Milwaukee area or in northwest Indiana, we encourage you to visit the other members of our consortium.


External Links

Maps, vehicle information and calculators from Alternative Fuels Data Center Tools

Find fuel at the Alternative Fueling Station Locator

Recognition and rebates from Illinois Green Fleets

National information from US Dept of Energy Clean Cities