The Department of Energy’s (DOE) has revealed that its Clean Cities coalitions around the nation displaced the equivalent of 375 million gallons of gasoline in 2006, according to a recent report from the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The amount of gasoline displaced in 2006 was 50% more than the 250 million gallons in 2005.

The Clean Cities coalitions are on track to reach 3.2 billion gallons of gasoline displaced in 2020, exceeding their established goal by 700 million gallons.

Through its almost 90 coalitions, Clean Cities works with government and industry partners (local, state and federal agencies; public health and transportation departments; transit agencies and other government offices; as well as auto manufacturers, car dealers, fuel suppliers, public utilities, public and private fleets, community business groups and professional associations) to increase the nation’s economic, environmental and energy security by reducing petroleum consumption in the transportation sector.

According to the report: 71% of the 2006 gasoline displacement came from the use of alternative fuels, with 30% of that coming from the use of compressed natural gas, mostly in heavy-duty vehicles. The report also said that the use of E85 grew substantially in 2006, largely because the number of E85 stations doubled–from 436 to 995–in the year. E85 accounted for 24% of gasoline displacement from alternate fuels in 2006.

“The significant progress Clean Cities made in 2006 shows impressive commitment by our coalition members,” DOE Clean Cities Director, Dennis A. Smith said.

The study was compiled from voluntary reports that represent a subset of the activities going on throughout the nation and indicates the impact of the coalitions and their priorities.

Clean Cities is part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program.