The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $18.6 million to fund 15 projects aimed at advancing equitable clean transportation and improving emergency response capabilities for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). These projects will collaborate with over 45 of DOE's Clean Cities and Communities in more than 30 states to introduce clean transportation solutions in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The initiatives will involve providing outreach, technical assistance, and training to local communities, as well as offering safety resources for emergency responders transitioning to ZEVs and electric vehicles. Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, emphasized the importance of addressing energy justice throughout the transition to clean energy, particularly in the transportation sector where costs are often burdensome for many households. The funding, facilitated by DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office, is aligned with the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization and aims to promote energy justice, economic growth, job creation, and the adoption of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The projects span three main funding topics: Clean Cities Outreach and Technical Assistance, Training for Emergency Response Workers, and Clean Transportation Demonstration and Deployment. These topics cover a wide range of activities, including fleet capacity building for ZEV transition, training for emergency responders on ZEV deployment, and demonstration of innovative transportation technologies like hydrogen vehicles. The projects will also focus on disadvantaged communities, with initiatives such as sustainable vehicle operations, electrification of public vehicle fleets, and deployment of clean transportation technologies like battery electric railcars. Clean Cities and Communities coalitions are integral to the success of these projects, working towards advancing clean transportation to enhance environmental sustainability, energy security, and economic prosperity.