The Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (IACT) recently held its Annual Meeting and Holiday Reception on December 11, 2024, at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Schaumburg, awarding multiple organizations for their work within sustainable transportation and crowning this year’s Clean Fuels Champion.
Each December, IACT hosts a meeting to review the year’s highlights, discuss the upcoming year’s plans, and celebrate a number of organizations for their sustainability leadership. This year, IACT also recognized local companies that have implemented workplace electric vehicle charging. The 2024 awardees are Jack Cruikshank of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, UPS, Nextech, Will County, the City of Decatur, and Power Energy Corporation. The final and most prestigious award of the night, the Clean Fuels Champion, was presented to Powering Chicago. The festive event concluded with dinner and time for networking.
Powering Chicago – Clean Fuels Champion
IACT’s Clean Fuels Champion award is annually presented to a person or organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership in the development and advancement of sustainable transportation actions to reduce petroleum use, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality.
Powering Chicago, a labor-management partnership between IBEW Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago and Cook County, has strongly exemplified these qualities. It promotes responsible practices for a healthier, more sustainable environment, benefiting workers and the community through advanced electrical technologies, innovative training and inclusive community programs.
Powering Chicago’s rigorous training program for electrical workers equips them with advanced skills in clean energy and energy-efficient technologies, while partnerships with local governments, environmental groups and educational institutions help expand its impact. These projects all foster a healthier, more sustainable Chicago.
Jack Cruikshank (IEPA) – Tom Thompson Leadership in Public Service Award
The Tom Thompson Leadership in Public Service Award is awarded to someone who is a kind and dedicated leader in sustainable transportation and a servant of their community. The award was created in memory of Tom Thompson, a career fleet manager of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and an IACT coalition executive board member throughout his retirement. Dedicated to the movement of clean fuels and clean air, he also easily brought a smile to everyone’s faces.
This year’s awardee is Jack Cruikshank. Cruikshank displays an innate empathy towards the industry and has done an excellent job listening to stakeholders. Within his first year at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), Cruikshank has been instrumental in helping the IEPA manage and administer $70 million in EV funding to build out Illinois’ public EV charging network through awarding Climate and Equitable Jobs Act funds to public and private entities across the state. His hard work has helped put the state on track to triple the number of public fast chargers in the next two years. Cruikshank was also crucial in securing federal grants through opportunities like the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program and the Clean Ports Program, the latter of which was recently selected for funding.
UPS – Sustainability in Motion Award
UPS is advancing clean transportation at its Chicago Area Consolidation Hub, where over half of its 700-vehicle fleet now runs on renewable compressed natural gas (RNG), displacing 4.2 million gallons of gasoline annually and reducing emissions by 19,196 tons. Globally, UPS operates over 18,300 alternative fuel vehicles, with recent initiatives including 72 RNG tractors with Virginia Clean Cities and 600 EVs in Europe. With a 2050 carbon neutrality goal, UPS prioritizes Efficiency, SAF, Fleet Electrification, Renewable/Biofuel Solutions and Renewable Electricity, proving sustainable growth is achievable.
Nextech Energy Systems – Charging Communities Award
Nextech Energy System’s EV-Ready approach is transforming the installation of EV charging stations in highrises, multi-unit buildings, garages, and parking lots, ensuring equitable access to sustainable infrastructure. With a portfolio of over 150 properties, Nextech Energy offers cost-effective solutions that allow residents to install EV chargers without burdening non-participating residents with upfront costs. In 2024, Nextech Energy secured $124,828 in confirmed BE Program Rebates, with an additional $332,831 reserved for ongoing EV projects. As a key member of the ComEd EVSP Contractor Network, Nextech Energy is actively shaping best practices for multi-unit dwellings (MUDs) through webinars and industry events. Managing over 200 EV charging stations across nine properties, Nextech Energy has a strong pipeline of projects for 2025. The company is also advancing energy efficiency through smart thermostat installations and energy management systems.
Will County – Cleans Fuels Community Award
Will County’s Alternative Fuels Readiness Plan (AFRP) and Alternative Fuel Station Tool Asset (AFSAT) are leading the way for clean energy. Through public-private collaboration, AFRP is identifying areas for EV infrastructure, improving air quality and reducing fossil fuel dependence. AFSTA helps businesses and communities plan EV charging solutions and has contributed to a 65% rise in registered EVs in the county, amounting to roughly 8,000 EVs. The county is also advancing sustainability through its Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plant, which converts landfill gas into fuel, and the C-PACE and Solar Switch programs, securing $33 million for clean energy projects and supporting over 100 solar installations. Will County also promotes youth environmental education, hosts recycling events and has already reduced emissions by 12.3%, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2034.
Power Energy Corporation – Innovative Infrastructure Award
Power Energy Corporation has established over 50 fueling sites across the Chicagoland area, providing mid- and high-blend biofuels to support Illinois motorists with cost-effective, homegrown, alternative fuel options. These initiatives promote environmentally friendly, low-carbon solutions that deliver long-term benefits for safety, quality and sustainability. Since 2004, the company has worked closely with key stakeholders, secured federal and state grants and fostered community engagement through town hall meetings, driver education sessions, and targeted marketing campaigns during new site launches. With an additional 25 sites approved for installation over the next two years, Power Energy Corporation is committed to expanding access to affordable, sustainable fueling infrastructure. Looking ahead, the company plans to integrate EV charging across all locations, solidifying its position as the go-to destination for Illinois motorists seeking clean, sustainable energy solutions.
City of Decatur – Best Performing Municipality Award
The City of Decatur is leading sustainable change with its Zero-Emission Fleet Transition Plan, focusing on biodiesel and electric vehicles for public transit. Decatur’s fleet now includes B20 biodiesel and electric vehicles, funded by recent grants and supported by EV charging and solar infrastructure. City-wide initiatives include a $10 million watershed management plan to reduce runoff, solar projects saving $100,000 annually and a comprehensive battery recycling program. Decatur’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan has also received $530,000 to install public charging stations. Urban agriculture projects and a USDA-funded composting program add to Decatur’s sustainability efforts, reducing waste and supporting food security. So far, B20 biodiesel use has cut city emissions by 153.5 tons—equivalent to removing 33 cars from the road. These projects position Decatur as a proactive leader in sustainable urban development.
The Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation
IACT would like to thank everyone who nominated an organization or person, the nominees and awardees, and those who attended its Annual Meeting and Holiday Reception. It would also like to thank those who have engaged with its efforts both online and offline, such as participating in its annual Green Drives Conference and Expo or supporting the coalition through sponsorship or membership. Lastly, it would like to thank its Board and Steering Committee for the time and energy its members provide to IACT and its mission.
IACT is a designated coalition within the U.S. Department of Energy‘s Clean Cities and Communities partnership. The nonprofit focuses on advancing environmentally friendly vehicles and creating cleaner, healthier air across Illinois. Comprised of a diverse group of businesses and government agencies across Illinois, it represents private companies, educational and research institutions, fuel providers, utilities, environmental organizations and more. It is committed to advancing zero-emission and low-emission vehicles, recognizing that this is essential to protecting the planet and safeguarding communities from harmful emissions.