Drive Electric Northern Utah Program Continues

Utah State University and Weber State University have extended the Drive Electric Northern Utah program to continue their effort to improve air quality with low to zero-emission electric vehicles. Community Members in Northern Utah will have access to a streamlined process and discounted pricing through December 17.

During the first six weeks of the program, 100 community members signed up to receive a discount code, and nearly 20 have purchased or leased new electric vehicles through the program. Due to this popularity, Drive Electric Northern Utah has been extended to Dec. 17, 2016.

Don Trottier of Ogden recently purchased a new electric vehicle through the program, and stated,

“Once I get $9000 off my taxes, as well as the dealer discount, I will feel like I got a lot of value for a very good price…. Plus, I can feel much better about not contributing as much to our inversions.”    

This joint program is aimed at improving air quality and community health both today and for future generations. With winter inversion season upon us, and almost 50 percent of Utah’s urban air pollution coming from tailpipe emissions, these reduce criteria air pollutant emissions by up to 99 percent when compared to a traditional gasoline vehicle.

Alexi Lamm, Utah State University’s Sustainability Coordinator stated, “The popularity of this program shows how much people care about maintaining healthy air. We all contribute by trip chaining, carpooling, and using public transit. By extending the program, people who have been considering their options will also have a chance to drive EV.”

To offer this program, Weber State University and Utah State University have partnered with Utah Clean Energy, a nonprofit, public interest organization that works to drive the transition to a clean energy future. This program is made possible by generous grants from the Lawrence T & Janet T Dee Foundation, Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) and Patagonia Outlet of Salt Lake City. Community members can sign up to participate in the program at www.utahev.org/NorthernUtah. Once registered, participants work directly with any of the selected dealers to purchase or lease the electric car of their choice. Participants must sign a contract by Dec. 17, 2016, to guarantee the discount.

Weber State University’s Sustainability Practices and Research Center:
Weber State University (WSU) is an institution with over 25,000 students that is committed to sustainability in both the realms of education and practice. It became an American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment signatory in 2007 which led to the creation of the school’s Energy and Sustainability Office and the campus' Climate Action Plan that details steps for becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

About Utah State University’s Sustainability Council:
Since its founding in 1888, Utah State University has evolved from a small-town college tucked away in the Northern Utah mountains to a thriving research university with over 28,000 students state-wide. The university became a signatory to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in 2007, leading to the formation of the Sustainability Council. The Council seeks to reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and enhance quality of life by promoting sustainability in USU’s academic and service missions.

About Utah Clean Energy:
Utah Clean Energy is Utah’s leading expert public interest organization working to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in a way that is beneficial not only for Utah’s environment and health, but also our economy and long-term energy security. Utah Clean Energy is committed to creating a future that ensures healthy, thriving communities for all, empowered and sustained by clean energies such as solar, wind and energy efficiency.

Contacts: Mike Taylor, Volunteer Steering Committee Member – mptaylor123@gmail.com
Alice Mulder, Director, Sustainability Practices & Research Center, Weber State University
801.626.6198, amulder@weber.edu
Alexi Lamm, Sustainability Coordinator, Utah State University– 435.797.9299, alexi.lamm@usu.edu  
Clayton Johnson, Project coordinator, Utah Clean Energy 801.903.2046, clayton@utahcleanenergy.org