Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation (EM-ACT), formerly known as the St. Louis Regional Clean Cities, has been a vital force in advancing sustainable transportation solutions in the St. Louis region. Established in 1994, the coalition was part of the broader Clean Cities Coalition network initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 1993 to reduce petroleum consumption and promote alternative fuels.
Early Years and Formation (1994-2011)
The coalition was created to address regional transportation challenges and promote the use of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Early efforts were focused on building partnerships among local governments, businesses, and community organizations, which were essential for developing strategies to increase the adoption of clean transportation options such as compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, ethanol, and electricity.
Kevin Herdler, Executive Director of St. Louis Regional Clean Cities, was honored with the Clean Cities Director of the Year Award in both 2004 and 2010 for his leadership and contributions to the coalition. Under his guidance, the coalition has significantly reduced petroleum use and with his extensive technical knowledge, especially in heavy-duty vehicles, helped public and private fleets adopt idle-reduction measures and transition from diesel to cleaner fuels. He is known for enhancing plans and mentoring fellow directors, he actively shares his expertise with newcomers in the Clean Cities program.
In 2009, Kevin Herdler, secured a clean diesel grant to install Espar fuel-operated heaters on 21 buses for the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD). These heaters warm the buses without idling the engines, improving comfort for students and reducing emissions. They activate automatically in cold weather and save at least 3 gallons of diesel fuel per bus daily. The initiative expanded, equipping 116 buses by the end of 2011, and SSD continues to install heaters on new buses. Other school districts have adopted the program for over 600 buses. The success of the program has significantly benefited SSD and its students, making cold bus rides more bearable.
His contributions were recognized in 2011, when Kevin Herdler was inducted into the Clean Cities Hall of Fame.
Expansion and Development (2012-2023)
As the coalition grew, it expanded its scope to include a wider range of stakeholders and initiatives. During this period, the coalition became instrumental in advocating for policies and incentives that supported the development of alternative fuel infrastructure. Key accomplishments included the installation of CNG and electric vehicle charging stations and the promotion of hybrid and electric vehicles within both public and private fleets. These efforts showcased the viability of clean transportation technologies and fostered momentum for broader adoption.
EM-ACT achieved numerous successes with its partners committed to sustainable transportation. A significant achievement was AT&T Fleet Operations’ adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet trucks, which aimed to reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate the economic benefits of alternative fuels. Lambert International Airport also emerged as an innovator in sustainability by integrating natural gas, biodiesel, and hybrid vehicles into its operations, to cut petroleum consumption and enhance its environmental reputation. EM-ACT launched the SiLVERS project in 2020, a partnership with FORTH Mobility. The project aimed to boost electric vehicle adoption in St. Louis, targeting low-income communities. It sought to lower transportation costs for social service agencies by proving that EV fleets can save money and improve service delivery. The project also provided access to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and developed tools for community organizations.
In 2015 Anheuser-Busch announced the replacement of its entire St. Louis fleet of 97 diesel-fueled tractors with new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tractors, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,500 tons annually. The transition achieved a 23% reduction in greenhouse gasses compared to diesel and displaces 2.3 million gallons of diesel each year.
Another standout success was a partnership with Rockwood Summit High School, where students learned about biodiesel production. They produced biodiesel to power a school-owned truck, selling the remaining fuel to Washington University, and turned residual glycerin into soap. Other key collaborators include the Missouri Soybean Association, Biodiesel Missouri Coalition, Bayer Corporation, Dobb’s Tire and Battery, Ranken Technical College, Washington University, and the Danforth Plant Science Center. Together, they installed a 500-gallon tank for B50 biodiesel, hired a full-time plant operator, and created a trailer to showcase biodiesel at various events, showcasing the intersection of sustainability with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Kevin Herdler was recognized as the Department of Energy-Clean Cities “Best in Class” award winner for his role in establishing the High School Biodiesel Program.
In collaboration with Labyrinth Smart Mobility, the STL Downtown Link launched a micro-transit pilot program aimed at improving connectivity in downtown St. Louis. The initiative features two electric shuttles designed for residents and visitors to access local amenities, sports, and cultural attractions. The service will provides free transportation within a designated downtown area, connecting users to health, employment, and entertainment resources.
