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Louisiana Clean Fuels Honors Leaders In Transportation Sustainability At 2025 Clean Fuel Leader Awards

Posted by admin on Oct. 9, 2025  /  Clean Fuels Events - Statewide, LCF Press Releases, Awards & Grants  /  Subscribe 0

Winners Announced at Awards Ceremony in Baton Rouge

October 8, 2025, Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana Clean Fuels (LCF) celebrated outstanding achievements in clean transportation on October 2, 2025 at the annual Clean Fuel Leader Awards, held during the Clean Fuels Summit at L’Auberge Casino Hotel in Baton Rouge. The event recognized fleets, municipalities, school districts, and partners who are driving measurable progress in reducing emissions and petroleum use across Louisiana.

“These awards highlight the fleets and partners who are moving the needle on clean transportation in our state,” said Ann Vail, Executive Director of Louisiana Clean Fuels. “Every winner exemplifies innovation, leadership, and a true commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable Louisiana.”

2025 Award Winners

United Parcel Service (UPS) was recognized at the LCF “Clean Fuel Champion”for offsetting 1.8 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of petroleum and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 12,000 tons in the LCF territory in 2024 through its diverse fleet of propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks. The fleet also swept fuel-use categories for the year in the following categories:  Top Propane Fleet, Top CNG Fleet, and Top Renewable Natural Gas Fleet, resulting in a reduction of more NOx and greenhouse gasses (GHGs) than any other fleet in the state. Raphael Anderson, Automotive Fleet Manager at UPS, accepted the Clean Fuels Champion Award on behalf of United Parcel Service.

Pictured above: Raphael Anderson, Automotive Fleet Manager at UPS

“At UPS, we’re constantly innovating to drive efficiencies across our global network, optimizing the work of our people and operations to achieve both our business and sustainability objectives – being the premier logistics provider while reducing our and our customers’ carbon footprint is the goal.?Our world class engineering and facilities team is on the front line of this work, using a 'rolling laboratory' approach to test vehicles and fuels to make sure they're safe, reliable, cost-effective, and align with the company’s business strategy – Customer First, People Led, Innovation Driven,” said Nick McCarthy, UPS President – Global Automotive Fleet and Facilities Maintenance & Engineering.

The Clean Fuel Champion Runner Up award went to WM for their use of natural gas in their nearly 200 CNG trash trucks that reduced GHGs in our territory by 9,000 tons.

The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) was awarded both the “Most Improved” and “Top EV Fleet” awards for their 2024 fleet activity. Operating 15 electric transit buses in 2024— with more on the way — their transition from diesel to electric has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,300 tons in 2024 alone. Chief Executive Officer, Theo Richards accepted the award on behalf of the Capital Area Transit System.“We’re honored to be recognized by Louisiana Clean Fuels for the progress we’re making toward a more sustainable future. These awards reflect our commitment to reducing our environmental impact while continuing to serve the people of the Greater Baton Rouge Community with cleaner, more efficient transportation options. We’re proud to be moving our community forward, one electric bus at a time,” said Richards.

The Energy Impact Award was presented to Cleco Power in recognition of its unwavering partnership with Louisiana Clean Fuels and its commitment to advancing clean transportation across the state. Through strategic investments, program support, and community engagement, Cleco has helped expand electric vehicle adoption and strengthen Louisiana’s clean energy infrastructure. Their leadership has been instrumental in driving measurable progress toward a more sustainable transportation future. Accepting the award was Richard Beidenharn, the Electric Vehicle Program Manager for Cleco. “We’re proud to be recognized for our leadership in clean transportation and committed to helping customers save time, cut costs and reduce emissions through electric vehicles,” said Biedenharn.

Keynote speaker, Mike Roeth, with the North American Council for Freight Efficiency was awarded the “Innovation in Action” award for his organization's “Run on Less” demonstration. When asked about the award, Mike said, “It is an honor to receive this award in Louisiana. We love delivering Run on Less and believe we are making a difference. Recognition like this reminds us that the work we’re doing is making a real difference—and that keeps us motivated to do even more.”

About Louisiana Clean Fuels

Louisiana Clean Fuels, a U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities & Communities coalition, is a nonprofit organization that supports fleets and communities in implementing alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies to improve air quality and reduce fuel consumption. Each year, from January through April, LCF conducts its Annual Fleet Activity Report, during which businesses and municipalities across Louisiana voluntarily share data on their fuel use, vehicle technologies, and efficiency measures. This data not only quantifies statewide progress in reducing criteria pollutants and GHG emissions, but also serves as the foundation for identifying trends, highlighting success stories, and determining the reporting categories and award recipients recognized at the Clean Fuel Leader Awards.

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