SHAWNEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CLEVELAND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS HONORED WITH ACOG CLEAN CITIES VISION AWARDS

Recognizing Regional Leadership in Alternative Fuels and Clean Transportation

The Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition, (COKCCC) a program sponsored locally by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG), hosted its annual awards luncheon on May 28, 2025, to celebrate leadership in alternative fuel adoption and clean transportation. During the event, ACOG presented the Zach D. Taylor, Jr. Clean Cities Vision Awards to two outstanding regional stakeholders — Shawnee Public Schools and Cleveland Petroleum Products — and honored Dr. Hongwan Li as the Stakeholder of the Year.

Each year, ACOG recognizes public and private sector leaders who demonstrate a commitment to advancing alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in Oklahoma. This year’s recipients exemplify innovation and community impact.

Zach D. Taylor Jr. Clean Cities Vision Award | Public Sector Winner: Shawnee Public Schools

Shawnee Public Schools earned recognition for deploying eight IC electric school buses — manufactured in Tulsa, Oklahoma — which now comprise half of their fleet.

“Thanks to the leadership of John Wiles and the Transportation Services Department, the district is saving approximately $6,000 per month on fuel alone, not to mention additional maintenance savings,” said Eric Pollard, ACOG Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Manager. “Beyond that, students and drivers enjoy quieter, cleaner rides.”

Zach D. Taylor Jr. Clean Cities Vision Award | Private Sector Winner: Cleveland Petroleum Products

Cleveland Petroleum Products has emerged as a regional leader in propane fueling infrastructure. Established in 1975, the company has served customers across the state for 50 years and has grown through 23 strategic acquisitions.

“Cleveland Petroleum recognized early that propane is not just a cleaner fuel solution — it’s also a major cost-saving opportunity,” said Mark Sweeney, ACOG Executive Director. “Fleets across Oklahoma are reducing emissions while enhancing energy and economic resilience.”

Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition Stakeholder of the Year | Dr. Hongwan Li, Hudson College of Public Health, OU Health Sciences Center

Dr. Hongwan Li, Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, who was not in attendance, was named Stakeholder of the Year.

As the lead of RECHARGE-OK — a community-driven, interdisciplinary project funded by the National Science Foundation — Dr. Li has united partners including Shawnee Public Schools, IC Bus, OG&E, ACOG, and INCOG to explore the use of electric school bus batteries as backup power during natural disasters. Watch Acceptance Video.

Special Recognition: Mark Faulkenberry and Western Farmers Electric Cooperative

COKCCC recognized Mark Faulkenberry of Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. Mark has been a leader in educating consumers and policymakers on EV cost savings. Faulkenberry and Western Farmers were instrumental in supporting the development of Oklahoma’s charging station network. Watch video.

Awards Luncheon Celebrates 29 Years of Progress

The 2025 awards luncheon marked the 29th anniversary of the Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coalition, established in 1996 by ACOG in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Coalition’s mission is to promote the adoption of alternative fuels and fuel-saving technologies across public and private fleets throughout Oklahoma.