The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has joined a national task force promoting the addition of alternative fuel vehicles to emergency response fleets, the organization announced.

The Initiative for Resiliency in Energy through Vehicles is one of 11 projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program to accelerate the growth of the alternative fuel vehicles market. The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) was awarded $800,000 in grant funds to administer the project.

PERC will work with NASEO and 17 other member groups to provide emergency fleet managers with customized tools, information, and strategies about alternative fuel vehicle technologies, infrastructure, and their uses in emergency scenarios.

The task force’s resources will help emergency managers examine the potential costs, benefits, and interdepencies associated with diversifying their fleets, reducing dependence on petroleum, and increasing their energy security, PERC said.