The New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition (NJCCC) and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) have formalized a long-standing relationship with the signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that sets the stage for expanded collaboration on clean transportation, public education and workforce development initiatives across Atlantic County and the greater South Jersey region.
This new agreement marks a strategic step in NJCCC’s broader commitment to increase its presence and programming in southern New Jersey. By aligning more closely with local leaders like ACUA — an organization nationally recognized for its sustainability and clean fleet leadership — NJCCC aims to amplify its impact and accelerate progress toward a cleaner, healthier and more resilient transportation future.
As the first step under this partnership, NJCCC has placed a summer intern at the ACUA offices through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Accelerate Internship Program. Zach Grossman, a rising senior at Brandeis University majoring in physics and philosophy, is supporting ACUA and NJCCC’s clean fleet transition efforts while contributing to public outreach and clean energy education initiatives.
Grossman’s work includes conducting fleet analyses to assess the economic and environmental benefits of alternative fuels and zero-emission vehicles, supporting local engagement efforts and helping develop educational materials that inform regional decision-makers. His internship will culminate in a final project presented to the U.S. DOE Accelerate Team later this summer.
“Working alongside people who are actively building a cleaner future is incredibly motivating,” said Grossman. “This internship is helping me understand the real challenges and solutions behind sustainable transitions — and how important collaboration is to making it happen.”
“We’re thrilled to have Zach on board and deeply value ACUA’s partnership,” said Chuck Feinberg, NJCCC executive director. “This formal agreement is an important step as we expand our efforts in South Jersey. Together, we’re investing not only in clean technologies — but also in the people and communities that make lasting change possible.”
“ACUA is proud to host NJCCC and aid in their expansion into South Jersey,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “Our communities will greatly benefit from their resources and knowledge in alternative fuels and technologies.”
NJCCC previously assisted ACUA in obtaining $2 million in funding from DOE to build its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station and purchase new CNG vehicles for its fleet. The station and fleet have since saved Atlantic County ratepayers more than $6.6 million in benefits and prevented more than 9,423 metric tons of CO2e from entering the atmosphere.
NJCCC was also instrumental in obtaining $3.8 million in funding from the DOE for a future hydrogen energy project that will generate hydrogen from treated wastewater at ACUA’s Atlantic City treatment facility.
This growing partnership reflects both NJCCC’s and ACUA’s shared commitment to advancing practical solutions for cleaner transportation, environmental stewardship and workforce development across New Jersey.
