Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition executive director Mark Bentley retires – ‘recognized as a pioneer’

As Mark Bentley retires as the executive director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC), his colleagues lauded him for his contributions to educate Alabamians about alternative fuels and influence alternative fuel policy, according to the group.

Bentley, whose retirement became effective June 28, 2024, has served as the non-profit organization’s executive director since 2006.

“Mark has long been recognized as a pioneer in alternative fuel education and policy, and we appreciate everything he has done to build ACFC into a nationally respected organization,” said ACFC President Michael Staley.

“The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition is dedicated to reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, expanding the market for alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, improving Alabama’s air quality through the use of cleaner alternative fuels, and fostering economic development. We have made excellent progress in every category because of Mark’s leadership.”

ACFC has leveraged public-private partnerships, under Bentley’s leadership, to implement ethanol, biodiesel, propane, natural gas, hydrogen and electric vehicle infrastructure projects throughout the state. Just last month, for example, analysis by ACFC Fleet Manager Casey Foster helped a number of Alabama school systems secure federal grant funding to buy electric school buses.

As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, Bentley has also helped educate Alabamians about the advantages of driving electric, and he’s been involved in planning numerous EV showcases throughout the state.

In addition, from 2009 to 2023, ACFC documented the reduction of gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs) of petroleum from just 725,000 GGEs to over 18.3 million GGEs. During the same timeframe, documented reductions in carbon emissions increased from 6,000 to 139,000 tons.

“There’s no doubt that the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition has become the leading source for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle information in our state, and that’s a testament to Mark’s tenacity and leadership,” Staley said.

As a retiree, Bentley plans to spend more time with family, especially his grandchildren.

“I want to thank everyone for the fantastic support I received as executive director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition over the last 18 years,” Bentley said. “It’s been extremely rewarding to see the progress we have made in our state.”