SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. --- The Energy Department has recognized the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition for its work promoting energy independence. The federal department this month gave the coalition the Clean Cities designation -- a honor that only 90 other U.S. communities have received, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune News. The Clean Cities program was created to promote alternative-fuel vehicles in order to curb the country's dependence on foreign oil. The honored coalition has 50 members, including the cities of San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, the Lucia Mar Unified School District and some small businesses and individuals. The group's goal is to double its number of alternative-fuel vehicles in the county from 154 to 308 by 2009. Group leaders also hope to make San Luis Obispo County an alternative-fuel refueling hub along Highway 101, the Tribune reported. The 11,000-student school district now operates two propane-powered school buses, two similarly powered vans and three electric cars. The district received grants to help purchase these vehicles. The coalition will celebrate its Clean Cities designation at a reception Aug. 25 at Hearst Castle.