Last weekend [April 26th], Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz waved the iconic green flag — kicking off the NASCAR race at the Richmond International Raceway.

While at the track, Secretary Moniz learned firsthand how NASCAR is working to reduce the sport’s environmental impact and educating its fans to do the same — from using advanced biofuels and testing fuel cell generators to creating an extensive recycling program and incorporating renewable energy into the races. To continue to drive its environmental efforts forward, NASCAR and the Energy Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding last September, outlining ways to support the deployment of transformative clean energy technologies that lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Explore the slideshow for highlights from Secretary Moniz’s tour of the NASCAR race at the Richmond International Raceway.