City Of Clearwater Commits To All-Electric City Fleet By 2040

Clearwater FL

24 August, 2021

3:18 PM

Description

CLEARWATER, FL — In support of its sustainability goals, the city of Clearwater has adopted a Green Fleet policy in which it aims to convert 100 percent of municipal, light-duty vehicles to alternative fuels by 2040. This transition will allow the organization to be more resilient, mitigate effects of climate change, improve local air quality and provide financial savings over the life of city vehicles. Across the United States, transportation continues to be a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. In Clearwater, vehicular traffic is responsible for 38 percent of citywide emissions. The city recognizes the need to curb emissions by transitioning vehicles to low-carbon and carbon-free fuels. Furthermore, while some models may currently have a higher upfront cost, many electric vehicles also result in overall cost savings when compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This is due to more affordable electric fuel costs and less routine vehicle maintenance. The city hopes to serve as a model for the public to follow suit, choosing to use electric and hybrid vehicles. The Green Fleet policy also directs the city to create a Green Fleet Committee, which will work with each department to add electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and vehicle sharing. The policy also directs the committee and departments to begin planning for electric vehicle charging stations. For this and other sustainability and resiliency initiatives, click here. To read the city's sustainability plan, click here.